Meet the ocean’s warm-blooded wonders.
Explore the lives of whales, dolphins and seals, understand what makes them unique, and earn your SSI Marine Mammal Ecology Specialty certification.
Air-breathing. Deep-diving. Endlessly diverse.
Marine mammals have returned to the sea in spectacularly different ways. This SSI specialty explores the biology, behaviour and ecology of whales, dolphins and seals—from how they breathe and communicate to where they live and how they survive.
It is ideal for ocean lovers who want to identify species, understand their remarkable adaptations and become stronger advocates for marine conservation.
Three moves. A richer way to meet marine mammals.
Start at home, bring your questions to the classroom, then choose whether to take that knowledge beneath the surface.
Explore the digital learning
Use the MySSI app to explore marine mammal groups, habitats, anatomy, physiology and the features that set them apart.
Before the courseDiscover life between breaths
Work with your SSI Instructor to connect behaviour, communication and extraordinary adaptations to life in the ocean.
About 3 hoursTake it into the blue
Certified divers can add an optional dive and practise responsible wildlife observation in the animals’ marine environment.
Optional adventurePress play. Go deeper.
Begin with a Blue Oceans conservation story, then get a feel for the warm-water world you will explore with Ocean Tribe in Diani.
Blue Oceans: Dealing with the Underwater World
See why better choices above and below the surface matter for whales, dolphins, seals and the ecosystems they depend on.
Dive Diani with Ocean Tribe
A quick look at the warm-water reefs and the team that brings your ecology learning to life.
Learn it. Then live it.
If you are already certified, add an ocean dive and turn your new identification and observation knowledge into real-world awareness with the Ocean Tribe team.
- Open Water Diver certification required for the dive
- May be combined with an Open Water Diver course
- Planned around conditions and local sightings
Everything you need to arrive ready.
Who can join?
The classroom specialty is open to anyone interested in whales, dolphins, seals and ocean conservation. Minimum age is 10.
What is included?
- SSI digital learning
- All training materials
- Transfers within Diani
- SSI specialty certification on completion
What to bring
- Water bottle and sun protection
- Swimsuit and towel if adding a dive
- Your curiosity and marine mammal questions
Marine mammal course FAQs
Do I need to be a certified diver?
No. Anyone with an interest can join the classroom specialty. You only need an Open Water Diver certification if you would like to add the optional dive.
Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The optional dive is about applying responsible observation and ecological knowledge in a real ocean environment.
Which marine mammals will I learn about?
The course introduces the diverse world of whales, dolphins and seals, including their biology, physiology, habitats, identification and conservation.
How do I check availability?
The specialty is offered daily. Check the online calendar or contact Ocean Tribe by WhatsApp or phone for live availability.
Ready to understand marine mammals?
Start the SSI Marine Mammal Ecology Specialty in Diani Beach and discover the biology, behaviour and conservation of the ocean’s air-breathing specialists.
