Orca Coral Garden

Situated in the quiet setting of Gassous Bay, Orca Coral Garden provides a dedicated environment for those looking to focus entirely on diving and snorkelling. The resort is a self-contained complex of 32 bungalows, designed to minimise the distance between your accommodation and the water's edge.

As part of the established ORCA Dive Clubs organisation, the centre benefits from decades of experience in the Red Sea. The location offers a more secluded atmosphere than the busier hubs of the region, making it an ideal base for those who prefer a relaxed pace of life centered around the reef.

The centre is operated by ORCA, an organisation with a history in the Red Sea dating back to the late 1980s. This long-standing presence ensures a structured approach to both guest services and dive operations.

The training programmes are comprehensive, covering everything from introductory courses to advanced technical disciplines. Whether you are looking to start your journey with an Open Water Diver course or move into the Rebreather Academy, the instruction follows established international standards.

The training catalogue is extensive, catering to a wide spectrum of experience levels. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can undertake the Advanced Open Water Diver course.

For the technical community, the centre provides specialised training including Tec Diving and access to the Rebreather Academy. This allows divers to advance their skills in more demanding environments using specialised gas blends and equipment.

The shore-based facilities are well-equipped to support both local and visiting divers. The centre maintains a large inventory of 120 steel cylinders, available in 12- and 15-litre volumes. A Bauer compressor is used on-site to manage air supplies.

For divers looking to extend their bottom time, a Nitrox station is available. The centre also offers 20 complete sets of equipment for hire, covering the essential kit required for a day on the reef.

The local reefs are home to a diverse array of schooling reef fish, including various species of Anthias (Anthias), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and snappers. You will often encounter larger residents such as the Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), humphead wrasses, and various goatfish.

In the open water and around the reef edges, look for larger pelagics including Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and Eagle ray (Aetobatus). Sea turtles (Cheloniidae) and Tuna (Thunnus) are also part of the regular marine life in this area.

The reef structure itself is built upon a foundation of stony corals and soft coral (Alcyonacea), with large sea fans (Gorgoniidae) providing intricate textures for smaller inhabitants. Sea anemones (Actiniaria) are frequently found hosting Clownfish (Amphiprion).

On the sandy patches and within the reef crevices, you can spot blue-spotted rays, giant moray eels, and longnose hawkfish. Garden eels and various species of Batfish (Platax) add to the biodiversity of the seabed.