Simon Le Paradis Des Bulles

Le Paradis Des Bulles is an eco-conscious dive centre based in Port-Vendres, situated on the edge of the Côte Vermeille. The centre is built around the concept of 'Slow Plongée', an approach that prioritises a calm, respectful connection with the marine environment and a more personal experience for every diver.

Operating primarily out of Port-Vendres, the centre provides access to some of the most significant protected marine areas in France, including the Cerbère-Banyuls National Nature Reserve. This location offers a diverse range of underwater topography, from shallow plateaus to dramatic vertical walls.

The centre is affiliated with SSI and CMAS, ensuring a wide range of recognised certifications. The teaching philosophy focuses on small groups to maintain a high standard of safety and individual attention, with a maximum of two students per instructor during training sessions.

For recreational diving, the guide-to-diver ratio is kept low, with a maximum of six divers per boat. The team is dedicated to an eco-responsible approach, which is reflected in their choice of propulsion and their respect for the local marine protected areas. All instruction and guidance are conducted in French.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of SSI and CMAS training programmes. For those new to the water, courses include Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver, as well as introductory discovery dives.

Experienced divers can progress through the higher levels, including Niveau 2, Niveau 3, and Niveau 4. The curriculum also covers Diver Stress & Rescue and various SSI specialties such as Deep Diver, Orientation, Buoyancy, and Marine Biology. For those interested in breath-hold diving, Apnée courses are also available.

The centre operates two 100% electric catamarans, the e-Lektra and the e-Sperança. These vessels are powered by solar panels, allowing for silent navigation that does not disturb the marine life or the acoustic environment of the reef.

Each catamaran has a capacity for six divers. On board, you will find an elevator for easy water entry, a dedicated relaxation area, and facilities for meals and drinks. The boats are also equipped with essential safety equipment, including first aid kits and oxygen therapy systems, making them suitable for day trips and night dives.

Full rental kit is available on-site for those who do not wish to bring their own, including wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, cylinders, regulators, and BCDs. Torches are also available for night diving.

Safety is a priority on shore, with oxygen therapy equipment and first aid kits readily available. The centre is designed to be accessible, featuring an elevator to assist with water entry and ease of movement.

The marine life in this area is defined by the healthy ecosystems of the local reserves. On the rocky reefs and walls, you will find impressive gorgonians and red coral, providing a complex habitat for a variety of species. Large fish such as dentex, dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), and brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) are common inhabitants of these structures.

You will also encounter various predators and schooling fish, including great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), groupers (Epinephelus), and various species of sea bream (Sparidae). Octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) and lobsters (Homaridae) are frequently found sheltering in the crevices of the reef.

For those interested in macro life, the area is a haven for smaller organisms. You can find a variety of nudibranchs, including Chromodoris willani, alongside scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) and other crustaceans. The seabed is also home to many molluscs and different types of sea fans.

The diving area is characterized by the diverse topography of the Mediterranean coast, ranging from shallow plateaus to deeper walls. The use of electric catamarans allows for a quiet approach to these sites, minimizing the impact of swell and engine noise on the underwater environment.