Explore Southern France

Diving in Southern France offers an enchanting experience, with its diverse marine environments and rich history enhancing each underwater exploration. The region is famous for its warm Mediterranean waters, where temperatures reach a delightful 24°C/75°F in the summer, coupled with impressive visibility of up to 30 meters. These conditions make for an inviting underwater adventure, whether you're exploring vibrant reefs, dramatic walls, or mysterious shipwrecks. The French Riviera is a standout, with dive sites stretching from Cassis to the Italian border. Here, divers can encounter a wealth of marine life, from graceful eagle rays at the Le Rubis wreck near St. Tropez to the spectacular gorge of Le Tombant Des Americains near Nice. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the region's underwater wonders, accessible via numerous dive centers that cater to both shore and boat diving enthusiasts. Additionally, the surrounding islands like the Riou Archipelago and Corsica boast steep walls and ghostly wrecks, teeming with diverse sea life. For history buffs, it's worth noting that Southern France is where Jacques Cousteau first tested his Aqua Lung, adding a layer of diving heritage to each plunge into its azure depths. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, Southern France promises a dive trip filled with discovery and awe-inspiring beauty.

Places to Explore

Marseille: Archipel de Riou

Archipel de Riou is famous for their rugged beauty, divers fauna and flora and exceptional diving conditions.

Porquerolles Port Cros

93 Divesites 9 Centers

The crystal clear waters, and an astounding beauty above, and below, make Porquerolles Port Crose a perfect site for diving.

Upcoming Events

Instructor Evaluation

AQUADOMIA

Instructor Evaluation - IE

21 Nov 2025

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct academic sessions
• Lead confined water training
• Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more
• Develop student management and communication skills

Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more.
Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Argonaute

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

13 Jun 2026

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ ILLA DE PORTALÓ

Located south of the Illa de Portaló, inside the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus, this dive site offers good shelter from the tramuntana. Versatile dive from 8 to 40 meters, with walls covered with gorgonians and areas rich in benthic life.

4
Logs
4
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth

★★★☆☆ Vapor Anglés

Located to the north of the Illa de Portaló, it is a dive protected from the south wind. It starts at the island of Xiulet, with a progressive descent ideal for beginners. At greater depth there are remains of the English steamer Woodside, sunk in 1884.

10
Logs
9
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ PENYES ROGES

Dive in the Natural Park known for its geological beauty: white pegmatite walls and oxidized schist that stain the environment with orange tones. Protected from the south wind, ideal for beginners and beginner levels, with the possibility of deeper profiles.

6
Logs
6
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth

★★★★☆ PUNTA 3 REIS

Located in a partially protected area and sheltered from the south wind, Punta dels 3 Reis offers a versatile dive, with a sandy channel, vertical walls and ridge-like rock formations that allow varied and adaptable routes for all levels.

52
Logs
36
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cala Mulà

Located in the partial protection zone of the park, Cala Mulà is a calm and versatile dive. With shallow and deep areas, it combines a central sandy channel surrounded by rock formations, ideal for all levels and rich in marine life.

42
Logs
27
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Cala Sardina

Dive located in the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, with depths between 25 and 40m. It presents walls and rock formations. Suitable for all levels, although previous experience is recommended due to possible currents and the complexity of the relief.

33
Logs
25
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Illa de la Galera

L'Illa de la Galera is a dive site located off the Costa Brava in Spain, near L'Escala. The site is appreciated for its clear waters and varied marine biodiversity. Accessible to intermediate to advanced divers, it offers depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters.

292
Logs
185
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cala Guillosa

Cala Guillosa is a dive site near L'Estartit, Spain, known for its clear waters and exceptional marine biodiversity. The site varies in depth from 5 to 30 meters. Divers can explore rocky reefs, caves and vertical walls lined with colorful corals and sponges.

221
Logs
142
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Bau de la Punta del Molí

Seamount located in the park's partial protection zone. From depths of 5 to over 40 meters, it's a versatile dive rich in marine life. The imposing topography and abundance of species make it one of the best on Cap de Creus.

64
Logs
19
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta dels Farallons

This dive site is located in a partially protected area of the Natural Park. Its topography with underwater mountains and waters rich in marine life make it one of the best in the park. Adaptable to all levels, even deep dives with gorgonians.

472
Logs
241
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Racó de la Figuerola

Located inside the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, La Figuerola is an ideal refuge in front of the tramuntana. Quiet area with rocky blocks, perfect for beginners and beginners. At greater depth, the bottom descends to the sand over 20 meters.

257
Logs
159
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ El Boc i la Cabra

CatalánA 10 minuts de navegació des del Port de la Selva, situat dins del Parc Natural del Cap de Creus. Fons rocosos de 8 a 45m de profunditat amb parets de gorgònia i coral·ligen plens de vida marina.

180
Logs
97
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta Falcó

This site is renowned for its clear waters and diverse marine biodiversity. Accessible to divers of all levels, depths generally vary from 5 to 28 meters.

714
Logs
332
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Beta blanca

Beta Blanca is located in the northern zone, at the foot of a cliff that offers shelter from the Tramuntana. It's an ideal spot for beginner divers, with shallow depths and a progressive, accessible underwater geography.

84
Logs
43
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ LLENGUA DEL SENGLAR

Dive located in the Paratge de Tudela, inside the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus. The cliff forms underwater ridges from shallow depths, creating a unique landscape. Ideal for all levels, with varied habitats and quiet areas inside the cove.

4
Logs
4
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth

Diving in Southern France

Southern France offers divers a rich tapestry of underwater adventures, with its Mediterranean coastline boasting some of the best dive sites in Europe. Notable wreck dives include the "Donator" off the Hyères Islands, a must-see for advanced divers with its well-preserved cargo and thriving marine life. Another compelling site is "Le Grec," known for its accessible depth and stunning visibility, making it perfect for intermediate divers seeking an exciting wreck exploration. Shore diving is prominent in locations like the Calanques National Park, offering easy access to vibrant underwater landscapes and diverse marine life from the shore. For a unique experience, night dives in the region reveal bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal behaviors of fish and octopuses, transforming familiar sites into mysterious realms. Dive travelers can enjoy a balance between shore dives and liveaboard options, with the latter offering trips to more remote spots, ensuring there's something for every diving enthusiast.

The best Months to dive in Southern France

Southern France offers diverse diving experiences year-round, with each season bringing unique conditions. In the summer, water temperatures range from 20°C–25°C/68°F–77°F, providing comfortable conditions with excellent visibility often reaching 20 meters/66 feet. The Mediterranean climate ensures calm seas, ideal for all diving levels. During winter, temperatures drop to about 13°C/55°F, with visibility slightly reduced due to seasonal rains and winds like the Mistral, which can create challenging currents. While diving is possible year-round, spring and autumn are popular for milder conditions, though summer offers the best overall experience.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

UCPA Sanary-sur-Mer

452 chemin de la colline, 83110 Sanary-sur-Mer, FRA

LE PARADIS DES BULLES

29 Quai Fanal, 66660 Port-Vendres, FRA

ALOES PLONGEE

RESIDENCE LES ALOES, 66290 CERBERE, FRA

CENTRE IMMERSIO CAP DE CREUS

CALLE PINTOR MARTINEZ LOZANO N-5, 17490 LLANÇÀ, GE - ESP

Magellan

1 Place Magellan Résidence Atalaya, 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer, FRA

Aquabormes

Cap Blanc 39, 83230 Bormes les Mimosas, FRA

Spot Plongée

6 rue du Pourguedeuil, 40130 Capbreton, FRA

AQUADOMIA

7 PORT DE LA POINTE ROUGE, 13008 MARSEILLE, FRA

Club Sous l Eau

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

Fosse de Plongée La Teste-De-Buch

390 Rue Gilbert Moga, 33260 LA TEST-DE-BUCH, FRA

École de Plongée Sétoise

3 quai de la Tintaine, 34200 Sète, FRA

Mamamouchi, base nautique étang de Mateille, Avenue des plages, 11430 GRUISSAN, FRA

ARCHIPEL PLONGÉE

8 Résidence les Villégiales du quai d’honneur, 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer, FRA

C.A.P. Port-Vendres

anse Gerbal, 66660 Port-Vendres, FRA

UCPA Hyères

4 avenue de la bergerie, 83400 HYERES, FRA

LEUCATE PLONGÉE

2037 Avenue du Rec de l’Entrée, 11370 Port-Leucate, FRA

Plongée Cap Cerbère

Route d’Espagne, 66290 Cerbère, FRA

RAND’EAU ÉVASION

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

Scubawind

20 rue de l’Europe, 38640 Claix, FRA

TIKI DIVE

Q04 Quai Patrice Martin, 83240 CAVALAIRE SUR MER, FRA