Scuba diving in Haute-Corse offers a captivating experience, an immersion in a silent world with exceptional landscapes and biodiversity. The northern region of the Isle of Beauty is renowned for the clarity of its waters , its varied sites ranging from historic wrecks to dizzying drop-offs, and its preserved nature reserves.
Whether you are planning to discover diving through a baptism, or you are an experienced diver looking for new adventures , Haute-Corse in 2025 is a destination of choice. This detailed guide will present you with the most exceptional diving sites, recognized training centers and all the practical information essential for planning your underwater exploration.
Haute-Corse is full of remarkable diving sites , each offering a unique atmosphere and discoveries . From protected waters to impressive drop-offs, diversity is guaranteed.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Scandola Nature Reserve is a marine sanctuary of exceptional richness. While diving is strictly regulated within the reserve itself to preserve this fragile ecosystem , the surrounding areas offer equally spectacular dives. The seabed is incredibly beautiful , with impressive volcanic rock formations .
Sites like Punta Palazzu or Punta Nera, located at the edge of the reserve, allow you to admire the typical flora and fauna of the preserved Mediterranean . Curious groupers, schools of dentex and majestic corbs are frequently observed there, swimming among colorful gorgonians . Visibility is often exceptional, regularly exceeding 30 meters, making it a paradise for underwater photographers.
It is important to know that diving in this area requires the support of an approved diving center, guaranteeing compliance with regulations and the safety of divers. In 2025, centers based in Galéria or Calvi offer specific excursions to these prestigious sites , often combined with a discovery of the coastline from the boat . This approach allows for complete immersion in this unique natural heritage.
Off the coast of Calvi lies one of the Mediterranean’s most famous wrecks: an American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber dating from World War II. The plane lies 28 meters deep on a sandbank, relatively well preserved despite its decades underwater. This dive is a unique experience , combining history and underwater exploration.
The wreck, 23 meters long and with a wingspan of 32 meters, has become an artificial reef teeming with life. The metal structures are colonized by sponges and colorful algae, while the cavities are home to conger eels, moray eels and schools of fish. It is even possible to explore the interior of the cockpit , offering a poignant testimony to the past.
This dive is accessible to level 2 divers (PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) due to the depth. That being said, conditions are generally mild with little current, making exploration enjoyable . Calvi dive centers, such as Calvi Plongée or Diving Corsica, very regularly organize trips to this iconic site in 2025, accompanied by a detailed historical briefing on the history of this aircraft .
Cap Corse , this wild peninsula that stretches towards the north, offers more technical and challenging dives , ideal for experienced divers looking for thrills. Its jagged coasts plunge abruptly into the sea, creating dizzying drop-offs and mysterious underwater caves.
The sites around Macinaggio, such as Pointe d’Agnello or the island of Giraglia, are characterized by rock walls sometimes descending to more than 50 meters.
These drop-offs are covered with spectacular red and yellow gorgonians, particularly well preserved thanks to the sea currents that encourage their development. Wildlife is also abundant, with the frequent presence of lobsters, fork-nosed squid and sometimes even stingrays .
Imagine that Cap Corse is also home to several underwater caves accessible to qualified divers . These explorations, which require specific training and suitable equipment, offer a unique atmosphere and the opportunity to observe wildlife. special cavernicole . The diving centers of Bastia and Cap , like the Marine Diving Center, offer these technical dives for certified divers.
Sailing and diving at Cap Corse can be more challenging due to the sometimes strong winds and sea currents. Therefore, it is essential to rely on the expertise of local centers, which are fully familiar with the specific conditions of each site and adapt their excursions accordingly. In 2025, new itineraries for exploring the depths of the Cap will be offered, emphasizing the unique biodiversity of this area protected by the Marine Natural Park.
The quality of your underwater experience will largely depend on the choice of your diving center . Several professional structures stand out in Haute-Corse for their expertise and the quality of their services.
To guarantee a pleasant and safe dive, several essential criteria must guide your choice in 2025. These elements will allow you to identify the centers offering the best guarantees of professionalism .
The center’s certification and affiliation are the primary indicator of quality. Check that the facility is accredited by recognized federations such as the FFESSM (French Federation of Underwater Studies and Sports) or international organizations such as PADI or SSI.
These labels guarantee compliance with safety and training standards. The seniority of the center and the experience of its instructors (BEES or DEJEPS diving specialty) are also guarantees of seriousness .
The condition of the equipment provided deserves special attention. A professional center regularly renews its fleet of cylinders, regulators, and stabilizing vests. Don’t hesitate to ask for information on the revision date. equipment .
Likewise, well-maintained diving boats adapted to local conditions (fast semi-rigid boats for remote sites, more spacious boats for comfort) demonstrate the seriousness of the structure.
Customer reviews are a valuable source of information. Check online review platforms (TripAdvisor, Google, etc.) to get an idea of the satisfaction of previous divers.
Pay particular attention to comments regarding safety, the quality of supervision, the atmosphere, and knowledge of the sites. In 2025, centers like L’Incantu in Galéria or Diving Corsica in Sant’Ambroggio regularly boast excellent reviews.
Finally, the size of the supervised groups is a determining factor in the quality of the experience. Choose centers that limit the number of divers per instructor (ideally 4 to 6 maximum for explorations). This personalized supervision guarantees greater safety and a more in-depth discovery of the sites .
Several diving centers have established themselves as essential references in different regions of Haute-Corse. Their reputation has been built on years of expertise and a constant commitment to quality and safety .
In Balagne, Diving Corsica in Sant’Ambroggio (near Calvi) and Calvi Plongée are long-standing players renowned for their in-depth knowledge of local sites, including the B17 wreck and the Revellata reserve . Their equipment is regularly updated and supervision is provided by experienced and passionate instructors.
In the Gulf of Saint-Florent, the Dauphin Club and Corsica Nautic are among the most renowned structures. Their ideal location allows quick access to the spots of the Agriates Desert . They offer a wide range of training and explorations adapted to all levels.
On the eastern coast, the Marine Diving Center in Bastia stands out for its comprehensive offerings and modern facilities. This multi-activity center welcomes divers year-round and offers technical dives up to 60 meters, as well as specialized training. Its location makes it easy to explore the sites of Cap Corse and the eastern coast.
At the gateway to the Scandola reserve, L’Incantu in Galéria has become the largest diving center in Corsica. With an impressive fleet and a team of permanent instructors, this structure offers a complete service including accommodation and catering on site . It is an ideal base for exploring the exceptional sites of the west coast.
It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and that many other quality structures exist in Haute-Corse. The final choice will depend on your location, your level, and your specific expectations.
Haute-Corse offers an ideal setting for learning to dive or perfecting your skills. The clear, calm waters, combined with the presence of numerous certified training centers, create optimal conditions for progressing safely .
For those new to diving, a first dive is the essential first step. This experience, available from the age of 8, allows you to discover the unique sensations of breathing underwater in a safe and supervised environment.
A baptism always takes place in the company of a dedicated instructor who takes charge of only one participant at a time. After a complete briefing on the equipment and safety instructions , immersion is done gradually up to a maximum depth of 6 meters. The duration underwater is generally 20 to 30 minutes, enough time to observe the local fauna and flora and get used to the underwater environment.
The fact is that the conditions in Haute-Corse , particularly in summer with warm water and excellent visibility, are ideal for this first experience. The sites chosen for introductory dives are generally shallow, sheltered and rich in marine life , thus guaranteeing a memorable and reassuring discovery. In 2025, the average price of an introductory dive in Haute-Corse is between €60 and €80.
It should be noted that the baptism does not provide any certification but often constitutes the trigger for a lasting passion for diving . Many centers offer “discovery” packages including a baptism followed by one or two additional dives to deepen the experience .
To gradually gain independence and be able to dive anywhere in the world, certified training is the next step. The Haute-Corse centers mainly offer courses from the two major organizations: PADI (international) and FFESSM (French) .
The first PADI level, the Open Water Diver (accessible from 10 years old in the Junior version), allows you to dive independently up to 18 meters. This complete training, which generally lasts 4 to 5 days, alternates theory, exercises in a protected environment and dives in the sea . It is the most recognized certification worldwide. In 2025, its average cost in Haute-Corse is around €450-500.
The French FFESSM system offers a progression by level. Level 1 allows supervised diving up to 20 meters. Level 2 allows autonomy up to 20 meters and supervised diving up to 40 meters. These training courses, given over several days, emphasize technique and safety .
For divers wishing to further their skills, advanced training is also available: Advanced Open Water PADI (exploration of different specialties up to 30m), Level 3 FFESSM (autonomy up to 60m), as well as specialties such as deep diving, wreck diving, underwater photography or Nitrox diving (use of oxygen-enriched mixtures).
It is worth noting that these two systems, although different in their educational approach , are widely recognized and allow for bridges between them. The choice will often depend on personal preferences and future diving plans.
For experienced divers looking for technical challenges, some centers in Haute-Corse offer Tek (technical) diving courses . These advanced courses allow you to explore greater depths (beyond 60 meters) or specific environments such as caves or deep wrecks .
Tek diving involves the use of specific equipment (twin tanks, rebreathers) and complex gas mixtures (Trimix, Heliox). These demanding courses require significant experience and excellent physical condition. The Marine Diving Center in Bastia is one of the few centers in Haute-Corse offering these advanced courses in 2025 .
At the same time, PADI or FFESSM specialties allow you to acquire specific skills:
These specialties, generally accessible from level 2 or Advanced Open Water, allow you to enrich your practice and direct your dives according to your interests . They are also an excellent way to continue to progress and learn throughout your life as a diver .
Choosing the ideal time to dive in Haute-Corse significantly influences the quality of the experience. Between water temperature, visibility, and crowds, each season has its own unique characteristics.
The diving season in Haute-Corse runs from April to November , with optimal conditions generally observed between June and September. During this summer period, the water temperature varies from 20°C to 26°C at the surface , providing appreciable thermal comfort even for the most sensitive divers. Visibility is often excellent, frequently exceeding 20 meters.
Spring (April-May) offers the advantage of often exceptional visibility (sometimes more than 30 meters) and underwater nature in full swing after winter. The water is however cooler (15-18°C), requiring a thick wetsuit (7mm) . This period is ideal for photographers and lovers of tranquility.
Autumn (October-November) is also an excellent time to dive . The water remains at a pleasant temperature (18-22°C), visibility returns to its optimal state after any plankton blooms in the summer , and the number of visitors to the sites decreases considerably. This is often the preferred season for experienced divers and locals.
Please note that even in winter, some centers like the Marine Diving Center in Bastia remain open, offering dives for the most passionate. The water then drops to around 13-15°C, requiring suitable equipment (dry suit or semi-dry suit), but in return offering remarkable visibility and absolute tranquility on the sites .
Water temperature and underwater visibility are two key factors that change over the seasons in Haute-Corse.
The water temperature follows a progressive curve: cool in spring (15-18°C in May), it reaches its maximum in August (24-26°C at the surface) before dropping gently in autumn (around 20°C in October ).
At depth (beyond 20 meters), the temperature remains more stable , fluctuating between 14°C and 17°C throughout the year. The choice of wetsuit (thickness, type) will therefore depend essentially on the period of your stay and your sensitivity to the cold .
Visibility is generally excellent in Haute-Corse, often exceeding 20 meters. The periods of greatest clarity are in spring and autumn, when the water is colder and less loaded with plankton.
In summer, although always very good (15-25 meters), visibility can be slightly reduced on hot days favoring plankton development, or temporarily after rare stormy episodes causing terrestrial runoff.
Imagine that the constant sea currents around the island, however, contribute to a rapid renewal of the water masses , guaranteeing remarkable clarity for most of the year.
Tourist numbers vary considerably depending on the period, influencing the availability of places in diving centers and the atmosphere on the sites.
The high season (July-August) is the busiest. During these two months, it is imperative to book your dives several days, or even weeks in advance , especially for the most popular sites (Scandola, wreck B17) or the most popular time slots (mornings). The boats are often full and the atmosphere on the sites can be livelier.
The months of June and September offer an excellent compromise . The crowds are lower, allowing for more flexible bookings (a few days in advance is usually enough) and groups often smaller on board the boats . The atmosphere is more relaxed, encouraging interaction with instructors and other divers.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are the quietest periods. Reservations are still recommended , but can often be made the day before for the following day. These seasons are ideal for those looking for peace and quiet and a more personalized experience. It is important to know that some centers reduce their activity during these periods, so it is wise to check their opening times and schedules in advance .
A few tips and recommendations can help you best prepare for your diving trip to Haute-Corse and fully enjoy each dive.
Recreational diving does not require you to be an athlete; good general physical condition contributes to comfort and safety. Practicing regular endurance activity (swimming, running) in the weeks leading up to your stay will help you better manage effort and air consumption underwater .
A medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to diving is mandatory for all training and highly recommended for exploration dives, particularly if you are over 45 or have a medical history . This document, ideally issued by a doctor specializing in diving medicine, certifies your ability to practice this activity safely. Remember to obtain it before your departure.
While the centers provide the technical equipment, certain personal items can improve your comfort:
Don’t forget to bring a bath towel, dry clothes for after the dive and suitable sun protection (waterproof cream, hat, sunglasses).
Haute-Corse is home to fragile ecosystems that must be protected. Adopt a responsible attitude when diving:
By adopting these simple actions, you are helping to preserve the exceptional beauty of the Corsican seabed for future generations.
Yes, Haute-Corse has a rich underwater archaeological heritage , but access to these sites is strictly regulated. Some ancient or medieval wrecks can be visited during dives organized by approved centers, respecting precise rules to avoid damaging the remains.
For example, Roman amphorae can be seen at some sites near the eastern coast. However, most major archaeological sites are restricted to professional archaeologists or are only accessible during very limited open days. Check with local centers for information on authorized sites and access conditions in 2025.
The Mediterranean does not have tropical coral reefs, but it does support similar ecosystems rich in gorgonians and other cnidarians . The drop-offs of Cap Corse and the sites around the Scandola reserve are particularly renowned for their magnificent “gardens” of red (Paramuricea clavata) and yellow (Eunicella cavolini) gorgonians .
Some centers offer “bio” themed dives focused on observing these ecosystems and red coral (Corallium rubrum), an iconic but protected species whose harvest is highly regulated. These dives allow you to discover the fragile beauty of these organisms and the importance of their preservation.
Absolutely, night diving is a fascinating experience offered by many centers in Haute-Corse, especially in summer when conditions are ideal. It allows you to discover a completely different side of the underwater world .
Many species invisible during the day come out of hiding at nightfall: hunting octopuses, sinuous moray eels , various crustaceans (lobsters, sea cicadas), fish asleep in the crevices.
The atmosphere is unique, calmer, and more mysterious. These dives require specific certification (PADI Night Diver or equivalent) or can be done as an introductory dive accompanied by an instructor. Equipment must include a powerful dive light.
Diving in Haute-Corse is generally very safe when practiced according to regulations. Specific risks are relatively limited compared to other seas. There are no extremely dangerous marine species like those found in tropical areas.
The main points of vigilance concern the currents, which can be present on certain exposed sites (Cap Corse in particular), and the thermocline (sudden change in temperature at depth), particularly marked in spring and autumn.
Some species can cause stinging (jellyfish, anemones) or venomous (scorpionfish, weever) stings, but incidents are rare and generally benign if contact is avoided. Respecting decompression stops remains essential to prevent desaturation accidents .
Yes, many water sports centers in Haute-Corse offer multi-activity packages that allow you to combine diving and other water sports in the same day or stay. For example, it is common to be able to combine a morning dive with a paddleboarding , sea kayaking or snorkeling session in the afternoon .
Some providers even offer packages that include diving, boat rental, and towed sports (tubing, wakeboarding). These combined packages often offer great rates and allow you to vary your activities while optimizing your time. They are particularly popular with families or groups of friends with varied interests.
Yes, eco-responsible diving is a strong trend in Haute-Corse in 2025. Several centers are actively committed to preserving the seabed. This translates into specific briefings on respect for the environment. Then there is participation in citizen science programs (such as monitoring grouper or mother-of-pearl populations) as well as the organization of underwater cleanup operations .
Finally, the use of ecological moorings to avoid damaging the seabed with anchors or the promotion of non-polluting sun creams complete these actions. Some centers are labeled “EcoSub” or partners of local environmental charters, such as that of the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Natural Park . Choosing a center committed to these approaches allows you to practice your passion while actively contributing to the protection of the island’s exceptional natural heritage .
