Orca Dive Clubs

ORCA Dive Club El Gouna is situated directly on the Abu Tig Marina, providing a seamless transition from the shore to the water. The centre is housed within the Turtles Inn, a comfortable guesthouse that allows you to stay right at the heart of the marina's atmosphere.

For divers, the location is ideal for accessing the diverse marine environments of the Red Sea. From the shallow, colourful coral gardens of the local lagoons to the deep, historic wrecks of the Gulf of Suez, the centre serves as a reliable base for both recreational and technical exploration.

Operating since 1991, the club is a well-established part of the ORCA organisation. The team provides instruction in English, German, Italian, and French, ensuring clear communication for international divers.

The centre is affiliated with SSI and CMAS, offering a structured path from beginner courses to professional levels. For those starting their journey, the club provides a money-back guarantee on beginner courses to ensure confidence from the first breath underwater.

The training programme covers the entire spectrum of scuba diving. Beginners can start with Try Scuba Diver, Basic Diver, or Open Water Diver courses. As you progress, the centre offers Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, and Wreck Diver certifications through SSI and CMAS.

For those looking to advance their skills or career, professional training is available up to Divemaster level. The curriculum also includes specialised training such as Enriched Air Nitrox, Stress and Rescue, and technical diving options. Freediving courses are also offered for those interested in breath-hold diving.

The centre is well-equipped for a wide range of diving styles. You can hire complete sets of equipment, including fins, masks, and snorkels, or opt for full kit rentals. For those with specific technical requirements, the centre provides sidemount equipment and dedicated support for rebreather divers.

On-site facilities include rinsing tanks, a drying room, and a reception area. The club also uses 12-litre and 15-litre aluminium cylinders. Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their no-deco limits.

The local reefs are teeming with life, particularly around the coral gardens and walls. You will frequently encounter schools of fusiliers, jacks, and tuna, while eagle rays and sea turtles are common visitors to the deeper reef sections.

In the more sheltered areas like Erg Iris and the lagoons, you can spot hatchetfish and even dolphins. The reefs are also home to large moray eels and various species of sharks, including leopard sharks.

For macro enthusiasts, the seabed and coral structures offer plenty to investigate. Keep a sharp eye out for octopus, scorpionfish, stonefish, and various species of venomous fish. The gardens are also excellent for spotting camouflaged creatures like frogfish and various types of nudibranchs or small crustaceans.

Diving in the El Gouna area involves a variety of environments, from shallow, sheltered lagoons to more exposed reef sites. Some locations, such as Bluff Point, are known for having strong currents that require a higher level of buoyancy control and experience.

Night diving is a popular option at sites like Marsa Abu Galawa and Sachwa Abu Galawa, where the nocturnal marine life becomes active among the soft corals and gorgonians.