Small creatures. Wild superpowers.
Enter the astonishing world of nudibranchs—colourful sea slugs with extraordinary senses, survival strategies and ecological stories.
The reef’s tiny scene-stealers.
Nudibranchs may be small, but their world is anything but simple. These shell-less sea slugs use colour, chemistry, camouflage and borrowed defences to survive—making every sighting a miniature masterclass in evolution.
Perfect for marine biology enthusiasts, students, photographers and anyone curious about the strange lives unfolding across the reef.
One colourful rabbit hole.
Follow nudibranchs from classification and anatomy through feeding, reproduction, defence, ecology and conservation.
Classification & habitats
Meet the major groups and the environments they call home.
Movement & senses
See how nudibranchs move, navigate and read their surroundings.
Breathing & anatomy
Understand the remarkable structures behind their name and lifestyle.
Reproduction
Explore complex mating strategies and the next generation.
Feeding & relationships
Discover specialised diets and links to other marine organisms.
Defence superpowers
Decode warning colours, toxins, camouflage and stolen weaponry.
Research & conservation
Connect these small animals to big questions about ecosystems, science and human impact.
Press play. Look closer.
Start with the conservation video included on the course page, then get a feel for the Diani reefs you can explore with Ocean Tribe.
Blue Oceans: Dealing with the Underwater World
Explore how choices made by divers and ocean lovers can protect the intricate life of the reef.
Dive Diani with Ocean Tribe
Take a quick look at the warm-water reefs where your new observation skills can come alive.
Learn small. Dive big.
Certified divers can add an ocean dive and turn the reef into a living field guide with the Ocean Tribe team.
- Open Water Diver certification required for the dive
- May be combined with an Open Water Diver course
- Bring a camera or ask about camera hire
Everything you need to arrive ready.
Who can join?
The classroom specialty is open to anyone with an interest in nudibranchs. 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
- A camera for macro discoveries
Nudibranch 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 want to add the optional dive.
Will I definitely see a nudibranch?
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but learning where they live and what signs to notice gives you a much sharper search image underwater.
Is this useful for underwater photographers?
Yes. Understanding habitat, feeding and behaviour can help you find subjects more responsibly and anticipate better photographic moments.
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 look closer?
Start the SSI Nudibranch Ecology Specialty in Diani Beach and discover a reef full of tiny characters you may never have noticed before.
