Corail Plongee

Corail Plongée is situated at the Port de plaisance in Saint-Gilles les Bains, providing a central base for exploring the volcanic coastline of Réunion. The centre operates year-round, making it a reliable choice for divers looking to experience the Indian Ocean regardless of the season.

The diving here is characterised by a mix of deep wreck exploration and dramatic underwater topography. Whether you are looking to take your first breath underwater or are a seasoned diver seeking out deep-water sites, the centre provides the logistics and local knowledge required to navigate the island's unique maritime landscape.

The team is composed of three professional instructors, ensuring a structured and safe environment for both training and exploration. This staffing level allows for dedicated attention during courses and guided trips.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they provide a recognised curriculum alongside French-standard training. The centre is also organised to accommodate different languages, with services available in both French and English.

Training is available for all levels, starting with First Dives for those completely new to the underwater environment. The centre follows the SSI curriculum, offering a structured path from beginner to advanced certifications.

For more experienced divers, the centre facilitates formal training programmes through both SSI and French national standards, ensuring that your progression is recognised internationally.

The centre operates the Popot Dive, a vessel specifically acquired to support the local diving community. This boat is used for various outings, including deep wreck dives and specialised trips to observe marine life.

In addition to standard daytime excursions, the centre organises night dives, allowing you to experience the reef under different light conditions. The boat serves as the primary platform for reaching the island's more remote and deeper sites.

The centre provides a range of equipment for those who do not wish to carry their own kit. This includes the hire of essential items such as wetsuits, masks, fins, and regulators to ensure you are fully equipped for your dives.

For those interested in night diving, torches are available for hire to help navigate the darker environments of the reef and wrecks.

The waters around Saint-Gilles are home to impressive pelagic species. You can regularly encounter dolphins and whales during your time on the water, with the centre organising specific outings to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

The surrounding reefs and walls provide a habitat for a variety of fish, including groupers and various species of snapper. The volcanic structures offer plenty of ledges and crevices where these larger fish often station themselves.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants can be found throughout the various sites, from the sandy areas to the more complex wreck structures, adding significant detail to your underwater observations.

Diving in Réunion is influenced by the island's volcanic geography. The sites vary from shallow reef flats to significant deep-water walls and wrecks, meaning conditions can change depending on the specific location and the depth of your dive.

The centre operates year-round, providing access to the ocean in all seasons, though divers should always account for the local maritime environment when planning deep or wreck-based excursions.