First-Time Scuba Diving Experience in Watamu Marine Park, Half Day Package

The First-Time Scuba Diving Experience is a half-day package for non-certified divers to try scuba in Watamu Marine National Park. The package includes a skills lesson and one supervised open-water dive on a shallow reef with a professional instructor. This introductory dive is managed for safety and is separate from excursions for certified divers.

This package provides a structured marine activity with a licensed operator, fixed pricing, and a clear itinerary. Booking this experience removes the uncertainty of negotiating with informal beach-based vendors. The package suits individuals, couples, and families in Watamu who require a professionally managed tour.

How Do I Book This First-Time Scuba Dive?

You book the First-Time Scuba Diving Experience through our secure online booking page. First, select the package and choose a date to see current availability.

Next, enter the number of divers in your group and select the correct residency status. You must choose either 'International Traveller' or 'Kenya Citizen/Resident' to apply the correct price structure.

The booking system gives instant confirmation. You can secure your booking with payment after entering all required details. A full description of the process is available in our how-to-book guide.

What to Expect from the Half-Day Scuba Experience

Your half-day scuba experience starts at our dive centre in Watamu. You will first meet your instructor and complete the required paperwork, which includes a standard medical self-declaration form.

1. Skills Briefing in Confined Water

Your instructor provides a clear briefing on scuba diving principles, equipment function, and underwater hand signals. You then practise skills like regulator breathing and mask clearing in a swimming pool or calm, shallow water.

2. Licensed Boat Trip to the Reef

You will board our licensed dive boat for the trip into Watamu Marine National Park after you are comfortable with the basic skills. The boat captain selects a shallow, sheltered reef based on the day's tides and sea conditions.

3. Your First Guided Open Water Dive

Your instructor accompanies you at all times during the descent to a maximum depth of 12 metres. The dive on the coral garden lasts 30 to 45 minutes, offering views of marine life such as parrotfish and angelfish. The boat returns to the dive centre after your dive is complete.

What Does the First-Time Scuba Package Include?

This package fee covers all equipment and services required for the diving activity. The following items are included in your booking:

• Instruction from a certified PADI or SSI professional
• A theory briefing and a confined water skills session
• Full scuba equipment rental, including mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, and weights
• One filled 12-litre scuba tank
• A single guided open water dive in the Watamu Marine Park
• Charter fee for the licensed dive boat
• Drinking water and fresh fruit served on the boat

What Costs Are Excluded from the Package Price?

The package price does not cover mandatory government fees or optional transport. You must arrange payment for the following items separately:

• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Marine Park Fees: All guests must pay these mandatory government fees directly to KWS officials at the park entrance. Rates differ for non-residents, residents, and citizens.
• Hotel Transfers: Transport from your accommodation in the Watamu area is not included but can be organised for an extra fee at the time of booking.
• Personal Items: You need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
• Lunch: This half-day package finishes around midday and does not include lunch.

What Are the Safety Rules for First-Time Divers?

Medical and Fitness Requirements

Scuba diving requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. You must complete a medical self-declaration form before the dive starts. Certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or heart problems, may require written clearance from a doctor before you can dive.

Dive Site Selection and Season

The boat captain and dive instructor have sole discretion for dive site selection. Their decision is based on daily weather, tides, and sea conditions to ensure safety. The main diving season in Watamu is from October to March when sea conditions are calmest.

Post-Dive Flying Restriction

You must not fly in any aircraft for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive. This is a standard safety protocol to prevent decompression sickness.

First-Time Scuba Diving Package Prices for 2026

This package uses a transparent, dual-pricing policy based on residency status, which is a mandatory requirement for licensed marine park operators. All prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The KES and USD rates are separate and are not direct conversions of each other.

These prices cover the dive package only and do not include KWS Marine Park fees or optional hotel transfers. Payments are processed securely online as per our payment policy.

Ready to explore? Book your first scuba dive today.

How to Finalise Your Booking or View Other Trips

You can secure your place for the First-Time Scuba Diving Experience via our booking platform. To compare this activity with other excursions, see our main packages page. Information about our company's licensing and operational standards is available on the about us page.