Orca Scuba Diving Academy

Scuba diving lessons and courses are our business at Orca Scuba Diving Academy, one of the leading PADI 5 Star IDCs (Instructor Development Centres) in Essex. Based in Basildon, we offer a first-class service to everyone looking to try scuba diving for the first time or take their diving further — with a team of 12 PADI Instructors ready to guide the way.

Open to every diver

Many people with physical disabilities can take part fully in diving through the PADI system, and even those unable to complete a full Open Water course will still find the door wide open here. Led by Gary Aldridge, several of our instructors have trained with the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) to bring a range of underwater activities to divers with serious physical disabilities, and to train others as part of the support team.

The PADI Open Water Diver Course runs from USD 816 over roughly 7 days. With an onsite classroom, retail shop, air fills, Nitrox and equipment rental, Orca suits anyone in Essex ready to feel the thrill of weightlessness.