Orca Diving Centre

Located in Pula, Croatia, Orca Diving Centre serves as a central hub for divers looking to explore the Istrian peninsula. The centre is situated in a spacious 200 m² facility that includes a dedicated shop, reception, and full equipment servicing area.

From the local reef flat right under the centre to the deep wrecks further out, the area offers a diverse range of underwater topography. You can choose between exploring shallow tunnels, navigating limestone caves, or descending along vertical walls and historical shipwrecks.

The team is composed of professional divers dedicated to high-standard instruction and safety. They work with both PADI and SSI certifications, helping candidates progress from their first breaths underwater through to instructor-level qualifications.

The centre is well-equipped to handle students and experienced divers alike, offering a structured environment for those looking to earn new credentials. For those staying locally, the centre works with the Arena Hospitality Group to provide various accommodation options ranging from independent apartments to hotels.

The centre offers a complete educational pathway through both SSI and PADI programmes. Beginners can start with the Basic Diver, Scuba Diver, or Open Water Diver courses to build their fundamental skills.

For those looking to expand their technical repertoire, the Advanced Adventurer and Advanced Open Water Diver courses are available. The centre is also equipped to train future professionals, guiding students through the process of becoming certified instructors.

The shore-based facilities are designed for efficiency and comfort, featuring a dedicated compressor area, changing rooms, and showers. For those not travelling with their own kit, a full range of rental equipment is available, including regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits from reputable brands such as Cressi, Mares, Suunto, Apeks, and ScubaPro.

Divers can utilise the numbered locker system to store their personal belongings securely while on the water. The on-site shop also provides access to a wide selection of diving equipment for purchase, with special pricing available for students.

The underwater scenery is defined by a rich variety of life, including sponges (Porifera), soft corals, and various cnidarians. You will find diverse life forms such as sea pens and bryozoans decorating the reefs and cave walls.

In the open water and along the reefs, look out for Salema porgy (Sarpa salpa), dentex, and various species of sea bream (Sparidae). Damselfish (Pomacentridae) are also common residents of the shallower reef areas.

For those interested in macro life and crustaceans, the crevices and wrecks host lobster (Homaridae), crabs (Brachyura), and various eels (Anguilliformes). You may also encounter scorpionfish and sea catfish hiding amongst the rocks and wreckage.

The diving environment in Pula varies significantly depending on the site chosen. Some locations, such as Neptune’s Ass and Stoja, are subject to moderate currents which are ideal for drift diving.

Many of the sites offer diverse depths, from shallow reef flats at 2 metres to deep wrecks and walls reaching 40 to 55 metres. This variety allows for a wide range of diving profiles, from beginner-friendly explorations to advanced deep dives.