Complete Your Marine Ecology Dive Course on Koh Tao
The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, yet we’ve explored only a small fraction of it.
The marine ecology dive course at Crystal Dive gives you the opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of marine ecosystems and explore how life underwater is interconnected.
You’ll gain essential knowledge about the marine environment, from food chains and habitats to the impact of human activity and climate change.
Why Take a Marine Environment Specialty Course?
This course will help you learn about marine ecosystems and how species interact with one another and with their environment.
Through this underwater ecology training, you’ll understand energy flow, ecological balance, and the importance of biodiversity in sustaining healthy oceans.
For both divers and conservation enthusiasts alike, this course gives the foundation to appreciate and protect our oceans more effectively.
5,500 THB
This Is How You Become a Marine Ecology Specialist
The marine ecology dive course takes just one day to complete and gives you a foundational understanding of how ocean ecosystems function. Whether you’re looking to build your ecological awareness or combine this course with other marine specialties, this program is designed to help you learn about marine ecosystems in a practical, engaging way.
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Part 1 – Theory
Your training begins with an introduction to your instructor and a short orientation session. You’ll then begin your self-study through the SSI digital learning platform, designed to deliver accessible, structured underwater ecology training either in-app or via your browser.
What You’ll Cover in the Theory Portion:
Marine Ecosystems and Interactions – Explore the structure and function of ocean systems like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. You’ll learn how living organisms interact in these spaces and how energy flows through the marine environment.
Biodiversity and Food Chains – Identify key species and understand their roles within food webs—from plankton and grazers to predators and decomposers.
Adaptations and Environmental Niches – Learn how marine animals survive and thrive across different habitats by adapting to light, pressure, salinity, and competition.
Human Impact on Ocean Systems – Understand how pollution, overfishing, and climate change affect biodiversity and ecosystem health, and explore how conservation efforts make a difference.
Conservation in Action – Look at marine protected areas (MPAs), reef restoration strategies, and how dive professionals contribute to safeguarding the ocean.
Ecology-Oriented Dive Planning – Plan your dives with ecology in mind—focusing on respectful observation, recording behaviours, and minimising human impact.
After completing the self-study, you’ll meet again with your instructor to review key concepts, ask questions, and prepare for your practical sessions.
Part 2 – Open Water Dives
In the afternoon, you’ll take part in two open water dives that apply your marine ecology dive course theory directly to the underwater world. These dives take place at rich ecological sites around Koh Tao—giving you first-hand experience in observing marine ecosystems in action.
You’ll practise identifying coral species, fish, and invertebrates while noting behaviours and relationships, such as predation, mutualism, and competition. Your instructor will help you recognise signs of healthy versus impacted ecosystems and guide you in documenting your observations.
By the end of the course, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of marine life and the confidence to continue exploring and protecting it. This marine environment specialty course helps make every dive more meaningful and gives you tools to support ocean conservation as a diver and global citizen.
How Your Marine Ecology Dive Course Works
The SSI Marine Ecology Dive Course is a one-day program that includes a theory review session and two open water dives focused on observing and learning about marine ecosystems. Below is a sample schedule to give you an idea of how your day may unfold.
MORNING
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9:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and instructor meet & greet
Morning session – Theory review and group discussion of your digital materials, covering ecological relationships, marine biodiversity, and human impact on ocean environments
AFTERNOON
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Two open water dives focused on applying your underwater ecology training, observing species interactions, and identifying reef dynamics in action
Prefer a different schedule? Let us know because we can tailor the timing of your marine ecology dive course to fit your holiday plans or combine it with other specialties.
Marine Ecology Dive Course Prerequisites
The SSI Marine Ecology Dive Course is open to a wide range of certified divers. Whether you’re new to specialty diving or looking to learn about marine ecosystems, this course offers a flexible and accessible way to enhance your ecological knowledge.
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Minimum Age
To enrol in the Marine Ecology Specialty, you must be at least 10 years old.
Minimum Certification Level
You’ll need an entry-level scuba diving certification, such as SSI Open Water Diver (or an equivalent certification from another recognized agency), before starting this marine environment specialty course.
Medical Statement
All participants must be medically fit for diving. You can download the required medical form here. If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor or contact our team prior to booking.
Recent Diving Experience
To get the most out of your SSI Marine Ecology Dive Course, you should feel comfortable and confident in the water. If it’s been more than six months since your last dive, we recommend joining our Scuba Review before starting the course. This helps refresh your skills and ensures you’re fully prepared to enjoy your underwater ecology training
MARINE ECOLOGY SPECIALTY
Price: 5,500 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included With the Marine Environment Specialty Course?
Your Marine Ecology Dive Course at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to learn about marine ecosystems and complete your specialty certification with confidence. You’ll learn in small groups (maximum 4 students per instructor) and gain hands-on knowledge about marine ecosystems while diving in Koh Tao’s vibrant underwater environment.
Included with underwater ecology training:
- SSI Marine Ecology Specialty Course (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal scuba equipment for the duration of your training
- FREE use of a dive computer
- Full access to SSI digital learning materials via the SSI Training App (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- Certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-shirt
- Multilingual, SSI-certified personal instructor
- Boat trips to dive sites with refreshments onboard
- 30-day dive accident insurance for your dives with us
- Discounted AC accommodation option during your course
- 10% discount on additional diver-level courses and dive equipment purchases at Crystal Dive
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Your SSI Marine Ecology Dive Course Today
Take the SSI Marine Ecology Specialty at Crystal Dive Koh Tao, an engaging one-day program that let you learn about marine ecosystems and will transform the way you understand the underwater world. In this marine ecology dive course, you’ll explore how marine ecosystems function, how different species interact, and how environmental changes affect ocean biodiversity.
Through a mix of digital learning and guided dives, you’ll build a strong foundation in underwater ecology training, perfect for divers who want to deepen their awareness of reef systems, food webs, and conservation efforts. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify key elements of the marine environment and apply that knowledge wherever you dive next.
Want to combine this marine environment specialty course with other conservation programs? We’re happy to tailor your training around your holiday plans. Contact us to create a custom marine ecology schedule or package.
฿5,500
Marine Ecology
Capture Your Marine Ecology Dive Course on Film
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Bring your marine ecology dive course to life with professional video and photography by our in-house team, Crystal Images. Whether you’re identifying species or observing reef systems in action, our photographers will document your underwater ecology training with clarity and style.
Choose from a 10-minute custom-edited video or a set of 10–15 high-resolution photos—perfect for sharing your experience learning about marine ecosystems. These optional extras can be added during checkout with your marine environment specialty course.
Ask us about packages for group bookings or combining media services with other diving specialties.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Marine Ecology Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Marine Ecology Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Marine Ecology Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
For your Marine Ecology Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Marine Ecology Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Marine Ecology Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily base, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Marine Ecology Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
Currently, under Thai law, neither students nor instructors are allowed to use cameras during any course, except for specific photo/video courses. Our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images can either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on your two dives on the Marine Ecology Specialty Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Marine Ecology Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Marine Ecology Specialty Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
