Take the SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course on Koh Tao
The SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course gives you a chance to explore the hidden world of marine invertebrate species on Koh Tao and beyond. Through guided study and in-water practice, you’ll learn about marine invertebrates and their critical roles in reef ecosystems, from nutrient cycling and filtration to symbiosis and defense.
You’ll also examine how environmental stressors like climate change and ocean acidification impact these fragile organisms and what their presence reveals about ecosystem health.
Why Study Marine Invertebrates?
This invertebrate identification course equips you with practical skills for marine restoration, reef conservation, and sustainable resource management.
With a strong focus on ecology, you’ll build interdisciplinary knowledge that blends chemistry, environmental science, and marine biology, ideal for those aiming to work in conservation or research.
Whether you want to protect biodiversity, contribute to reef health, or simply deepen your understanding of marine ecosystems, this specialty course prepares you to make a lasting impact.
5,500 THB
Your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course Overview
The SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course can be completed in just one day and may also be combined with other marine specialty programs. Whether you’re looking to learn about marine invertebrates for fun or for a future in conservation, this course gives you essential skills both in theory and underwater practice.
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Part 1 – Theory
You’ll start the marine invertebrate ecology course with a welcome session, instructor introduction, and course orientation. The theory portion is completed via SSI’s self-paced digital learning platform, allowing you to explore the biology, behaviour, and ecological roles of marine invertebrates wherever and whenever it suits you.
What You’ll Learn in Invertebrate Identification Course Theory:
Introduction to Marine Invertebrates – Explore the wide range of marine invertebrate species on Koh Tao, from echinoderms and molluscs to sponges and arthropods. Learn key features, taxonomy, and their evolutionary importance in ocean ecosystems.
Ecological Roles and Interactions – Understand how these organisms act as habitat builders, nutrient recyclers, and keystone species within marine ecosystems. Examine their place in food webs and their symbiotic relationships with fish and coral.
Adaptations and Behaviour – Study unique behaviours like mimicry, bioluminescence, and symbiosis. Discover how marine invertebrates adapt to life across different reef zones and water conditions.
Conservation and Human Impact – Learn how pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction are threatening invertebrate populations globally. Explore conservation strategies to protect marine biodiversity and why invertebrate protection is essential to reef recovery.
Observation and Dive Planning – As part of this invertebrate identification course, you’ll learn how to plan and conduct low-impact dives focused on locating and identifying marine invertebrates. Practise proper documentation and learn how divers can contribute to conservation through data collection.
Once your online modules are complete, your instructor will review the core content with you and prepare you for the open water dives.
Part 2 – Open Water Dives
In the afternoon, you’ll join your instructor aboard one of our custom-built dive boats for two guided dives around Koh Tao. These reef dives are a key part of your marine invertebrate ecology course, giving you the opportunity to observe a wide range of marine invertebrate species on Koh Tao in their natural environment.
During the invertebrate identification course, you’ll practise techniques as you spot creatures like blue sea stars, nudibranchs, anemones, and decorator crabs. With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll interpret their behaviours and explore how these species contribute to reef structure, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
These dives not only strengthen your underwater ecology training but also help you build sustainable dive habits. Whether you’re looking to enhance your reef awareness or take your marine conservation skills further, this course offers hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation of marine invertebrates and their essential roles in healthy marine ecosystems.
Your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course Schedule
The SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course is a one-day program that combines digital learning and hands-on experience in the ocean. Here’s an example of how your training might be structured.
MORNING
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9:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and instructor meet & greet
Morning session – Review your marine invertebrate ecology course materials and explore essential topics like how to learn about marine invertebrates, observe their behaviours, and apply invertebrate identification course techniques before entering the water
AFTERNOON
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Dives 1 & 2 – Join your instructor for two open water dives around Koh Tao, where you’ll identify marine invertebrate species and practise responsible observation techniques in a real reef environment.
We’re happy to tailor the marine invertebrate ecology course schedule to your holiday plans or combine it with other marine specialty courses. Contact us in advance and we’ll make it work for you.
Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course Requirements
To take the SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course, you don’t need to be a marine biologist, just a certified diver with a passion for learning about the underwater world. This specialty is designed to help you learn about marine invertebrates and is open to all recreational divers who meet the below prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course, you must be at least 10 years old.
Minimum Certification Level
You’ll need to hold an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) from a recognized agency in order to begin this invertebrate identification course.
Medical Statement
You must be medically fit for diving. You can download the medical statement here. If you have any questions or health concerns, please check with your physician or contact us before booking your course.
Recent Diving Experience
To get the most from this course, we recommend that you have recent dive experience and feel confident and in control underwater. If it’s been a while since your last dive, we may suggest a short Scuba Review to refresh your skills before starting your marine invertebrate species dives around Koh Tao.
MARINE INVERTEBRATE 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 in Your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course
Your SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to learn about marine invertebrates and sharpen your underwater observation skills. You’ll learn in small groups (maximum 4 divers per instructor), ensuring personal attention throughout your training.
This invertebrate identification course will deepen your understanding of marine invertebrate species on Koh Tao, while helping you become a more confident and environmentally aware diver.
Included with your invertebrate identification course:
- SSI Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of a dive computer
- Standard digital learning materials via the SSI Training App (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- SSI certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-shirt
- Multilingual, SSI-certified personal instructor
- Boat trips for your dives, including onboard refreshments
- Dive accident insurance (30 days) for your dives with us
- Discounted air-conditioned accommodation available during your course (optional)
- 10% discount on additional diver-level courses and dive equipment purchases
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 Invertebrate Ecology Course Now
Ready to discover the creatures that truly shape the reef? The Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course at Crystal Dive is your chance to dive deeper into the world of sea stars, crustaceans, molluscs, and other essential marine life. In just one day and two dives, you’ll gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge in identifying marine invertebrate species on Koh Tao while understanding how they interact with their ecosystem.
Through digital learning and guided reef dives, you’ll learn about marine invertebrates, explore their behaviour, and gain insight into how these small but vital animals contribute to the health of coral reefs. This invertebrate identification course is ideal for divers who want to improve their awareness of underwater life and boost their confidence in the water.
Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your ecological knowledge or add a unique SSI specialty to your diving resume, this course offers a fun and educational way to do it.
Want to customise your dive training or combine this course with other specialties during your stay? Just let us know and we’ll help tailor a schedule that fits your holiday plans.
฿5,500
Marine Invertebrate Ecology
Capture Your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Experience on Camera
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Make your dives unforgettable with a personalized photo or video package from our in-house team, Crystal Images. Whether you want to documenting rare marine invertebrate species on Koh Tao or just want to relive your underwater adventures, our professional videographers will join you during your course to capture stunning land and underwater footage.
Choose from a short feature video or a set of high-resolution images — a perfect way to share your Marine Invertebrate Ecology Course experience with friends and family.
These optional packages can be selected when booking your course. Group options and custom edits are available. Just ask our team for details.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Marine Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course?
For your Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate Ecology Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Marine Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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 Invertebrate 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!
