Everyquestionguestsactually ask

How do I book?

WhatsApp is fastest: send your dates, how many of you there are, and whether you have dived before. Email works too. We reply during opening hours — if the team is underwater, as soon as we are back on land.

How far ahead should I book?

For a course, as early as you can — the digital theory is best finished before you fly. For guided dives, a few days is usually enough outside December and the July-to-October peak.

Where are you based?

At Soul Breeze Beach Resort in Diani Beach, on Kenya's South Coast. Hotel pickup is included across Diani, Galu, Tiwi, Ukunda and selected nearby accommodation.

Do you dive year round?

Diving is possible through much of the year here. Each period has its own character — see the seasonal notes on the Diani page, which are our observations rather than a forecast.

Which agency are you?

We are an SSI Dive Center. Divers certified with any recognised agency are welcome on guided dives — bring your card and logbook details.

Do you take walk-ins?

Often, but boats and instructors get committed early. A message the night before makes a morning far more likely than turning up at eight.

Do I need experience to try diving?

No. Try Scuba needs no certification and no experience — essentials in confined water, then a shallow reef with an instructor beside you.

How many days to get certified?

Open Water Diver is usually planned across three to four days, and less if the digital theory is done before you arrive. Send your dates and we will confirm what fits.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Requirements differ between programmes. Try Scuba asks that you are fit and comfortable in water; certifications carry a defined water-fitness requirement. Your instructor talks it through before you book.

Is the certification recognised elsewhere?

Yes. SSI certifications are internationally recognised, and your card lives in the MySSI app rather than a wallet you can lose.

I am certified but out of practice.

A Scuba Skills Update is half a day and no ego required. We suggest it when your last dive was over a year ago — not to sell a course, but because the first dive back is better with fresh skills.

Can I train privately?

Any programme we run can be taught one-to-one, with the schedule built around your days. Standards do not change — the ratio and the pace do.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and your certification and logbook details if you have them. Equipment, tanks and weights are provided and fitted at the centre.

How long is a dive day?

Most reef trips are half-day. Kisite-Mpunguti is a full day. Course days depend on the programme.

Which site will we dive?

Chosen on the morning from tide, wind, visibility and the divers on board. Every course day has a primary site, an alternate, and clear criteria for postponing.

What if the sea is rough?

We change the site, move the time, or reschedule. Conditions and your comfort set the plan, and we cancel a morning before we run a bad dive.

What will I see?

Commonly turtles, moray eels, octopus, rays, barracuda, coral gardens and hundreds of reef fish. Dolphins and whale sharks are seasonal possibilities. Nothing is guaranteed, and nothing is fed or chased.

Can non-divers come on the boat?

Often yes, as snorkellers where the site suits it. Say so when you book and we will put you on a trip that works for both.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Not usually. A medical disclaimer forms part of the form you complete before diving, and you can fill that in online beforehand if you would rather. If anything on it applies to you, it goes to a physician — we are not doctors and will not clear you medically. Disclosures are confidential.

I am nervous. Is that a problem?

It is normal, and it is one reason we work in small groups. Extra time for equalising, for a mask skill, or to sit on the surface and breathe is built into how we run the day.

How long before flying?

Leave a proper surface interval before a flight. Tell us your departure time and we schedule your last dive around it as standard.

What about safaris and altitude?

Send us your itinerary. Most guests dive first and travel inland afterwards, and we will tell you which dives fit safely around it.

How is equipment maintained?

Checked before every dive, rinsed after every trip, serviced on schedule. If something feels wrong on the boat we swap it rather than talk you into it.

Do you dive with a group leader?

Guided dives are led by a professional who knows the site. Solo travellers are paired with a guide or another diver rather than left to find a buddy.

From what age can children dive?

From age 8 for Try Scuba and from age 10 for junior certification, subject to maturity, water comfort, equipment fit and guardian consent.

Is my child ready?

Age is the least useful indicator. What matters is whether they are comfortable with their face in the water and whether they want to. We will tell you if we think waiting is better.

Can we all be on the same boat?

Yes, and usually that is the best arrangement — divers, learners and snorkellers on one private trip.

Do you have children's equipment?

Yes. Send ages and heights when you enquire so we can confirm fit before you book. A leaking mask ruins a first dive.

How much does diving cost?

Two guided boat dives cost $110 and four cost $210. SSI courses run from $160 for Try Scuba to $949 for Divemaster. Every price is on the prices page, with what is included.

Which currency?

USD or Kenya Shillings, whichever you prefer. Both are stated on your confirmation.

What is normally included?

Guide or instructor, all equipment, tanks and weights, boat and crew, hotel pickup, and fruit, water and juice. Certification fees and marine park fees are confirmed separately at booking.

What if I have to cancel?

Weather and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing with your booking, before you pay anything.

Ali

25+ years diving in Kenya and abroad. Born and raised in Diani Beach.

Kassim

17+ years and 8,000+ logged dives, from Diani to Kisite Mpunguti. SSI and PADI certified.

Salim Swaleh

4,000+ logged dives on Diani sites. Teaches SSI beginner to specialty courses.

Omari

SSI and PADI Open Water Instructor, 1,000+ logged dives. Shoots underwater photo and video.

Sampuli

Born and raised in Diani Beach. 100+ logged dives. Guides guest divers and runs equipment checks.

Michael

20+ years scuba diving and captaining boats. Handles the boat and guides dives.