Nautica Plongee

Nautica Plongée is situated on the beach of Orcino in Calcatoggio, approximately 25 minutes north of Ajaccio. Having operated since 1996, the centre has built a long-standing reputation for providing reliable diving experiences in the South Corsica region.

The centre is designed for both individual divers and larger groups, offering a spacious 100m² indoor area and a 50m² terrace for relaxing between dives. Its position directly on the beach makes it an easy access point for those looking to explore the local marine environment.

The team is composed of State-certified instructors with 30 years of experience in the field. This depth of knowledge ensures that whether you are a child starting your first session or a seasoned diver, the instruction is professional and technically sound.

Training is available for all ages, including specific programmes for children starting from 8 years old. The centre also caters to groups, with specific arrangements for self-guided groups of 12 or more divers.

The centre provides a full range of FFESSM training, following the standard progression from beginner to advanced levels. This includes the Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3 certifications, as well as the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Diver levels.

For divers looking to specialise or progress through specific depth modules, the centre offers the PE40 (Niveau 1 to 40m) and the PA20 (Niveau 1 autonomous to 20m). Beginners can start with a Baptême or an introductory diving session. The curriculum also covers snorkelling (PMT) and various exploration dives.

The centre operates a LOMAC 7.60m semi-rigid boat, powered by a 250hp Suzuki engine. This vessel is used to reach the various dive sites around the coast, including the more distant locations like the Gulf of Lava.

For those who do not wish to carry their own heavy kit, the centre provides full equipment hire. This includes masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits.

Cylinders and weights are available for those who prefer to bring their own personal breathing apparatus and BCD. The centre also offers specific packages where the cylinder and weights are included in the service.

The Mediterranean seabed here is rich with fixed life, including various species of gorgonians such as red, yellow, and violet gorgonians. You will also find a variety of sponges, sea anemones, and extensive meadows of Posidonia. The rocky structures are often covered in colourful doris, flabellina, and various species of sea fans.

In the rocky crevices and faults, you can find a wide array of crustaceans, including spiny lobster, lobsters, squat lobsters, and various species of crabs. Octopus and moray eels are frequently encountered near the reefs and caves.

The open water and reef edges host many larger species, including groupers, dentex, barracuda, and conger eels. You may also see large sea breams, such as saddled seabream and gilt-head bream, alongside various species of wrasse and labres.

Macro life enthusiasts can look for nudibranchs, various species of anemones, and small creatures like galathee crabs and many types of doris among the sponges and corals.

Divers should be aware that certain sites, such as Le Banc Provencal, are subject to strong currents. The variety of sites means that conditions can change depending on the location and the distance from the coast.

Seasonal accessibility is from April to October, which is when the centre is fully operational.