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Scuba Diving in mediterranean sea : Try Dives, Certifications & Courses
The Côte d’Azur is a top Mediterranean destination for scuba diving. With crystal-clear waters, protected islands, and a wide variety of dive sites, it offers unforgettable experiences for both beginners and certified divers. Whether you're looking for a first dive, a Level 1 course, or a deep wreck exploration, countless underwater adventures await you in the heart of the Côte d’Azur.
Famous for the richness of its marine life, the mediterranean sea is home to fascinating archaeological sites, dramatic shipwrecks, and exceptional biodiversity. From Les Issambres to Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, Le Dramont, Boulouris, and Mandelieu-La Napoule, several diving centers welcome you for initiations, training, advanced dives, and snorkeling tours.
Top Diving Spots in mediterranean sea
1) Fréjus / Saint-Raphaël Bay
Le Lion de Mer
One of the most iconic dive sites on the Côte d’Azur, Le Lion de Mer lies just off the coast of Saint-Raphaël. Teeming with gorgonians, octopuses, moray eels, and schools of seabream, it's a captivating site for divers.
Easily accessible, it’s ideal for beginners thanks to its calm waters and shallow depth. But more experienced divers will also enjoy the site’s highlights, including the submerged statue of the Virgin Mary at around 20 meters, often surrounded by groupers and lobsters.
Île d’Or
Located near « Le Dramont » in Saint Raphaël , the Île d’Or is a must-see dive site on the Côte d’Azur. Its gorgonian-covered drop-offs, crevices, and underwater caves are home to groupers, barracudas, and lobsters. Suitable for all levels, it offers beginner-friendly areas and deeper dives reaching 40 meters for advanced divers.
The Dramont Pyramids
This unique site features four pyramid-shaped rocks ranging from 1.5 to 27 meters deep, ideal for guided exploration dives.
The BYMS 22 Wreck
This historic military ship sank in August 1944 during the Provence Landings. Now lying 20 meters deep, it offers a fascinating wreck dive experience.
2) Gulf of Saint-Tropez – Diving in Les Issambres & Ramatuelle
This area features a wide range of dive spots accessible to all levels. From shipwrecks to drop-offs and underwater caves, divers can enjoy a variety of breathtaking seascapes.
3) Port-Cros National Park & Giens Peninsula
A top diving destination near Hyères, this protected marine park offers incredible biodiversity between Port-Cros, Porquerolles, and Île du Levant—perfect for eco-conscious divers seeking an immersive experience.
4) Mandelieu & the Lérins Islands
Near the border of the Côte d’Azur, these islands offer exceptional diving opportunities for all levels—from first dives to advanced exploration.
Scuba Diving Courses in mediterranean sea
Introductory Dive (Try Dive)
Accessible from age 8, this activity lasts around 3 hours, with 20 minutes of actual diving time. Each participant is guided one-on-one by a certified instructor. While waiting your turn, you can relax on the boat or go snorkeling.
Level 1 & Advanced Certifications
For those looking to go further, these certifications allow you to dive independently and explore deeper sites with confidence.
Kids & Family Diving Courses
Beginner-friendly diving courses for kids are available during school holidays and summer, led by experienced instructors. Children learn the basics while exploring marine life safely and having fun.
What to Expect from a Try Dive
Pre-Dive Briefing & Preparation
On arrival, your instructor explains the basics: how to use the equipment (mask, BCD, tank), underwater hand signals, and safety guidelines. After suiting up, you'll head by boat to the dive site—often Le Lion de Mer. While waiting, you can snorkel to observe marine life from the surface.
The Underwater Experience
After a few surface exercises to get used to breathing and buoyancy, you’ll dive in. Your instructor stays with you throughout, guiding you through arches, rocky crevices, and vibrant marine habitats. Expect to see colorful fish, sea stars, gorgonians, and more. Your instructor ensures a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.
Essential Safety Tips
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, scuba diving on the Côte d’Azur is a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore the region's best dive spots—from the Hyères Islands to Port-Cros—with the guidance of expert instructors and discover the magical underwater world of the Mediterranean.
Yes, diving is available all year on the Côte d’Azur, subject to weather conditions and a minimum number of participants. Advance booking is recommended.
The in-water dive lasts 15-20 minutes, but the whole activity takes about 3 hours including briefing, equipment setup, boat transfer, and debrief.
Up to 6 meters for adults, 3 meters for ages 10–14, and 2 meters for children aged 8–10.
This depends on the outing. Usually, one companion is allowed onboard with a snorkeling pass (approx. €35).
Yes, gift vouchers are available. You can offer a try dive or a certified diving course.
From age 8 for introductory dives.
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