Scuba diving is more than just a water sport: it’s a true invitation to explore a fascinating, often overlooked world. Equipped with specific equipment, such as a mask, regulator, and air tank, divers set out to discover the treasures hidden beneath the sea’s surface. This activity allows them to observe aquatic life up close—colorful fish, majestic coral, kelp forests—but also to discover shipwrecks steeped in history and breathtaking underwater landscapes.

Generally, especially for beginners, diving is supervised by qualified professionals. Before each outing, a short briefing session is held. You’ll learn underwater communication gestures (the famous diving signs), essential safety reflexes, and equipment handling. Equipment is generally provided by local dive centers: wetsuit, fins, mask, buoyancy compensator, and, of course, the precious oxygen tank.

And for those who would like to experience the joys of marine exploration without necessarily going to great depths, snorkeling is an excellent alternative.

Haute-Corse, with its translucent waters and rich and varied seabeds, is a little paradise for all those who wish to discover this activity or deepen their practice.

The best diving spots in Haute-Corse

It’s hard to resist the call of the sea when you discover the gems of Haute-Corse! This region offers a multitude of sites suitable for both novices and experienced divers. Here are a few must-see spots:

Calvi

Calvi is a name that often comes up when discussing diving in Haute-Corse, and for good reason. This charming corner of the Balagne region is home to the wreck of the B17, an American bomber that crashed into Corsican waters during World War II. Lying at a depth of approximately 28 meters, the wreck has now become a refuge for numerous marine species. The spectacle is breathtaking, whether you’re a history buff or simply a fan of beautiful images.

Around Calvi, several other sites offer diverse underwater landscapes: rocks, dizzying drop-offs, natural arches, and mysterious caves, to be explored with the currents.

Scandola Nature Reserve (access by boat)

Although it’s a little further south, the Scandola Nature Reserve is well worth a detour. Accessible by boat from Haute-Corse, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true ecological sanctuary. Everything here is protected: the flora, fauna, and seabed. Diving at Scandola offers spectacular scenery—red cliffs plunged into deep blue waters, caves inhabited by multicolored fish, schools of barracuda, and vibrant coral.

Ile-Rousse

Not far from L’Île-Rousse, several clubs offer introductory diving sessions as well as excursions for certified divers. The sites are particularly suitable for beginners: the seabed is shallow, the currents moderate, and the biodiversity exceptional. Between the Posidonia seagrass beds, the sea urchin fields, and the curious fish, wonder is guaranteed.

Saint-Florent

At the entrance to the Agriates Desert, the Saint-Florent region also offers excellent diving opportunities. Steep drop-offs, rocky faults, and even a few wrecks await divers. The sites vary in depth and difficulty, allowing everyone to find what they’re looking for, whether they’re a beginner or an experienced divers.

Why choose Haute-Corse for diving?

Choosing Haute-Corse as a diving destination means choosing raw beauty, authentic simplicity and the promise of unforgettable memories.

A clear and preserved sea

One of the greatest assets of Haute-Corse is the exceptional clarity of its waters. Visibility often exceeds 20 meters, which is rare in the Mediterranean. Underwater, the light dances on the rocks, accentuating the vivid colors of the corals and the elegant silhouettes of the fish. This clarity makes exploration even more immersive, even for those who don’t venture very deep.

Amazing biodiversity

The biological richness of Corsican waters is always a pleasant surprise. Around a crevice or rock, it’s not uncommon to spot a peaceful grouper, a hidden moray eel, rays gliding in the current, or schools of sea bream glistening in the sunlight. Underwater macro photography enthusiasts can also delight in the multitude of small marine creatures that inhabit the seabed.

Quality diving centers

Haute-Corse is very well-equipped in terms of infrastructure. There are numerous diving centers and they are generally very professional. The welcome is warm, the equipment is high-quality, and the support is professional. Whether you’re here for an introductory dive, to upgrade your diving skills, or simply to explore the spots, the supervision is excellent.

An activity for everyone

You don’t need to be a great athlete or know how to swim like a dolphin to learn to dive. From the age of 8, children can take their first underwater dive, supervised by attentive professionals. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, snorkeling allows you to discover the beauty of the seabed without constraints: mask, snorkel, fins, and off you go!

A parenthesis out of time

Underwater, the world seems to shift into another dimension. The silence is broken only by the air bubbles escaping from the regulator. Each movement becomes slower, more fluid. You feel light, weightless. It’s a unique sensory experience that provides a true disconnect from the frenzy of everyday life.

Conclusion

Scuba diving in Haute-Corse is much more than just a tourist activity: it’s a true immersion into a fascinating, rich, and colorful universe. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced diver, there’s always something new to discover beneath the surface of Corsica’s waters.

Between historical sites like the B17 wreck in Calvi, the spectacular seascapes of Scandola, the accessible depths of Île-Rousse or the mysterious drop-offs of Saint-Florent, Haute-Corse offers a rare diversity for lovers of the sea.

So if you’re looking for a different experience, one that’s both soothing and exhilarating, don’t hesitate: put on your wetsuit, adjust your mask, and let yourself be carried away by the clear, welcoming waters of Haute-Corse. An adventure you’ll remember for a long time awaits you, between sky and sea.

FAQ : All you need to know about diving in Haute-Corse

When is the best time to dive in Haute-Corse in 2025?

The ideal time runs from May to October, with an optimum between June and September, combining warm water (20-26°C) and excellent visibility (up to 30 meters). June and September offer an excellent compromise between favorable conditions and moderate use of sites.

Summer (July-August) is the hottest season, but also the busiest. but also the busiest. The shoulder seasons (May and October) appeal to experienced divers looking for peace and quiet. optimum visibilityThe water, however, is cooler, requiring a suitable wetsuit.

Dive centers are generally open from April to November, with a full range of services during the high season and more limited services at the end of the season.

Can children go scuba diving in Haute-Corse?

Yes, diving is an activity accessible to children from the age of 8 in Haute-Corse, thanks to programs specifically designed for them. For 8-10 year olds, the centers offer baptisms in the pool or in very shallow water (maximum 2 meters) with a reinforced supervision (one instructor for one child).

From the age of 10, children can take adapted courses such as PADI Scuba Diver Junior or FFESSM Gold DiverThis allows exploration down to 12 meters. The Balagne and eastern coast sites are particularly well-suited to young divers, thanks to their calm, shallow waters.

The equipment is specifically designed for children’s body shapeswith adapted wetsuits, regulators and stabilizing vests. In 2025, several centers developed fun educational approaches combining marine discovery and environmental awareness.

How to choose the right diving center in Haute-Corse?

To select a quality dive centerIf you’re looking for a dive center, check its certifications (FFESSM, PADI or SSI affiliation) and the experience of its instructors (ideally BEES or DEJEPS). Check online reviews, especially those mentioning safety and quality of supervision.

Group size is an important indicator: choose centers that limit groups to a maximum of 8 divers per guide. Ask about the condition and recency of the equipment provided, as well as disinfection procedures. Some centers offer additional benefits such as economical multi-dive packages or combinations with accommodation.

Depending on your level, make sure the center offers sites suited to your skills and interests. interests. Finally, for 2025, check the center’s environmental commitments (ecological certifications, participation in marine conservation programs).

What remarkable marine species can be observed in Haute-Corse?

The marine biodiversity in Haute-Corse is particularly rich, with several emblematic species. The brown grouper, once endangered but now present thanks to protection measures, is frequently encountered in the the Scandola reserve and around Cap Corse.

Barracudas are often found in impressive schools, particularly in late summer. The great mother-of-pearl (Pinna nobilis), even though affected by a recent epizooticIn some unspoilt areas, it can still be observed. Lucky divers may catch a glimpse of stingrays or even the elegant eagle ray.

Crustaceans are well represented with lobstersLobsters and spider crabs nestling in rocky crevices. For lovers of small species, colorful nudibranchsspirographs and various species of gobies deserve special attention.

According to 2025 data from the Parc Naturel Marin du Cap Corsesightings of loggerhead turtles and occasionally dolphins are reported, particularly in the Gulf of Saint-Florent.

What are the average rates for diving in Haute-Corse in 2025?

The diving rates vary according to the type of activity and service. A first dive costs between €50 and €80 for a 30-minute experience. A simple exploration dive generally costs between 40€ and 60€ for certified divers bringing their own bringing their own equipment, and between 55€ and 75€ with full equipment rental.

The centers offer attractive packages For example, 5 dives for 250-300€ or 10 dives for 450-550€. Complete training courses are priced as follows: FFESSM level 1 or PADI Open Water between 400€ and 500€, level 2 or Advanced Open Water between 450€ and 600€.

Supplements are sometimes charged for remote sites such as the Scandola reserve (10-20€) or for special dives (wrecks, deep dives). To optimize your budget, choose the off-peak season (June or September), when many centers offer special rates. discounts of 10 to 15% on their services.

How do I book dives in advance for a holiday in Haute-Corse?

We strongly strongly recommended to reserve your dives in advance, especially between mid-July and the end of August, when demand often exceeds dive center capacity. For the most popular sites, such as the Scandola reserve or the B17 wreckplaces can be fully booked 2-3 weeks in advance at the height of the season.

By 2025, most centers will offer online online booking systems to secure your place before you arrive. For training courses, the advance booking is absolutely necessary, ideally 1-2 months before your stay.

If you are planning to dive in a group (more than 4 people), please contact the centers directly by phone or email. Rather than using standard booking platforms.

Please allow for a deposit of around 30% to confirm your booking, with the balance usually paid on site. Check cancellation conditionsmost centers offer a full refund up to 48-72 hours before the activity in the event of an impediment or unfavorable weather conditions.

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