Diving in Haute-Corse

The scuba diving in Haute-Corse represents an extraordinary experience for all lovers of aquatic discovery. This northern region of the Isle of Beauty boasts an exceptional underwater world, characterized by crystal-clear waters, a marine biodiversity and a variety of dive sites.

From historic shipwrecks to mysterious cavesThe Haute-Corse offers an underwater playground to suit all levels of experience. In 2025, exploring Corsica’s seabed remains an unforgettable adventure combining sensations, wonder and communion with a wilderness of striking beauty.

Haute-Corse is home to some of the most some of the most spectacular dive sites of the Mediterranean. This diversity allows each diver to find the environment that best suits his or her needs. technical level.

The Scandola Reserve: a preserved jewel

La Scandola Nature ReserveThis UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most remarkable dive sites in Haute-Corse. Situated at the gateway to this protected area, diving here reveals a wealth of marine life. exceptionally rich of exceptional richness.

In 2025, diving within the reserve will remain reserve remains strictly regulatedThe surrounding areas offer equally memorable experiences. Volcanic rock formations plunge to the depths, creating spectacular reliefs that are home to a wide range of species. marine biodiversity impressive.

The vertiginous drop-offs are adorned with red and yellow gorgonians that ripple gracefully with the currents.offering a fascinating spectacle even the most experienced divers.

It should be noted that exceptional water clarity in this region often allows visibility in excess of 30 meters. This transparency, combined with the richness of the marine life, makes this site a an underwater photographic paradise. Large groupers, schools of barracudas and sometimes even devil rays populate these unspoilt waters.

What’s more, dive centers operating in the region are now offering eco-responsible approachesto limit the impact of visitors on this fragile environment. This approach is part of a broader trend towards sustainable tourism that characterizes diving in France. Haute-Corse in 2025.

The B17 wreck in Calvi: an immersion in history

The wreck of the B17 bomber, lying at a depth of 28 metres off Calvi, is one of the most historic historic diving sites on the island. This relic of the Second World War, relatively well preserved despite decades spent underwater, offers a unique experience combining history and underwater exploration.

The American bomber, with itsan impressive wingspan of 23 metresThe site is now colonized by a variety of marine species, forming a veritable artificial reef. Divers can explore the aircraft’s structureincluding the cockpit, and observe the still visible details of this aircraft transformed into an underwater refuge.

Meeting this giant of history, in the silence the silence of the deepcreates a particularly moving atmosphere.

The site attracts divers from all over the world divers from all over the worldFor those who are passionate about history or simply curious to discover this emblematic wreck. Accessible to divers intermediate level (level 2 or equivalent)It does, however, require good buoyancy control to avoid any damage to this historic underwater heritage.

By 2025, Calvi’s diving centers continue to organize regular outings to this site, accompanied by detailed briefings on the history of this aircraft and the circumstances of its ditching. This educational dimension considerably enriches the experience, transforming a simple dive into a veritable journey through time.

The exceptional sites of Cap Corse

The Cape CorsicaThis peninsula, which stretches out towards the north of the island, offers particularly remarkable diving conditions. Its crystal-clear waters and varied seabed make it an ideal exploration area for underwater thrill-seekers.

The drop-offs at Cap Corse sometimes descend to depths of over 50 metres, offering impressive impressive vertical dives. These natural walls are carpeted with multicolored gorgonians and pierced by numerous anfractuosities that shelter a rich and diverse fauna. Lobsters, moray eels, capons and sometimes groupers find refuge in these complex rocky habitats.

For example, the Tour Sainte Marie site offers an alternation of drop-offs and rocky plateaus, where you can observe spider crabs and various species of brightly-colored nudibranchs. bright colors. Further north, the Giraglia Island is an exceptional diving site, with a gentle progression that allows divers of all levels to appreciate the beauty of the sea. Corsica’s seabed.

The fact is that these sites, less frequented than those in the Balagne region, offer a more intimate and wild diving experience. The diving conditions at Cap Corse can be influenced by winds and currents. It is therefore advisable to check with local centers who know exactly what conditions are best for each site.

The success of a diving experience in Haute-Corse depends to a large extent on adequate preparation. preparation and equipment adapted to local conditions. A few precautions and a little prior knowledge guarantee a safe and enjoyable underwater adventure. fully satisfactory.

Essential equipment and local specificities

To take full advantage of Corsica’s seabed, some special specific equipment are recommended, while others can easily be rented on site from diving centers.

Basic equipment includes a neoprene wetsuit adapted to the water temperature. In 2025, even during the summer months when water can reach 26°C at the surfaceFor shallow dives, a shorty wetsuit (3mm) is recommended. For deeper dives or dives out of season, a thicker wetsuit (5-7mm) is recommended, as temperatures can drop to 15-17°C at depth.

Technical equipment such as cylinders, regulators, stabilizing jackets (BCD) and dive computers is generally supplied by dive centers. This equipment is regularly maintained and disinfected between uses, in accordance with health standards in 2025.

However, some personal equipment for reasons of comfort and hygiene:

• a perfectly fitting mask, avoiding water ingress and fogging ;
• a personal shorty if you are particularly sensitive to the cold;
• neoprene booties to protect your feet on rocky ingress and egress.

These specific recommendations take into accounthe specific characteristics of dive sites in Haute-Corse, often characterized by entry and exit from boats or rocky areas. Dive centers generally offer preferential rates for divers who bring some of their own equipment.

Essential safety rules

Diving in Haute-Corse, as elsewhere, requires compliance with fundamental safety rules to ensure a safe and responsible diving experience.

First of all, never dive alone. The buddy system is the first step towards diving safety line. Each diver keeps an eye on his or her partner and can intervene quickly in case of difficulty. This mutual vigilance is particularly valuable when exploration of more technical sites such as caves and shipwrecks.

Secondly, scrupulously respect your certification certification and experience limits. The beauty of Corsica’s landscapes can sometimes encourage you to go beyond your prerogatives, but this imprudence can also have a negative impact on the environment. serious consequences. Dive centers systematically assess the level of participants to guide them to sites suited to their skills.

In 2025, safety standards recommend maximum speed of 9-10 meters per minute, with a preference for even slower ascents. The modern diving greatly facilitate compliance with these safety parameters, but constant attention is still required.

It must be said that the Mediterranean, less dangerous than some tropical seasIt is home to fragile ecosystems that deserve our respect. Avoid contact with the seabedDon’t feed the fish, and don’t take any underwater “souvenirs”. The golden rule remains: “Leave only bubbles, take only photos.”

Physical preparation and medical considerations

The physical condition plays an important role in the quality of the diving experience. Contrary to popular belief, diving doesn’t require you to be an accomplished athlete, but a few prerequisites are essential.

First of all, knowing how to swim comfortably in deep water is the fundamental skill required. It is not necessary to be a competitive swimmerBut feeling at ease in the water is essential if you are to enjoy the activity to the full. Our guides are trained to adapt courses to suit participants’ abilitiesoften offering alternatives to the more technical sections.

A good general physical condition is also recommended. Diving involves walking with equipment, sometimes on the water. irregular terrainas well as a few occasional efforts. However, the introductory courses are designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. large numberincluding children aged 8 and over, depending on the center.

That said, certain medical contraindications must be taken into account: heart problems, severe hypertension, uncontrolled epilepsy or pregnancy are generally incompatible with diving. If in doubt about your fitness, consult a doctor before booking your activity.

By 2025, the number of in Haute-Corse generally require a medical questionnaire before the first immersion. This simple document helps identify any contraindications. For people over 45 years of age or with risk factors, a medical certificate of no contraindication issued by a doctor, ideally specialized in diving medicineis often required.

For the ultimate underwater experience, choosing a professional professional diving center is essential. The Haute-Corse region boasts a number of reputable structures that stand out for their expertise and the quality of their services.

L’Incantu: an institution in Galeria

The diving center L’Incantulocated in Galeria, has established itself as an essential reference point for diving in Haute-Corse. Strategically positioned at the gateway to the Scandola nature reserve, the center is today one of the world’s leading diving centers. the largest diving facility in Corsica.

With its six vessels and approximately 25,000 immersions a yearL’Incantu is one of the largest scuba diving centers in France. The team, led by Jo Vrijens (BEES-2, National Instructor), comprises five permanent monitorsall of whom hold at least the French “brevet d’État”. This expertise guarantees quality supervision and optimum safety for all divers.

In 2025, the center offers a full range of services: exploration dives, underwater excursions, FFESSM technical training courses ranging from children’s diving to preparation for the 2nd degree monitorat. Specific topics such as apnea, Nitrox or underwater biology are also on the program.

A major advantage of L’Incantu is its integration into the integration with the Résidence IncantuThis “all-in-one” formula makes it much easier to organize diving trips. This “all-in-one” formula greatly facilitates the organization of diving holidays, particularly appreciated by groups and families.

For the year 2025, the center has already scheduled several special eventsincluding a freediving course in October with double champion Patrick Poggi, as well as special training courses for supervisors (GP and MF1) at different times of the year.

Reference centers in Calvi and Balagne

The Calvi and Balagne region is another major hub for diving in Haute-Corse. Several top-quality centers offer services to suit all levels and tastes.

In Calvi, several structures stand out for their professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the knowledge of the surrounding sitess. These centers enjoy privileged access to emblematic spots such as the B17 wreck, the Revellata nature reserve or the rocks of the danger of Algajola.

Calvi’s diving centers generally offer introductory dives from €50 for a 30-minute dive, explorations at 70€ for 45 minutes and various training courses ranging from 80€ for a level 1 to 120€ for level 3.

These rates, relatively stable since 2024, generally include supply of all equipmentand sometimes transfer from a central meeting point.

The diving experience typically begins with a full briefing on safety instructions and equipment use. After fitting out and a short adaptation session in shallow waterAt the end of the day, divers depart by boat for their chosen site, where they can admire the local underwater flora and fauna accompanied by their expert guide.

In 2025, several of Calvi’s dive centers enhanced their offerings with marine conservation programs and thematic dives. thematic dives underwater photography or observation of the region’s emblematic species.

Cap Corse and east coast centers

Visit Cap Corse and the east coast also offer excellent diving opportunities, with specialized centers offering explorations of less-frequented but equally remarkable sites.

In Cap Corse, a number of structures based in Macinaggio and also in the in the Saint-Florent region allow you to underwater riches of this peninsula of contrasting landscapes. These centers, often of a more modest size, offer a personalized approach and intimate knowledge of local sites.

On the east coast, between Bastia and Moriani, a number of centers specialize in welcoming families and beginners to sheltered, progressive dive sites. sheltered, progressive dive sitesideal for beginners. These structures often offer packages combining diving and other nautical activities such as snorkelling and snorkelling.

Despite the fact that these centers are sometimes less well-known than those in the Balagne region, they often offer a more intimate, authentic experience. more intimate and authentic experienceaway from the tourist crowds of the most popular sites. The value for money is also often advantageous, with rates slightly lower than those charged in more touristy areas.

It should be noted that these centers generally maintain the same safety and quality standards as their their counterparts in busier regions. Instructor certification, equipment maintenance and compliance with safety protocols remain top priorities, guaranteeing an experience that is both safe and rewarding for all divers.

Haute-Corse is an ideal ideal learning ground to learn to dive or perfect your skills. Local centers offer a wide range of internationally recognized training courses.

PADI training courses and their specific features

The PADI certifications (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) are the global benchmark for diving training. In Haute-Corse, several centers offer these standardized courses, enabling you to obtain patents recognized on every continent.

The PADI course generally begins with the Scuba Diver, the first level accessible from the age of 10. This initial trainingThis course, which can be completed in 2-3 days for around 330€, covers the theoretical and practical basics through 3 open water dives. It then enables you to dive to a depth of 12 meters. accompanied by a professional.

The next stage, Open Water Diver, accessible from the age of 15, completes this initial training with 2 additional theory chapters and 2 additional dives. Lasting 5 days and costing an average of €470 in 2025, this certification allows you to dive autonomously to a depth of 18 metres, and is the first real passport to explore the world’s seabed.

For divers wishing to improve their skills, Advanced Open Water Diver offers 5 specialized dives (deep, navigation, wreck, etc.) allowing access to depths of 30 meters. With an average cost of €455, this course is an excellent investment for discover the exceptional sites of Haute-Corse.

In 2025, several centers have developed PADI Specialty programs focused on the particularities of diving in the Mediterraneansuch as identifying local species or exploring underwater caves, thus enriching the learning experience.

The French FFESSM system

Alongside the PADI system, many dive centers in Haute-Corse offer the FFESSM (Fédération Française d’Études et de Sports Sous-Marins) courses, particularly popular with French-speaking divers.

FFESSM Level 1 allows you to accompanied diving a guide to a depth of 20 meters. This certification is generally obtained in one week, and includes several open water dives as well as theoretical training on the fundamentals of diving.

For divers aspiring to autonomy, level 2 is an important milestone. It authorizes dives between divers of the same level up to 20 meters and supervised dives up to 40 meters. This in-depth training covers, among other things, the management of safety and dive planning.

For those who want to take one step furtherLevel 3 allows real autonomy up to 60 meters, opening up access to all of Haute-Corse’s dive sites. This certification requires significant experience and in-depth training in deep diving techniques.

Note that specialized centers such as L’Incantu in Galeria also offer supervisory training courses such as Guide de Palanquée (GP) and Moniteur Fédéral 1er degré (MF1), enabling enthusiasts to take the next step a further step in their diving career.

Specialized training and nitrox

In addition to standard training courses, several centers in Haute-Corse offer specialised training courses specialized training courses to meet divers’ particular needs or interests.

Nitrox certification, increasingly popular in 2025, allows you to use gas mixtures enriched with oxygen, thus extending dive times and reducing the risk of decompression sickness. This short course (usually one day) is open to divers from Level 1 or Open Water and represents an excellent complement to optimize your diving experience in Haute-Corse.

The children’s diving courses are also being developed, enabling youngsters aged 8 and over to discover the joys of diving in a safe and appropriate environment. These programs, designed specifically for the very young, emphasize play and discovery, while instilling a sense of responsibility. the basics of underwater safety.

Underwater biology is another specialty offered by a number of centers in Haute-Corse. These courses enable you to identify Mediterranean species and a better understanding of local ecosystems, considerably enriching the diving experience with a an educational dimension.

For budding or experienced photographers, underwater photography courses are also available. These specialized courses cover techniques specific and approaches that respect marine life to capture exceptional images. exceptional images without disturbing the environment.

It is interesting to note that these specialized training courses are becoming increasingly popular in 2025, testifying toan evolution in the practice of diving towards a richer, more diversified experience, going beyond simple exploration to include educational dimensions, artistic or technical.

Choosing the optimal period to discover the Corsican seabed has a considerable influence on the quality of the experience. Between water temperature, visibility and crowds, there are many factors to consider.

The best periods according to site

The diving season in Haute-Corse generally runs from April to November, with optimal conditions from June to September, depending on the region.

For sites on the west coast, including Calvi, Galeria and the the Scandola reserveThe ideal period is between June and October. During these months, water temperatures fluctuate between 20 and 26°C. visibility up to 30 metres horizontally. The westerly wind, sometimes present at the beginning of the season, tends to diminish in intensity during the summer, offering milder sea conditions.

The sites on Cap Corse, which are more exposed to northerly winds, are generally more pleasant to explore between July and September, when weather conditions are more stable. The east coast, on the other hand, benefits from relative protection from the prevailing winds, and can offer acceptable diving conditions even at the start of the season (April-May) or during the summer. late autumn (October-November).

It should be noted that visitor numbers vary considerably according to the season. The high season (July-August) sees a large attendanceThis is particularly true of emblematic sites such as the B17 wreck and the Scandola reserve. June and September offer an excellent compromise between favorable conditions and moderate visitor numbers.

For example, a study carried out by the the Parc Naturel Marin du Cap Corse et de l’Agriate in 2024 reveals that diving pressure on certain emblematic sites can be up to four times greater in August than in June, for the same conditions of visibility and temperature conditions.

Water temperature and visibility by month

The underwater conditions evolve significantly over the months, directly influencing the quality of the diving experience in Haute-Corse.

In spring (April-May), water temperatures fluctuate between 15°C and 18°C, requiring a thick wetsuit (7mm) for acceptable thermal comfort. acceptable thermal comfort. On the other hand, this period often offers exceptional visibility in excess of 30 metres horizontally. Marine fauna is particularly active during the breeding season, with the presence of many migratory species.

Summer (June-September) represents the peak of the season with water temperatures reaching 23-26°C at the surface and rarely less than 17°C at depth. A shorty or 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient for shallow dives. Visibility remains excellent as long as weather conditions are stable, but can temporarily deteriorate after the rare summer thunderstorms.

Autumn (October-November) is a particularly popular period for underwater photographers and and experienced divers. The water, still relatively warm (18-23°C), offers remarkable clarity. What’s more, the drop in tourist numbers means that you can discover the most popular sites in a more serene atmosphere.

In 2025, several diving centers developed specific offers for off-season periods, combining attractive rates and programs adapted to the specific conditions of these months. These formulas make it possible to take full advantage of these less busy periods while minimizing the potential inconveniences associated with more variable weather conditions.

Impact of weather conditions

The weather conditions play a decisive role in the Haute-Corse diving scene. The geographical configuration of the island, with its coasts exposed to different prevailing winds, creates a diversity of situations to optimize your experience.

Wind is the meteorological factor the most limiting for diving. The Tramontane (north-westerly wind) can make access to exposed sites on Cap Corse and the west coast difficult. The Libeccio (westerly wind) mainly affects the west coast, while the Grégale (north-easterly wind) affects the east coast. Fortunately, whatever the wind direction, there are always sheltered sites accessible by car. Upper Corsica.

Dive centers keep a close eye weather forecasts and adapt their programs accordingly. By 2025, most of them will be using specialized applications that combine weather, tide and sea state data to optimize their choice of route. sites daily.

Applications such as Windy or Dive Weatherparticularly popular among divers in 2025, provide specific forecasts for diving, including estimated visibility, water temperature and current direction. These tools enable divers to plan their outings with even greater precision.

Furthermore, thunderstorms, which are rare in summer, can temporarily impair underwater visibility. underwater visibility due to terrestrial runoff. These phenomena are generally short-lived, as water clarity is quickly restored by sea currents, which efficiently renew the water’s quality. coastal water bodies.