Meet the ocean’s most misunderstood icon.
Read shark behaviour, replace fear with fascination, and earn your SSI Shark Ecology Specialty certification.
Fear fades when understanding begins.
Sharks are powerful, graceful and essential to healthy oceans—but they are also among the sea’s most misunderstood animals. This SSI specialty helps you interpret their behaviour, understand their place in the ecosystem and learn how to dive alongside them responsibly.
It is ideal for lifelong shark fans and for nervous divers ready to replace old myths with practical knowledge and confidence.
Three moves. One new way to see sharks.
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 meet the species, unpack common myths and discover the ecological role sharks play.
Before the courseDecode shark behaviour
Work with your SSI Instructor in a lively classroom session and learn what shark body language can tell you.
About 3 hoursTake it into the blue
Certified divers can add an optional dive and apply their new observation skills in the ocean.
Optional adventurePress play. Go deeper.
Warm up your ocean brain with a conservation story, then get a feel for diving with Ocean Tribe in Diani.
Blue Oceans: Dealing with the Underwater World
See why better choices above and below the surface matter for sharks and every part of the marine ecosystem.
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 theory 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 with an interest in sharks. 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 shark questions
Shark 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 a shark?
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The optional dive is about using your new ecological and behavioural knowledge in a real ocean environment.
Is this suitable if I am nervous around sharks?
Yes. The course is designed both for shark enthusiasts and for people who want evidence-based knowledge to help overcome fear.
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 rethink sharks?
Start the SSI Shark Ecology Specialty in Diani Beach and see one of the ocean’s most important animals with fresh eyes.
