Orca Dive Club Soma Bay

ORCA Dive Club Soma Bay is a well-established diving operation with a history dating back to 1991. Situated within the 4-star Breakers Lodge, the centre is designed for those who prioritise a lifestyle centered around the sea, whether you are a diver or a kitesurfer.

The location is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the Red Sea's renowned reef systems. A 420-metre jetty extends from the hotel directly into the water, providing immediate access to the house reef without the need for a boat for every excursion.

The centre operates with a professional team of SSI and PADI instructors, providing training across a vast spectrum of disciplines. They are able to conduct courses in multiple languages, including English, German, Italian, and Arabic, ensuring clear communication for international divers.

Beyond standard recreational training, the team provides specialised support for technical divers. This includes a dedicated Rebreather Academy and support services, making it a hub for those moving into more advanced stages of diving.

The curriculum covers the full range of SSI and PADI certifications. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, progressing through Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver, through to Divemaster and Instructor levels.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers a variety of specialty courses including Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, and Nitrox. Technical divers can access more advanced training through the Tec Diving and Rebreather programmes. The centre also hosts dedicated training weeks, such as Freediving weeks and Relaqua instructor training.

The facility is well-equipped for both recreational and technical diving. On-site, you have access to an aluminium cylinder supply with capacities of 8, 10, 15, and 12 litres. For those using enriched air, the centre operates its own compressor with a Nitrox system for house reef dives, supplemented by additional compressors and a Nitrox membrane system located at the Soma Bay marina.

Rental kit is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate all divers, including children. The centre also serves as a Mares Test centre, offering specialised equipment for freedivers. On-site facilities include a shop for essential diving utensils, several dry rooms, classrooms, and an open-air area with a divers' bar overlooking the beach and jetty.

The reef is a vibrant ecosystem defined by extensive hard and soft corals, including various sea fans (Gorgoniidae) and black corals. You will find a high density of reef fish, such as Anthias (Anthias), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and various species of Wrasse (Labridae) patrolling the corals.

Large pelagics and predatory fish are frequently seen in the area. This includes various sharks such as Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), Reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and even Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini). You may also encounter Tuna (Thunnus), Jacks (Carangidae), and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) passing through the water column.

Among the more recognisable residents are the various turtle species, including the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Large groupers and Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) are often found near the reef structure, while rays like the Eagle ray (Aetobatus) and blue-spotted rays move across the sandy patches.

For those interested in macro life, the reef offers plenty to observe. Keep an eye out for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) or Stonefish (Synanceia) camouflaged against the substrate. Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and various species of shrimp and pipefish add to the complexity of the smaller inhabitants.