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Scuba diving had been on my bucket list for years. While I was in Diani, Kenya, I finally decided to take the plunge. I enrolled in the PADI Open Water Diver Course with Ocean Tribe, and I had a great experience. The course lasted three days, and I went from a total beginner to being certified to dive anywhere in the world!
In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences as a first-time scuba diver, including what to expect with training, what you’ll see in Kenya’s tropical waters, and tips for a great experience.
Table of Contents
Getting Ready and Day 1
I arrived to the dive center for the first day of training, and was greeted by friendly staff who gave me a quick tour of the facility. I met my instructor, who gave me a brief overview of the course and what to expect. We started with a safety briefing, which included the basic principles of scuba diving and an overview of the equipment we would be using. After that, we began to gear up and get ready for our first pool session.
My instructor took me through the various skills I would need to know for the open water dives, such as clearing my mask and controlling my buoyancy. We practiced each skill until I felt comfortable and confident in each one.
The pool session was a great opportunity to get used to the equipment and get a feel for what it would be like to dive in the open water. My instructor was knowledgeable and supportive, so I knew I was in good hands.
Days 2 and 3
On days 2 and 3, we hopped on a boat and went about 20 minutes out from shore. On each day, I participated in two dives, each lasting about 40 minutes. Prior to each dive, my instructor went over the skills that we would practice while in the water.
Even after just one day of practice with the equipment, I felt very confident in my abilities in the ocean. My instructor made sure that I was ready for any scenario that could happen, so I had nothing to worry about. We practiced various skills, such as rescuing a tired diver and sharing air with a buddy. At the end of the third day, I officially completed the course and became Open Water certified!
Diving Experience
The four dives that I completed with Ocean Tribe were phenomenal. For each dive, I swam with my instructor and at least one other person. The instructor guided us through the water, taking us to the best locations and ensuring we don’t get lost.
Prior to the dives, we would see dolphins swimming near our boat. Once we dove about 30 feet down, we would be surrounded by colorful corals and thousands of fish. Sea turtles were very common here. Usually, they were alone, but I counted at least six or seven all hanging around one spot. They were unbothered by our presence, only swimming away if somebody got right next to them.
There were a few unique creatures that I saw during my dives. I was lucky enough to see a moray eel peeking out of a hole in the coral. I gave plenty of room to a lionfish that I saw. And from the surface of the water looking down, I was able to see a large sea snake swimming by.
Why You Should Choose Ocean Tribe
If you are considering scuba diving in Kenya, I would recommend diving with Ocean Tribe in Diani for the following reasons:
Location
Diani, Kenya is an ideal location for scuba diving for several reasons. First, its coral reef system is home to various marine species, such as colorful tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, and even whale sharks! Unfortunately, I was not able to see a whale shark, but sightings there are not uncommon. Second, there is great visibility underwater so you can see different sea creatures from a distance. Finally, the water is warm throughout the year, often ranging from 77-84°F. This provides a comfortable diving experience.
Quality of Staff and Instruction
The quality of staff and instruction is a critical factor to consider when choosing a scuba diving company. The team of instructors at Ocean Tribe are highly experienced, certified, and passionate about scuba diving. My instructor, Shadrack, was extremely passionate about scuba diving. His standard for excellence ensured that I was prepared for my first dives.
Ocean Tribe is also considered a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center (IDC). What this means is that Ocean Tribe meets the highest standards of diver education and customer service. Only the best dive centers get this rating, and Ocean Tribe is the only PADI 5 Star IDC in Kenya!
Different Courses Available
Another reason why you should consider Ocean Tribe for scuba diving is because it caters to divers of all different levels and interests. In addition to beginner courses, they also offer specialty courses, such as Rescue Diver, Underwater Photography, and Wreck Diver. The flexibility of their courses means that divers can customize their training to suit their needs and interests, making the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. With Ocean Tribe, divers can expand their knowledge and skillset and take their diving to the next level.
Tips for a Great Experience
Here are 5 tips to ensure you have a great experience diving with Ocean Tribe.
1. Complete the online lessons before starting
There is an online portion to the course that you must complete in order to get certified. I recommend completing this online portion before beginning the course in person. On the first day of the course, there is a lot of information about the equipment, breathing techniques, etc., and it might be overwhelming for you. However, I was already familiar with all of the equipment and concepts because I had completed the online lessons. That allowed me to complete the training more quickly and effectively.
2. Save money by staying nearby
Ocean Tribe is located on Safari Beach, right next to the Safari Beach Hotel. It would be very convenient to stay there while you are scuba diving. However, it can be expensive if you are traveling on a budget. For a fraction of the price of Safari Beach Hotel, you can find hostels and guest houses that are only 10 minutes down the road. This will still be convenient for you, but allow you to save your money for other activities.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions
If you are totally new to scuba diving like I was, you won’t be expected to know everything or do everything perfectly the first time. If you are unsure about something, ask your instructor. My instructor was very knowledgeable and professional, and able to address any questions or concerns that I had.
4. Respect the marine life
When you swim up close to a sea turtle for the first time, it may be tempting to reach out and touch it. Don’t do it. Some sea life can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Just admire everything from a distance and you will have a more enjoyable experience.
5. Bring medicine for sea sickness
While I did not become sea sick, a few other scuba divers were not so lucky. The waves can be strong, and while the boat is waiting for the divers to resurface, you can get tossed around a bit. If you are not used to being on the ocean, I would recommend bringing medicine for sea sickness just in case.
