Top 6 not-to-be-missed diving

spots in the South of France

Dive into the turquoise waters of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, swim above the Posidonia meadows and the other underwater wonders of the Mediterranean… Kitted out with goggles, snorkel and flippers, on your own or with a professional you’ll meet some lovely things in a beautiful blue world!

Discover submarine wildlife just opposite Marseille

To the east of Le Riou, Le Grand Congloué is well-known among diving enthusiasts. This small rocky islet, an actual marine reserve, is home to a large variety of species that you can discover during a dive with a seasoned guide. Just next door, at the southern end of the Pointe de Caramassaigne on L’île du Riou, the 3 ilots des Impériaux, which can be reached by boat from Marseille, are filled with lovely surprises. As diving is locally a very popular sport, there are a number of diving clubs around Marseille. And there’s something for all levels, from beginners’ lessons to sea outings for seasoned divers, so let yourself be tempted!

Try your hand at being an explorer in the Mediterranean near Antibes

Several popular diving sites in the bay of Golfe Juan promise some outstanding discoveries. From Cap d’Antibes to the îles de Lérins and the wrecks of ships, you’ll be amazed… flippers and all! Diving conditions are generally good and offer clear visibility to observe the abundant marine life. A few metres from the La Fourmigue lighthouse, there is a sort of little Atlantis. In other words, a legendary city engulfed by the water of the Atlantic Ocean according to Greek mythology. It’s really an old cinema set which was drowned! Corals, starfish, and sponges all populate this site which is famed for its strong currents and depths. Just by La Fourmigue there’s a site which has been nicknamed “Dante’s Inferno” because it’s a difficult technical dive of up to 40 metres and therefore reserved for seasoned divers.

Back to the past in diving mode in Cavalaire

Cavalaire-sur-Mer is a diving reference in the Var. Between Saint-Tropez and Le Lavandou, experienced divers venture off to discover several wrecks which are easy to reach, one of the most popular being “le Rubis”. This French navy submarine was sunk in 1944. At a depth of 40 metres, only experienced divers with a deep sea diving certificate can admire it. Nearby, the “Togo”, a German cargo sunk in 1944 at a depth of 60 metres, also attracts the curiosity of qualified divers. You will also need to have the appropriate experience to be able to visit it. To guarantee your safety and the conservation of the wreck, we recommend you dive with a qualified guide or instructor.

Get an exotic feel on the Côte Bleue at L’Arche du Moulon

At L’Arche du Moulon on the Côte Bleue, you’ll feel at home in the sea. This diving site in the Bouches-du-Rhône, on the seafront to the north of Marseille, boasts a natural arch formed by the erosion of the limestone rock. To get to know it, head 20 metres under the surface. The narrow passages which lead into the arch are its main attraction. Under the Rocher du Moulon, you’ll find a wall of Gorgonian sea fans and a coralligenous population. All around you, corals, anemones and multicoloured sponges live in harmony. Get nearer to explore the underwater caves and caverns, coral reeds and schools of fish. The site is accessible to divers of all levels, but beginners must be accompanied by an experienced guide. You can also discover the Côte Bleue underwater trail at Carry-le-Rouet, which you can get to by train with a panoramic view of the sea!

Enjoy the underwater peace and colours on the Ile des Embiez

Not far from Six Fours les Plages in the Var, Ile des Embiez has several diving centres which offer sea outings and lessons for beginners. Among the popular diving sites around the island, you have the Grotte de la Triperie, the Roche aux Oiseaux and the Pierre de la Commune. Here, snorkelling is child’s play, particularly from Crique des Allemands and the Grand Rouveau beaches. But please respect the marine environment and avoid touching or disturbing animals and corals. And if you’re really fascinated by the secrets that the sea has to offer, take some time to discover the museum and the aquarium of the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard right at the end of the island.

Go underwater at Cap d’Antibes

Take a deep breath and dive into the crystal-clear water off Cap Gros on Cap d’Antibes. At this end of the Alpes Maritimes, the most appreciated diving sites are the Cap Gros cave, the fault at l’île de la Tradelière and the Rocher de l’Ours. Underwater, you’ll be able to see shoals of fish, sea turtles, cuttlefish, octopus and if you ‘re really lucky, dophins. With exceptional rock formations, caves and wrecks, a special diving autorisation is necessary in some protected areas around Cap d’Antibes. A bit of advice, consult the local diving centres for the regulations in force. Make the most of being near the Lérins Islands and Cap d’Antibes to discover, on the one hand, the Écomusée sous-marin and works by the sculptor Jason Decaires Taylor on the island of Sainte-Marguerite and, on the other hand, the Espace Mer et Littoral Posidonia in Antibes, where they also provide underwater hikes with flippers, goggles and snorkel.

to discover

Sea excursions with Riviera Lines Golfe-Juan

Shuttle to Ile Sainte-Marguerite. Guided cruise to Monaco, Saint-Tropez and the Corniche d'Or from April to September. Tickets on site.

Le Rubis

Unmissable wreck in the Mediterranean, the Rubis submarine is one of the 100 most beautiful dives in the world! It rests 41m deep on a bed of white sand at the foot of Cap...

Balade en mer Marseille-Côte Bleue

Balade en mer Marseille - Côte Bleue offers à la carte sea excursions in the Calanques National Park around Frioul and on the Côte Bleue. Passenger vessels authorized in the...

Site de plongée des Impériaux

In the Parc National des Calanques, at the eastern end of the island of Riou, this diving spot is made up of three rocks and a vertiginous drop-off, offering a wealth of free...