Diving & ecology
Ecology Diving Programs
For real ocean lovers. Understand what you see underwater and become a more conscious diver.
Contact us on WhatsAppEcology diving programs
Taking care of the ocean requires understanding its components and the key role it plays in the health of our planet. Marine life and a healthy ocean are essential for the well-being of the planet.
If you are thinking about taking a further step into a better understanding of our oceans, take a look at our ecology programs. These are the ones available to you.
Where do you want to take your course?
Every course runs at our five dive schools. Pick your destination and the buttons below will take you to its dates, prices and booking.
Seven ways to understand the ocean
Most of these programs can be taken with or without in-water training, so you can join even if you are not a certified diver yet. Every program runs at our five dive schools.
Coral Identification
1 session
Diving optional
From age 10
Coral reefs are the building blocks of many ocean ecosystems, produce half of the Earth's oxygen and absorb nearly one third of the carbon dioxide generated by human activity. This program teaches you the skills and concepts to recognize and identify common families of coral species.
- 1 academic session on coral biology and reef ecosystems
- Identification of the most common coral families
- Optional in-water training to practise what you learned
Data and requirements
- Minimum age: 10
- Certification prerequisites: Open Water Diver if in-water training is included
- Academic sessions: 1
- Water training: Optional
- Total program length: Optional
- Certification: SSI Coral Identification Specialty
Sea Turtle Ecology
1 session
Diving optional
From age 10
This program teaches you the skills and concepts to recognize and identify common species of sea turtles, and explains their history, their role in marine ecosystems and the threats to their survival.
- 1 academic session on sea turtle species and behaviour
- Their role in marine ecosystems and the threats they face
- Optional in-water training
Data and requirements
- Minimum age: 10
- Certification prerequisites: Open Water Diver if in-water training is included
- Academic sessions: 1
- Water training: Optional
- Total program length: Optional
- Certification: SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty
Manta & Ray Ecology
1 day
No in-water training
From age 10
Learn about the amazing variety of rays in our oceans, how to recognize each species by its physical characteristics and behaviour, and the vital role rays play in ocean ecosystems. You will also learn how to interact with them safely and why living animals are worth more to our planet.
- 1 academic session on ray species and behaviour
- How to safely interact with mantas and rays
- Their role in ocean ecosystems
Data and requirements
- Minimum age: 10
- Certification prerequisites: Referral Diver / Basic Freediver
- Academic sessions: 1
- Water training: None
- Total program length: 1 day
- Certification: SSI Manta & Ray Ecology
Fish Identification
1 session
Non-diving specialty
From age 10
The ocean is filled with fascinating and beautiful fish of every shape and size. This non-diving specialty program teaches you the skills and concepts to identify the common families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reef fish.
- 1 academic session on reef fish families
- Identification techniques by shape, colour and behaviour
- Optional in-water training
Data and requirements
- Minimum age: 10
- Certification prerequisites: Open Water Diver if in-water training is included
- Academic sessions: 1
- Water training: Optional
- Total program length: Optional
- Certification: SSI Fish Identification Specialty
Shark Ecology
1 session
Diving optional
From age 10
Many people fear sharks, but is that reputation deserved? In the SSI Shark Ecology program you learn how sharks and their behaviour are often misunderstood, and how you can safely observe them in their natural habitat.
- 1 academic session on shark species and behaviour
- Myths, real risks and conservation
- Optional in-water training
Data and requirements
- Minimum age: 10
- Certification prerequisites: Open Water Diver if in-water training is included
- Academic sessions: 1
- Water training: Optional
- Total program length: Optional
- Certification: SSI Shark Ecology Specialty
It's free!
Blue Oceans
4 chapters
No diving required
Recognition card
The Blue Oceans program teaches participants about the issues our oceans face and how their individual contributions can help. It encourages SSI training centres, divers and non-divers to think about environmental challenges and take positive actions for the environment.
- Chapter 1: coral reefs
- Chapter 2: shark finning
- Chapter 3: ocean plastic
- Chapter 4: marine protected areas
Data and requirements
- Prerequisites: None, open to divers and non-divers
- Structure: 4 chapters
- Recognition: Blue Oceans recognition card
- Price: Free
Marine Ecology / UW Naturalist
1 session
Diving optional
From age 10
This program gives you a general understanding of the complex and exciting science of marine ecology: how organisms interact with each other and with the environment, how energy flows through communities and how ocean ecosystems are linked.
- 1 academic session on marine ecology
- Energy flow and interactions between species
- Optional in-water training
Data and requirements
- Minimum age: 10
- Certification prerequisites: Open Water Diver if in-water training is included
- Academic sessions: 1
- Water training: Optional
- Total program length: Optional
- Certification: SSI Marine Ecology Specialty
Five dive destinations
Where do you want to join an ecology program?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about ecology diving programs
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Not always. Several programs can be taken without diving, and the Open Water certification is only required when in-water training is included.
How long does an ecology program take?
Most of them are one academic session and the total length is optional, so we adapt it to your trip. Manta & Ray Ecology takes 1 day.
Is the Blue Oceans program really free?
Yes. Blue Oceans is free, it is divided into 4 chapters and you get the Blue Oceans recognition card when you complete it.
Do I get an SSI certification?
Yes. Each program gives you its SSI specialty certification, except Blue Oceans, which gives you a recognition card.
Not sure which ecology program is right for you?
Send us a message and we will help you pick the program that fits what you want to see underwater.
