About Orca
About Orca
About Orca
At Orca Scuba Diving Academy, we're more than just a dive centre—we're a community dedicated to sharing the wonders of the underwater world. Based in Basildon, Essex, our PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centre offers a welcoming environment for divers of all levels, from complete beginners to aspiring professionals.
Our Story
Founded by Master Instructor Michael Gary Aldridge, Orca was established with a clear mission: to teach people, not just sell courses. Recognising a gap in genuine, student-focused instruction, Gary set out to create a centre where education, safety, and enjoyment are paramount.
Inclusive Diving
Inclusive Diving
Inclusive Diving
Inclusive Diving
Youth Engagement
Youth Engagement
Youth Engagement
Youth Engagement
Experienced Team
Experienced Team
Experienced Team
Experienced Team
Safety First
Safety First
Safety First
Safety First
PADI 5-Star Dive Centre
Globally recognised training with certified instructors.
PADI 5-Star Dive Centre
Globally recognised training with certified instructors.
PADI 5-Star Dive Centre
Globally recognised training with certified instructors.
PADI 5-Star Dive Centre
Globally recognised training with certified instructors.
All Levels Welcome
Whether you’re new to diving or advancing your skills, we’ve got you covered.
All Levels Welcome
Whether you’re new to diving or advancing your skills, we’ve got you covered.
All Levels Welcome
Whether you’re new to diving or advancing your skills, we’ve got you covered.
All Levels Welcome
Whether you’re new to diving or advancing your skills, we’ve got you covered.
Unforgettable Dive Trips
Explore stunning dive sites across the UK and abroad.
Unforgettable Dive Trips
Explore stunning dive sites across the UK and abroad.
Unforgettable Dive Trips
Explore stunning dive sites across the UK and abroad.
Unforgettable Dive Trips
Explore stunning dive sites across the UK and abroad.
What Sets Us Apart
Inclusive Diving
Inclusive Diving
Inclusive Diving
Inclusive Diving
We believe diving should be accessible to everyone. Our team is trained with the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) to provide adaptive diving experiences for individuals with physical disabilities.
We believe diving should be accessible to everyone. Our team is trained with the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) to provide adaptive diving experiences for individuals with physical disabilities.
We believe diving should be accessible to everyone. Our team is trained with the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) to provide adaptive diving experiences for individuals with physical disabilities.
We believe diving should be accessible to everyone. Our team is trained with the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) to provide adaptive diving experiences for individuals with physical disabilities.
Youth Engagement
Youth Engagement
Youth Engagement
Youth Engagement
Orca is proud to be one of the first centres awarded the PADI Youth Approved Training Centre certification. We actively collaborate with local schools, colleges, and youth organisations to introduce young people to the joys of diving.
Orca is proud to be one of the first centres awarded the PADI Youth Approved Training Centre certification. We actively collaborate with local schools, colleges, and youth organisations to introduce young people to the joys of diving.
Orca is proud to be one of the first centres awarded the PADI Youth Approved Training Centre certification. We actively collaborate with local schools, colleges, and youth organisations to introduce young people to the joys of diving.
Orca is proud to be one of the first centres awarded the PADI Youth Approved Training Centre certification. We actively collaborate with local schools, colleges, and youth organisations to introduce young people to the joys of diving.
Experienced Team
Experienced Team
Experienced Team
Experienced Team
Our instructors bring decades of combined experience, ensuring that every diver receives top-notch training in a supportive and safe environment.
Our instructors bring decades of combined experience, ensuring that every diver receives top-notch training in a supportive and safe environment.
Our instructors bring decades of combined experience, ensuring that every diver receives top-notch training in a supportive and safe environment.
Our instructors bring decades of combined experience, ensuring that every diver receives top-notch training in a supportive and safe environment.
Our Facilities
Our Facilities
Our Facilities
Located at 17 Repton Close, Repton Court, Burnt Mills Estate, Basildon, Essex, SS13 1LN, our centre boasts:
Located at 17 Repton Close, Repton Court, Burnt Mills Estate, Basildon, Essex, SS13 1LN, our centre boasts:
Located at 17 Repton Close, Repton Court, Burnt Mills Estate, Basildon, Essex, SS13 1LN, our centre boasts:
Onsite classrooms for theory sessions
Onsite classrooms for theory sessions
Onsite classrooms for theory sessions
Onsite classrooms for theory sessions
Essex leading PADI 5 Star IDC Scuba Diving Centre
Essex leading PADI 5 Star IDC Scuba Diving Centre
Essex leading PADI 5 Star IDC Scuba Diving Centre
Essex leading PADI 5 Star IDC Scuba Diving Centre
Ample parking for our students and visitors
Ample parking for our students and visitors
Ample parking for our students and visitors
Ample parking for our students and visitors
A well-stocked retail shop with the latest diving gear
A well-stocked retail shop with the latest diving gear
A well-stocked retail shop with the latest diving gear
A well-stocked retail shop with the latest diving gear
Introducing Our
Skilled Diving Team
Gary
PADI Master Instructor
Gary
PADI Master Instructor
Gary
PADI Master Instructor
Gary
PADI Master Instructor
Vince
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Vince
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Vince
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Vince
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Stuart
PADI Course Director
Stuart
PADI Course Director
Stuart
PADI Course Director
Stuart
PADI Course Director
Emma
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Emma
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Emma
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Emma
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Rhonda
PADI Master Instructor
Rhonda
PADI Master Instructor
Rhonda
PADI Master Instructor
Rhonda
PADI Master Instructor
Russell
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Russell
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Russell
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Russell
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
