7 diving spots to do by semi-rigid boat in France
France is full of exceptional and varied diving spots, easily accessible by semi-rigid boat. Whether you are an experienced diver or a snorkeling lover in search of new adventures, you will discover sites adapted to all levels.
Take advantage of our selection of the best places to dive or snorkel in France, using your semi-rigid boat to explore these underwater wonders.
1. The islands of Hyères: an underwater paradise to discover all year round
Located in the heart of Port-Cros National Park, the islands of Hyères offer divers an exceptional playground. Their turquoise waters, of exceptional clarity, house a remarkable marine biodiversity. Whether you are a beginner or confirmed diver, you will find your happiness among the many diving sites that dot this little archipelago.
The best seasons to dive
The best periods to dive into the Hyères islands extend from spring to fall, offering ideal conditions with clear waters and pleasant temperatures. In summer, although popular, can be more frequented and warmer waters. For experienced divers, winter can reserve beautiful surprises with a more active fauna, but requires equipment suitable for cooler waters.
Essential diving sites
- La Gabinière: This site is renowned for its dizzying drops and caves. You can observe a wide variety of fish, such as grooms, barracudas and moranes.
- The island of Port-Cros: The island of Port-Cros is a real sanctuary for marine flora and fauna. You can immerse it on wrecks, explore rocky bottoms or discover posidonia herbaries.
- The Giens peninsula: The Giens peninsula also offers many interesting diving sites, especially around the Bagaud and Petit Ribaud islands.
Underwater fauna and flora
The seabed from the Hyères islands shelter a fauna and a flora of exceptional richness. You can observe:
- Fish: Merors, Barracudas, Mourns, Girelles, Rouge, etc.
- Crustaceans: lobsters, lobsters, crabs, etc.
- Molluscs: octopus, cuttlefish, shells, etc.
- Marine mammals: Dolphins (occasionally)
- Posidonia herbaria: true nursery for many marine species.
2. The Scandola Marine Reserve: a jewel of the Mediterranean
Located in the heart of Corsican Regional Natural Park, the Scandola nature reserve is a real sanctuary for marine biodiversity. This exceptional site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers submarine landscapes of breathtaking beauty. Abrupt granite cliffs plunge into crystal clear waters, creating underwater canyons and mysterious caves. Access to the reserve is mainly by boat, from the ports of Girolata or Galéria.
The best seasons to dive
The ideal period to dive in Scandola extends from May to October. During these months, weather conditions are generally stable, offering excellent visibility and pleasant water temperatures. However, it should be noted that currents can be strong, even in summer, which makes diving more technical.
Essential diving sites
- The Rossu Capu: This site is renowned for its steep cliffs and underwater caves. Divers will be able to observe a rich and varied fauna there, in particular grooms, barracudas and corals.
- The Punta d'Arinella: This site offers spectacular droops and lunar underwater landscapes. Experienced divers will be able to explore deep caves and discover a more discreet fauna.
- The integral reserve: This strictly protected area is only accessible on authorization and with a guide. It houses exceptional biodiversity and allows you to discover rare species.
Underwater fauna and flora
The Scandola reserve houses a marine flora and fauna of exceptional richness. We find there:
- Fish: Merors, barracudas, dentis, girelles, murders, and many endemic species.
- Crustaceans: Lobster, lobsters, crabs.
- Molluscs: Poulpes, cuttlefish, shellfish.
- Corals: In particular the red coral, an emblematic species of the Mediterranean.
- Posidonia herbaria: true nursery for many marine species.
3. The Lérins Islands: a paradise for the first underwater steps
Located a stone's throw from Cannes, The Lérins Islands offer an idyllic setting for scuba diving. These two islands, Sainte-Marguerite And Saint-Honorat, are protected within a marine national park, thus guaranteeing the preservation of their fragile ecosystem. The seabed, shallow and rich alive, are perfect for beginner divers wishing to discover the joys of scuba diving.
The best seasons to dive
The best seasons to dive into the Lérins islands extend from May to October. During this period, water temperatures are pleasant, the visibility is good and the weather conditions are generally stable.
Essential diving sites
- The cave of the point of the observatory: This cave, accessible to beginner divers, offers a natural shelter for a varied fauna. The rays of the sun penetrating into the water create magnificent games of light.
- The fall of the galley: This shallow falling is ideal for the first explorations. You can observe a multitude of small colored fish and perhaps even octopuses hiding in the anfracuities.
Underwater fauna and flora
The seabed of the Lérins Islands shelter remarkable biodiversity. You can observe:
- Fish: Girelles, Sars, Sauges, Mournes, and sometimes even hippocamples.
- Crustaceans: Crabs, lobsters (rarer).
- Molluscs: Poulpes, cuttlefish, shellfish.
- Posidonia herbaria: These submarine meadows are home to a multitude of marine organizations.
4. The wrecks of Port-Vendres: a journey through underwater time
Located Port-Vendres, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the wrecks constitute a real submarine museum. This area, rich in maritime history, houses the remains of numerous ships, witnesses of conflicts and commercial activities of gone times. The most famous wrecks are those of warships sunk during the Second World War, offering divers a unique experience of exploring a historical heritage.
The best seasons to dive
The best period to dive on the wrecks of Port-Vendres extends from May to October. During this period, weather conditions are generally stable, offering excellent visibility and pleasant water temperatures.
Essential diving sites
- The Saumur: This French cargo, sunk by the Allies in 1944, is based at a depth accessible to confirmed divers. Its state of conservation is remarkable, allowing to explore the different parts of the ship.
- Astrée: Another cargo cargo during the Second World War, the Astrée offers an impressive spectacle with its large size and its position on the bottom.
- Alice Robert: Nicknamed "the banana", this ship transported bananas before being sunk. It is today an artificial reef housing a very rich marine fauna.
Underwater fauna and flora
The wrecks of Port-Vendres have become real artificial reefs, offering a habitat to a multitude of marine species. We find there:
- Fish: Merors, Barracudas, Mournes, Girelles, and many other species.
- Crustaceans: Lobster, lobsters, crabs.
- Molluscs: Poulpes, cuttlefish, shellfish.
- Corals: Although less abundant than in tropical regions, some species of corals can be observed in the Mediterranean.
5. The harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer: a biodiversity setting in the Mediterranean
Nestled between Nice and Monaco, The Rade de Villefranche-sur-Mer is a real Eldorado for divers. This vast bay, with crystal clear waters and protected from the prevailing winds, offers an exceptional setting to explore the seabed.
The best seasons to dive
The months of May to October are generally considered the high season for diving in Villefranche. During this period, water temperatures are softer, Visibility is excellent and the weather conditions are favorable.
Essential diving sites
The Rade de Villefranche is full of various diving sites, Suitable for all levels:
- The wrecks: Several wrecks, vestiges of a rich maritime story, rest at the bottom of the harbor. These artificial reefs are now real underwater oasis, Housing an abundant marine life.
- Les Doments: The underwater cliffs of the harbor offer spectacular landscapes and vertical dives for the most experienced.
- Posidonia herbaria: These underwater meadows, real lungs of the Mediterranean, shelter remarkable biodiversity.
Underwater fauna and flora
The biodiversity of the Villefranche harbor is exceptional. Divers will be able to observe:
- Marine mammals: Although rare, Dolphins can sometimes be seen on the surface.
- Fish: A multitude of fish people people of the harbor: Meroxes, molarns, Barracudas, And many colored fish.
- Crustaceans: Lobsters, Lobusts and crabs find refuge in the anfracuities of the rocks.
- Molluscs: Octopus, Fucties and nudibranchs in vibrant colors are easily observable.
- Corals and sponges: The seabed are dotted with gorgonians, sponges and other fixed organisms, Creating colored underwater landscapes.
6. The island of Yeu: a gem of the Vendée for diving enthusiasts
Located off the Vendée, theYeu Island, nicknamed "The Jewel of the Atlantic" is a popular destination for divers. Its waters, often agitated, house a rich and varied marine flora and fauna. The seabed, rugged and dotted with wrecks, offer dives for both beginners and for experienced divers.
The best seasons to dive
The best period to dive to the island of Yeu extends from May to September. During these months, weather conditions are generally stable, offering better visibility and more pleasant water temperatures.
Essential diving sites
- The wrecks: Several wrecks of ships rest around the island, offering a playground for divers passionate about history and exploration.
- The caves: The coasts of the island are dug with many caves, some accessible to beginner divers, others reserved for the most experienced.
- Les Doments: The underwater cliffs offer spectacular landscapes and house a rich and varied fauna.
Underwater fauna and flora
The waters around the island of Yeu house a great diversity marine fauna and flora. We find there:
- Fish: Bars, mackerel, yellow links, and sometimes even sharks.
- Crustaceans: Lobsters, lobsters, crabs.
- Molluscs: Poulpes, cuttlefish, shellfish.
- Algae: The seabed are covered with a multitude of algae, offering a shelter to many species.
7. The bay of Quiberon
The bay of Quiberon, located in Morbihan, is a real paradise for divers. This vast extent of water, with often calm and crystalline waters, offers an exceptional diversity of underwater landscapes. From sandy funds to steep rocks, including Zostera herbarium, each site offers a unique diving experience.
The best seasons to dive
The best period to dive into Quiberon bay extends from May to September. During these months, water temperatures are more pleasant, visibility is generally good and weather conditions are more stable.
Essential diving sites
The Quiberon bay offers a multitude of diving sites for all levels:
- The wrecks: Several wrecks of ships rest at the bottom of the bay, offering a playground for experienced divers.
- Les Doments: The underwater cliffs offer spectacular landscapes and house a rich and varied fauna.
- Zostères Herbiers: These underwater meadows are real nurseries for many marine species.
Underwater fauna and flora
The fauna and flora of Quiberon bay are exceptional. We find there:
- Marine mammals: Dolphins, seals.
- Fish: Bars, mackerel, yellow links, and sometimes even sharks.
- Crustaceans: Lobsters, lobsters, crabs.
- Molluscs: Poulpes, cuttlefish, shellfish.
- Algae: The seabed are covered with a multitude of algae, offering a shelter to many species.
Conclusion
In summary, France offers an incredible variety of diving spots accessible by semi-rigid boat. Whether you are looking to explore underwater cliffs or swim with multicolored fish, there is something for all tastes. Prepare your equipment and discover France's underwater wonders!
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