Discover diving places in Southern Corsica !
Diving in South Corsica offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Mediterranean. The crystal-clear waters and rich marine life make this region a paradise for divers of all skill levels.
From introductory dives for beginners to explorations of legendary wrecks for experienced divers, Southern Corsica offers a variety of exceptional sites. Discover the best diving spots, renowned clubs, and tips to best prepare for your underwater adventure.
Southern Corsica is renowned for the quality of its waters, which are among the clearest in the Mediterranean. This exceptional transparency allows for remarkable underwater visibility, ideal for observing local flora and fauna. The absence of industrial pollution and low urban development have helped preserve the richness of the marine ecosystem.
The region’s seabed is home to a wide variety of species: groupers, barracudas, moray eels, scorpionfish, as well as numerous species of colorful fish and invertebrates. The Posidonia seagrass beds, the lungs of the Mediterranean, play an essential role in preserving this biodiversity.
Divers can also admire spectacular geological formations: caves, tunnels, underwater canyons, creating unique and fascinating underwater landscapes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll find sites suited to your level in Southern Corsica. The region’s diving clubs offer introductory dives for beginners, certification courses (PADI, FFESSM), and guided explorations for experienced divers.
Beginners will appreciate shallow, sheltered sites like the bays of Santa Giulia and Rondinara, where they can safely learn to dive. More experienced divers can explore legendary wrecks, steep drop-offs, or underwater caves, requiring a good grasp of diving techniques.
Diving club instructors are expert in diving sites and conditions. They will advise you on the best routes for your level and guide you safely during your underwater explorations.
The diving season in South Corsica is relatively long, generally running from April to October. The months of June, September, and October offer ideal conditions, with pleasant water temperatures (between 20 and 25°C) and more moderate tourist numbers.
In summer (July-August), the waters are warmer (up to 28°C), but attendance is higher and some sites can be busier. Spring (April-May) also offers great opportunities, with nature in full bloom and a calmer atmosphere.
It is important to note that weather conditions can change rapidly in Corsica, especially in autumn. It is therefore advisable to check the forecast before planning your diving trip.
The Lavezzi Islands, located in the far south of Corsica, are a true sanctuary for scuba diving. This archipelago, a listed nature reserve, offers exceptional visibility and remarkable marine biodiversity.
The Lavezzi dive sites are varied, ranging from steep drop-offs to underwater caves and rocky plateaus. The wildlife here is particularly rich, with groupers, barracudas, moray eels, scorpionfish, and numerous species of colorful fish.
The “Lavezzi Cemetery,” a shallow site strewn with granite boulders, is a must-see for underwater photographers. The “Vacca Lighthouse,” with its sheer drop-off, is reserved for experienced divers.
Access to the Lavezzi Islands is by boat from Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio. Several diving clubs offer daily trips to these exceptional sites.
The Cerbicale Islands, located off the coast of Porto-Vecchio, are another diving gem in southern Corsica. This archipelago, also a listed nature reserve, is home to unspoiled seabeds and abundant marine life.
The Cerbicale dive sites are characterized by spectacular rock formations, caves, arches, and tunnels. The fauna is diverse, with groupers, sea bream, sea bream, and numerous species of invertebrates (starfish, sea urchins, nudibranchs).
The wreck of the P47 Thunderbolt, an American fighter plane shot down during World War II, is one of the most popular sites for divers. The wreck, in good condition, lies at a depth of 28 meters and is home to abundant marine life.
The Cerbicale Islands are accessible by boat from Porto-Vecchio. Several diving clubs offer daily excursions to these magnificent sites.
The Gulf of Porto-Vecchio also offers many interesting dive sites, suitable for all levels. The calm, sheltered waters of the gulf are ideal for introductory dives and training courses.
Santa Giulia Bay, with its turquoise waters and sandy bottom, is a great place for beginners. More experienced divers can explore the rocky drop-offs of Pointe Chiappa or the underwater caves of Pointe de la Folaca.
The wreck of the Italian cargo ship Tavolara, which sank in 1943, is another must-see site in the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. The wreck, in good condition, lies at a depth of 28 meters and is home to abundant marine life.
Several diving clubs are based in Porto-Vecchio and offer excursions to these various sites. The proximity to the city and the diversity of options make the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio an ideal destination for divers of all levels.
Diving in South Corsica is possible from April to October, but each season has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of time will depend on your preferences in terms of water temperature, crowds, and budget.
The months of June and September offer a good compromise, with pleasant water temperatures (between 20 and 25°C), more moderate tourist numbers, and more attractive rates than in high season. These months are ideal for beginner divers or those seeking tranquility.
July and August are the hottest months (water temperatures can reach 28°C) and the busiest. Prices are also higher. This period is suitable for divers who enjoy warmth and excitement, but it is important to book your trips in advance.
April and May offer beautiful scenery with nature in full bloom, but the water temperature can still be cool (below 20°C). October is a pleasant time, with the sea still warm and stunning autumn colors, but the weather can be more changeable.
To dive safely in South Corsica, it’s essential to choose a certified and recognized diving club. Several certification bodies exist (PADI, FFESSM, CMAS), guaranteeing compliance with strict safety standards and quality instruction.
Before booking, check that the club has the necessary certifications and that its instructors are qualified. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience, the equipment used, and the safety measures in place.
A good dive club will also ask you to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure you have no contraindications to diving. They will also provide you with all the necessary information on safety rules and guidelines to follow during dives.
To fully enjoy your dives in South Corsica, it’s important to be well-equipped and physically prepared. Most diving clubs provide basic equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, buoyancy compensator, regulator), but it’s recommended that you bring your own gear if you have it.
A full-body wetsuit of 5 to 7 mm thickness is recommended, even in summer, as the water can be chilly at depth or during extended dives. Neoprene gloves and booties can also be useful to protect your extremities from the cold.
Good physical condition is essential for safe diving. It is advisable to engage in regular physical activity before your trip and avoid diving if you are tired or ill.
It is also important to respect the safety rules regarding diving: never dive alone, respect the decompression stops, do not exceed the authorized depths, and ascend slowly in the event of a problem.
Freediving involves exploring the ocean floor while holding your breath. This discipline, which requires excellent physical fitness and self-control, offers a unique and intense experience in the heart of nature.
Unlike scuba diving, freediving doesn’t require complex equipment. A mask, snorkel, and fins are all you need to get started. More experienced freedivers also use a wetsuit, weights, and a dive computer.
Freediving is practiced on the surface (static or dynamic apnea) or at depth (constant or variable weight apnea). This discipline requires regular training and a good knowledge of one’s body and its limits.
Southern Corsica offers numerous sites suitable for freediving. The clear waters and rich marine life make it an ideal destination for freedivers of all levels.
The secluded coves of the wild coast, such as Roccapina and Tizzano, offer ideal conditions for freediving. These sheltered spots boast crystal-clear waters and a diverse seabed, allowing you to observe a rich array of flora and fauna at shallow depths.
The Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve is also a popular spot for freedivers. The protected waters of the reserve are home to exceptional biodiversity, including schools of colorful fish, groupers, and barracudas. The Lavezzi Islands, in particular, offer spectacular freediving sites, with their underwater rock formations and Posidonia seagrass beds.
For more experienced freedivers, the drop-offs at Cape Pertusato or Sperone Point offer deeper, more technical dives. These sites allow you to explore magnificent underwater landscapes, with vertical walls plunging into the deep blue.
It’s important to note that some sites are regulated or require authorization for freediving. It’s therefore recommended to check with local authorities or diving clubs before venturing to these spots.
The practice of freediving, although less technical than scuba diving, nevertheless requires compliance with certain safety rules:
For beginners, it is strongly recommended to take training from a certified instructor before embarking on independent freediving.
The diving season runs from April to October, with optimal conditions in June and September (warm water, good visibility, moderate crowds).
For exploration dives, certification (PADI, FFESSM, etc.) is generally required. However, beginners can take supervised introductory dives.
The water temperature ranges from 16°C in April to 28°C in August. A wetsuit is recommended year-round.
Like any underwater activity, diving involves risks. However, by following safety rules and diving with professionals, these risks are minimized.
Yes, most diving clubs offer full equipment rental (wetsuit, regulator, buoyancy compensator, etc.).
Absolutely. Many sites are suitable for beginners, and clubs offer courses for all levels.
Diving in Southern Corsica offers a unique experience, combining the discovery of exceptional underwater landscapes and encounters with diverse marine life. Are you a beginner or an experienced diver? Find sites suited to your level, allowing you to experience unforgettable moments in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
By choosing professional service providers and respecting safety regulations, you can fully enjoy this activity while preserving Corsica’s fragile marine environment. So don’t hesitate, dive into the adventure and discover the underwater wonders of Southern Corsica!
