Saint Malo Emerald Diving

Saint Malo Emerald Diving is situated in La Richardais, positioned to take advantage of the unique marine environment of the Bay of Saint-Malo. This area is defined by its significant tidal range and a seabed rich in varied topography, from deep drop-offs to complex rocky structures and historical wrecks.

The club operates as an FFESSM association, providing a structured environment for both recreational exploration and formal technical training. Whether you are looking to experience your first breath underwater or are a seasoned diver seeking to refine your skills in challenging conditions, the centre is built around the specific demands of the Breton coastline.

The centre is run as an association under the FFESSM framework, ensuring a standard of training and safety consistent with French diving regulations. The facility includes a dedicated Club House for relaxation and two equipped classrooms for theoretical instruction.

For those preparing for open water, the centre maintains an 8-metre heated training pool, making it an ideal base for initial skills acquisition and certification courses. The staff provides instruction in French, catering to local divers and those looking to integrate into the regional diving community.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of diving disciplines. Beginners can start with Niveau 1 and Niveau 2 certifications, while more advanced divers can progress through Niveau 3 and Niveau 4, as well as the PA40 qualification.

Technical and specialised training is also a core focus, with courses available for Nitrox usage and Drysuit diving. The centre also provides instruction in Apnée (freediving) and the RIFAP qualification.

The fleet consists of three distinct vessels to suit different diving requirements. The MacLow is a 12-metre catamaran with a capacity for 30 divers, featuring a freshwater shower on board for rinsing after a dive.

The Margatte is a versatile semi-rigid vessel, ideal for navigating the varied coastal terrain. Completing the fleet is the Cassiopée, an 11-metre vedette used for trips around the bay.

The centre is well-equipped for both training and exploration, offering a full range of rental kit including BCDs, regulators, fins, masks, wetsuits, and weights. They stock recent Aqualung equipment to ensure reliability for all divers.

On the technical side, the facility provides Air and Nitrox gas blending, alongside helium and pure oxygen for more advanced profiles. For night diving or low-visibility conditions, torches are available for hire.

The diving in this region is heavily influenced by the strong tides characteristic of the European coast. These currents can be significant, requiring divers to be mindful of tidal windows and movement.

The best period for diving in the area is from February to mid-December.