Explore Porquerolles Port Cros

Diving in Porquerolles and Port Cros offers an unparalleled experience for those exploring the depths of the Mediterranean. Part of the renowned Îles d’Hyères, these islands are nestled in the Hyères Gulf of Southeastern France and are renowned for their pristine environments. The waters surrounding these islands are incredibly clear, providing excellent visibility that enhances the exploration of vibrant marine ecosystems. Divers can expect encounters with a rich variety of marine life, including groupers, barracudas, and the occasional sighting of sea turtles, making every dive an adventure.

Porquerolles, the largest island, boasts a mix of shore and boat diving opportunities, allowing divers to explore everything from shallow reefs to deeper walls teeming with life. It is a bustling hub during the high season but transforms into a tranquil paradise during quieter times. Meanwhile, Port Cros, with its rugged landscape, offers a more secluded diving experience, characterized by its unique underwater topography and protected marine reserves. This island is not only a diver's haven but also a sanctuary for rare flora and bird species, adding an extra layer of interest for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're diving for the vibrant reefs or the serene ambiance, Porquerolles and Port Cros promise an unforgettable underwater journey.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ Rubis, wreck

The Ruby is one of the Mediterranean’s must-see wrecks. Ranked by the magazine Plongeurs International among the 101 most beautiful dives in the world, the Rubis is a pure jewel. To be able to observe a submarine in perfect condition is rare enough not to give yourself the opportunity to dive there.

407
Logs
281
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lion de Mer

The "Lion de Mer" or "Sea Lion" rock is located in the bay of Saint-Raphaël and is easily accessible by boat. One of the most beautiful sites in the Fréjus Saint-Raphaël region, it is suitable for divers of all levels. It offers all types of scenery: sand, seagrass, caves and rock. You'll need several dives to discover all it has to offer.

4,656
Logs
834
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Le Petit Cap Roux

Located in the Cap-Roux reserve, Petit Cap-Roux is a must-see site at depths of between 12 and 38 meters. Comprising three main rocks and a plateau at 20 meters, this site is ideal for exploratory dives and for training advanced divers.

470
Logs
153
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Roche d'Aurelle

Located in the Cap-Roux reserve, the Aurelle Rock is made up of several rocks ranging from 0 to 37 meters in depth. This site is ideal for first dives but also for exploration and training dives for divers.

637
Logs
215
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Espingole, wreck

A 56m*6m torpedo boat located in the bay of Cavalaire rests on a 39m sandy bottom. She sank on 4 February 1903 during an attempt to tow her to the port of Cavalaire after she ran aground on the dry land of Taillat.

195
Logs
128
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pointe Caussiniere

Just 30 minutes from the port, this site features a 5 to 10 m mini plateau with numerous seaward-facing reef structures covered with gorgonians. These can be found at depths of between 28 and 42 m. Visibility is often very good at this site.

421
Logs
212
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Grande Baie

A 20-minute drive from the port is a large 3-10 m plateau that continues to sink deeper and deeper, with steps at 20 and 40 meters, eventually reaching a maximum depth of 58 meters. Abundant flora and fauna, as well as pelagic species, are not uncommon.

978
Logs
376
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Grotte à corail

Just 15 minutes from the port of Nice, this site boasts a beautiful 3 to 60-meter wall where you can see Mola mola, dolphins, barracudas, groupers and more.

510
Logs
292
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Le Cimentier

Simply equip yourself with your fins, mask and snorkel and go on an adventure in the middle of the fabulous posidonia herbaria. Enjoy the beauty of the “garden of anemones“, be amazed by the mystery of the cement maker’s wreck. With a maximum depth of 3 meters, this trail is suitable for all swimmers.

191
Logs
143
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Le Relax, St. Tropez

Located in the Bay of Saint-Tropez, Le Relax is a shipwreck 27 m long and 5 m wide. It lies upright in water 35 m deep. Well preserved, the wreck is covered in gorgonians. Its corridor is accessible to divers and offers many surprises, including scorpions, conger eels, lobsters and more.

123
Logs
60
Divers
30.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Les Pyramides

Located at Cap Dramont, at the foot of the colorful Mont de l'Estérel, the "Pyramides" dive site consists of a succession of rocky mountains with rock heads at different depths (6-40m). The light reflects amazingly off the rocky peaks and posidonia meadows and the strip of sand that separates them.

735
Logs
341
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Grand Cap Roux

Located in a protected marine area (Cap Roux reserve), the underwater fauna and flora is abundant. The underwater landscape is an extension of the Esterel, with its ochre hues.

173
Logs
79
Divers
32.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Base de plongée Port la Rague

Departing from the Port de la Rague, the diving base is ideal for beginners and introductory dives, thanks to its privileged location in a protected bathing area with no currents or swells, and shallow depths. The diving base allows you to leave directly from the pontoon without using the boat.

528
Logs
163
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tombant Maeterlink

6 min from the port, you can anchor on a plateau of madrepore between 12 and 25 m, quite vast and rich in flora and fauna, which on its wide side ends up falling onto the sand, with several mini ridges extending out to sea, one of which is more massive and covered with beautiful gorgonians up to 42 m.

220
Logs
130
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Prophète

South-east of Cap Lardier, on a sandy seabed 33m deep, lies the wreck of the Prophète. A cargo ship 43m long and 7m wide, with sail and steam propulsion, she sank on March 28, 1860 following an ingress of water. There were no casualties, but the cargo was lost.

78
Logs
58
Divers
32.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Porquerolles Port Cros

Nestled in the heart of the French Riviera, Porquerolles and Port Cros offer stunning dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. Among the highlights, the Greek wreck near Porquerolles stands out as an exhilarating dive. This sunken ship, lying at a depth of 30 meters/98 feet, provides a fascinating glimpse into maritime history, surrounded by vibrant marine life. Port Cros National Park, a protected marine area, promises captivating shore dives with its crystal-clear waters and diverse sea creatures. Here, divers can encounter the unusual behavior of the Mediterranean moray eel and the graceful dance of seahorses. Night dives offer an opportunity to witness the magical bioluminescence of plankton, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle. The balance of shore and liveaboard options ensures that every diver, from novice to experienced, can enjoy these mesmerizing underwater landscapes.

The best Months to dive in Porquerolles Port Cros

Porquerolles and Port Cros offer diving opportunities year-round, with some variations in conditions. Water temperatures range from 13°C–25°C/55°F–77°F, with the coolest temperatures in winter and warmer waters in the summer and early autumn. Visibility is generally good, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, though it can decrease slightly during the winter months. The region is subject to Mistral winds, particularly in winter, which can lead to rough seas and strong currents, occasionally reducing dive accessibility. While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are typically found between late spring and early autumn when the winds are calmer, and the water is warmer, providing more pleasant dive experiences.

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Centers Map

CHANGO DIVING

Quai Lunel et 14 quai des docks, 06300 NICE, FRA

École de plongée des Issambres

Sur le port San Peïre, 83380 Les Issambres, FRA

BeFreeToDive

Port Marina Baie des Anges, 06270 VILLENEUVE-LOUBET, FRA

Saint Aygulf Plongée

1 boulevard du Muy, 83370 FREJUS, FRA

Club Sous l Eau

101 quai du Commandant Le Prieur, 83700 SAINT RAPHAEL, FRA

NICE DIVING

13 QUAI DES DEUX EMMANUEL, 06300 NICE, FRA

ALPHA BELUGA

6, Quai de Cléopâtre, 83600 PORT DE FRÉJUS, FRA

RAND’EAU ÉVASION

32 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, FRA

SUBVISION PLONGEE

QUAI SAINT PIERRE, 06220 GOLFE JUAN, FRA