SSI - Your Choice for Certification

Dive into the deep and explore the world’s best deep dives

Push your limits and go beyond what an average diver will ever experience - discover the mystique of deep diving. Many secretive dive sites await you in deeper water - especially exciting wrecks and dark caves but also the magic of cenotes and astonishing steep walls can be explored beyond the recreational limits. Expect to see large marine life such as the ocean sunfish but also Pacific seahorses live up to 60m (200ft) deep. Some of the most popular spots for deep diving include the Blue Hole in Belize, Gordon Rocks in Galapagos or the cenotes in Mexico.

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Discover the World’s Most Fascinating Aquatic Life

Aquatic life under our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams is amazing! From microscopic zooplankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, underwater life comes in all possible shapes and sizes. With 71% of the earth being covered with water, it is no wonder we are so fascinated with what lies beneath the surface. In fact, scientists estimate that there are nearly 1 million different species of aquatic animals. Freshwater ecosystems are home mainly to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, whereas the ocean contains a wide array of marine life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees.

Sperm Whale

The largest predatory animal on earth is the sperm whale. They dive more than 1000 meters deep hunting for food. These animals are named after their huge heads, which make up nearly a third of the total length of their bodies. They have the largest, heaviest brain of any species known to have lived on Earth, weighing up to 9.5 kilos. Scuba diving with sperm whales is a beautiful sight you would never forget where you can admire their furrowed skin and marble-like coloration.

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Killer Whale (Orca)

Orcas, or more commonly known as killer whales, are one of the most famous cetaceans on Earth. Their unmistakable large black bodies with white undersides and white spots above and behind the eyes are characteristic of these very social animals. They live in complex family groups, or pods, of up to 50 whales. The intricate dynamics of these pods include adult whales teaching the young many important skills needed to survive in the ocean. This knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. Encountering a pod of orcas while scuba diving is an experience like no other.

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Ocean Sunfish

The ocean sunfish, commonly known as the Mola mola, are one of the most extraordinary fish found in the ocean. Due to their round, flattened form they are reminiscent of a millstone, called mola in Latin. Ocean sunfish are found in both temperate and tropical regions around the world. They are frequently seen near the surface, an amazing site to witness as they bask in the sun to raise their body temperature after deep ocean dives, sometimes as deep as 600 meters!

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Moray Eel

One of the most fascinating fish on the reef, moray eels come in nearly every size and color from the tiny, bright blue ribbon eel, the smallest averaging only 25 cm long, to the black speckled giant moray which can grow up to 4 meters in length! In fact, there are nearly 200 different species. Most morays are marine dwelling fish, but several species have been seen in brackish water, and just a few are found in fresh water. They are clearly distinguishable from the other reef fish with their long, slithering bodies, pointy snouts full of sharp teeth, and long dorsal fins that run the entire length of their bodies. No matter the species, these animals are always an exciting site to see while scuba diving.

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Check Out the Incredible Moments Water Enthusiasts Like You Experience Every Day with SSI

Did you just complete an SSI certification? Proudly post it! Want to support your favorite SSI Training Center and promote it to the world? Post it! Did you just have an unforgettable dive experience with your SSI Professional? Post it!

We love to see the SSI family growing day by day: so upload your photo to Instagram with #wearessi or #divessi or mention @ssi_international, and it will automatically appear in the SSI Hall of Fame. We can’t wait to see your adventures today!

Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog

Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.