Orca Diving Center

Orca Diving Center is a well-established pillar of the diving community in Salento, operating since 2001. Situated on the main road between Torre Lapillo and Porto Cesareo, the centre provides easy access for those travelling via the Bari-Lecce or Bari-Taranto motorways.

The centre is positioned directly within the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, ensuring that the local ecosystems are respected and preserved. This commitment to the environment has been recognised through multiple PADI Environment and Community Involvement Awards over the years.

Whether you are looking to start your journey with an Open Water Diver course or you are a technical diver seeking Trimix or rebreather support, the facilities are designed to handle a wide range of disciplines. The centre serves as a vital link for both recreational divers and those pursuing a professional career in the industry.

The team is comprised of nine professional instructors and guides, many of whom have been diving these specific Mediterranean waters for over 30 years. This local expertise is a significant asset, providing you with first-hand knowledge of the seasonal conditions and the best spots to find specific marine life.

As a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre, the staff includes two PADI Course Directors, two Master Instructors, and two IDC Staff Instructors. This high level of professional qualification makes the centre an ideal location for those aiming to progress through the PADI instructor development process.

The centre is also an E.F.R. Center and a Freediver Center, offering a broad spectrum of training from emergency first aid to advanced breath-hold diving. Their experience extends beyond the local area, with instructors having worked in Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives, and Egypt.

The training programme is extensive, covering the entire PADI spectrum from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver through to Divemaster and Instructor training. As a Career Development Centre, it is specifically geared towards those looking to turn diving into a profession.

Technical training is a core strength, with the centre designated as a TecRec Center. You can undertake specialised courses including Tec 40, Tec 45, Tec 50, Tec Sidemount, and Gas Blender training. Rebreather training is also available on-site.

Beyond scuba, the centre offers a full suite of freediving courses from Basic Freediver to Instructor levels. They also provide specialized training in areas such as Wreck, Deep, Drift Diver, Night Diver, and Underwater Navigator, alongside E.F.R. and DAN first aid certifications.

Excursions are conducted from a dedicated inflatable boat capable of carrying 28 divers and up to 2500 kg of equipment. The vessel is equipped with VHF radio, GPS, and a depth sounder to ensure safe navigation throughout the dives.

For your safety, the boat carries a full oxygen kit on board. The boat is used for a variety of dive types, including night dives and explorations of the many sites within the protected marine area.

The shore-based facilities are well-equipped for both recreational and technical diving. The centre operates an A.R.A. (breathable air) recharging station that meets EN12201 quality standards, providing Nitrox and Trimix for divers requiring enriched air or technical gas blends.

For technical divers, the centre is a Poseidon Authorised Service Center and Dealer, offering maintenance and sales for Poseidon rebreathers and regulators. A dedicated kit-washing station is also available on-site to help you maintain your equipment.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit. The centre maintains a stock of high-quality gear to support all levels of diving, from beginners to advanced technicians.

The marine life at Il Camino and the surrounding protected area is characterised by rich coralligenous formations. You will find various species of sponges, including Haliclona mediterranea, and colonies of Parazoantus axinellae and castagnoles decorating the rocky structures.

The seabed and reef walls are home to a variety of invertebrates and small organisms that create a vibrant underwater landscape. These formations provide essential habitats for the local fish populations.

Macro divers will find plenty to observe among the crevices and sponges, where small crustaceans and other delicate species reside in the Mediterranean environment.

Diving in this region is conducted within a protected marine area, which helps maintain a stable environment for the local species. The centre is open every day of the year, allowing for flexible planning depending on your schedule.

Local guides with decades of experience are available to navigate the specific conditions of the Salento coast, ensuring that your dives are conducted safely and effectively.