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Unforgettable aquatic adventures for kids – Go underwater and discover the wonder of Snorkel, Scuba, Mermaid, and Freediving Explorer programs
The SSI Classified Diving program has been created to enable persons with disabilities who might not be able to earn full certifications the ability to dive and get certified with different safety parameters. Learn to work with disabled divers.
The SSI Open Water Diver course is one of the most popular entry-level scuba diving courses in the world.
More people become scuba divers in this way than any other. Once you have the Open Water Certification you can use the diving license to go diving with a buddy anywhere in the world.
At the end of the course, you will be qualified to dive with a buddy to a depth of 18m. Your first scuba diving certification card.
Moreover, what better place to learn to scuba dive than Kenya? From our dive base in Diani, you can start your journey in sheltered dive sites that provide the ideal conditions for beginners to build confidence in the water. From here, you can gradually complete your skill training while also enjoying the chance to discover the wonders of thousands of marine species. As you progress, you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs
The course is broken down into three segments, knowledge development, confined water (in a swimming pool) training, and open water dives.
Ready to learn to dive in Diani Beach? Ocean Tribe’s SSI Open Water Diver course welcomes beginners, with patient instruction to help you build confidence in the pool and ocean.
You can join from age 10. Divers aged 10–14 earn a Junior Open Water Diver certification, with depth limits and supervision requirements appropriate to their age. From age 15, you can earn the full Open Water Diver certification.
You should be in generally good physical health and must complete a diver medical questionnaire before training. Depending on your answers, medical clearance from a doctor may be required. Our team will explain the paperwork before you begin.
You’ll need to swim 200 metres without stopping and float or tread water for 10 minutes. You can swim at your own pace—these are water-confidence checks, rather than speed tests.
No previous scuba diving experience is needed. Your Ocean Tribe instructor will guide you through the equipment and basic skills in the pool before progressing to your ocean training dives.
SSI Open Water Diver Digital Learning.
All dive and snorkel equipment, including air fills and weights.
Pool Training with an SSI Instructor.
Fruit, water and snacks on the boat.
4 ocean dives with an SSI Instructor.
2 free ocean fun dives once certified.
Transfers within Diani.
SSI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Learn at home, build your skills in the pool, then discover the reef—with six ocean dives across your experience.
START BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Prepare for your course with SSI’s digital learning, covering scuba diving, safety concepts and theory briefings.
Your digital learning introduces scuba diving, explains essential safety concepts and builds the background knowledge you’ll need for each session. It includes your theory briefings so you feel well-prepared before starting any in-water activities.
As the course progresses, your SSI Instructor builds on that foundation during each dive, connecting what you’ve learned online with practical, hands-on experience underwater.
Complete most of the SSI Open Water Diver Digital Learning before you arrive so you can focus on developing your diving skills in the pool and out on the reef.
Study in the comfort of your home, at your own pace. Take notes directly in the app to review with your Instructor. Short quizzes follow each section, and you’ll need to answer correctly to move forward.
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
Now it’s time to get wet! Learn essential scuba skills in the swimming pool at our dive base.
Confined water training for the Open Water Diver course takes place in the swimming pool at our dive base, providing a convenient, controlled environment to learn essential skills.
The pool session teaches you to use scuba equipment safely and troubleshoot potential problems. Practise without outside factors such as poor visibility, surge or currents.
Our Instructors give you ample time to practise skills and perform them with ease, making sure you’re comfortable using the scuba unit before moving on to the next section of the course.
DAYS 2–4 · DISCOVER THE REEF
DAY 2 · DIVES 1 & 2 Your first two open water dives, to a maximum depth of 12 metres. Depart at 8:00am and return around 12:30pm.
DAY 3 · DIVES 3 & 4 Build confidence and complete your training, to a maximum depth of 18 metres. Depart at 8:00am and return by early afternoon.
DAY 4 · TWO FUN DIVES Enjoy two morning dives, gain more experience and log your dives—bringing your total to six.
On Day 2, explore vibrant coral gardens and practise key skills in a real ocean setting.
On Day 3, build on those skills and enjoy the marine life as you complete dives 3 and 4.
Day 4 is about diving for fun and gaining more experience, with two additional morning dives after your training dives.
Build your knowledge. Find your confidence. Discover the reef.
Capture your dive experience by purchasing photos and videos, taken daily by our in-house photo team.
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From turtles cruising the reef to tiny treasures hiding among the corals, every dive brings something different. Here are a few marine-life encounters to look out for around Diani.
Reef favourite
A highlight of Diani’s reefs. Watch for turtles gliding past or resting beneath coral ledges, especially at Galu.
Look in the crevices
Take a closer look at the reef’s nooks and crannies. You might spot a moray peeking out from its sheltered hiding place.
Reef resident
Striking stripes and fan-like fins make these reef fish a memorable sight. Enjoy watching them with plenty of space.
Tiny reef treasures
Slow down and look closely. These tiny sea slugs bring a splash of colour to the reef and reward a patient eye.
Seasonal · Oct–Mar
Keep an eye on the blue for a graceful passing manta. A seasonal possibility rather than an everyday reef encounter.
Seasonal · Oct–Mar
An unforgettable encounter if you’re lucky. These ocean giants may visit Diani’s waters during the seasonal window.
Wildlife, not a promise. Sightings vary with the dive site, season and ocean conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Give marine life space, never touch or chase animals, and keep clear of the coral.
The SSI Open Water Diver Course is your first full certification as an independent diver. It teaches you everything you need to dive safely to 18 meters with a buddy. At Ocean Tribe, you’ll complete online learning, pool training, and four exciting dives in the Indian Ocean.
Typically, the course takes three days. On day one, you focus on theory and pool skills. On days two and three, you’ll complete your ocean dives. You can even enjoy 2 extra dives on a fourth day to start logging dives as a certified diver!
You can start studying at home before you arrive. That way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the sea and sun.
Absolutely. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive at destinations around the world. SSI is accepted globally, and your card never expires. So, whether you’re diving in Kenya or the Maldives, you’ll be ready.
To enroll, you must be at least 10 years old and comfortable in the water. You should also be in good health and able to swim. No prior diving experience is required. From the very first session, our instructors guide you step by step.
A question that we are constantly asked at Ocean Tribe is “Do I need to be able to swim to scuba dive?”. The answer depends on the experience you are looking to have.
If you are after getting your Open Water Diver licence or another scuba diving certification, then the answer is yes. On the entry-level Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses, there are swimming and floating tests that you need to complete to earn your certification. On the Open Water course, this is a 200-meter swim and a 10-minute tread or float.
You’ll learn how to use scuba equipment, control your buoyancy, plan dives, and handle simple emergencies. First, you complete online academic modules. Then, you’ll practice in shallow water before diving on real coral reefs. By the end, you’ll be confident and capable in the water.
Yes, very safe. Ocean Tribe follows strict SSI standards. Every dive is supervised by experienced instructors, and all equipment is carefully maintained. Plus, you’ll train in calm, clear waters that are perfect for beginners.
Everything is included. That means your SSI digital learning, certification fees, scuba equipment, and expert instruction. We don’t add surprise charges. You just bring swimwear, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes, and we highly recommend it. You can begin the digital learning now using the MySSI app. This saves you time and allows you to focus on the practical skills once you’re in Diani Beach. It also means fewer classroom hours and more diving fun.
Yes, upgrading is easy. If you already have the SSI Scuba Diver certification, you can complete the remaining two dives and theory modules to become a fully certified Open Water Diver. It’s a great way to continue your training without repeating anything.
Diani Beach is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and warm, clear water. Expect colourful reef fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish, along with the chance to see sea turtles, rays, and maybe even dolphins. Every dive site has something different to offer, which makes each day underwater even more exciting.
Booking is simple. Book online for discounted rates, WhatsApp us directly, or email info@oceantribe.co. You can also start the online learning immediately through the MySSI app.
Choose Your Ocean Adventure
Daily Dive Trips Explore Diani's vibrant reefs and unforgettable marine life. 
Try Diving Take your first breath underwater with our expert team. 
Learn to Dive Earn your internationally recognised certification in paradise. 
Advanced Courses Build your confidence, sharpen your skills and dive deeper. 
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
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