Aqua Evasion

Aqua-Evasion is situated in Gignac la Nerthe, serving the beautiful coastline of the Côte Bleue near Carry-le-Rouet. As both a dive centre and a boat school, it provides a central hub for divers looking to explore the varied marine environments of the Provence region, from the open Mediterranean to the unique ecosystems of the Étang de Berre.

The centre is managed by Xavier Trubert and operates with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and the connection between the diver and the natural world. It serves as a professional base for those seeking both recreational exploration and formal certifications.

The centre is affiliated with both PADI and FFESSM, ensuring that divers can pursue a wide range of international and national certification standards. This dual affiliation makes it an ideal location for both visiting international divers and local French residents.

Beyond standard recreational training, the centre offers specialised instruction, including the PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty and professional training such as the N4 dive guide course. The team is focused on a teaching philosophy that values humility and the transformative nature of the underwater experience.

Aqua-Evasion provides a comprehensive range of training through PADI and FFESSM frameworks. You can begin your journey with introductory courses or work towards advanced certifications to expand your diving envelope.

For those looking to advance their careers, the centre offers professional pathways, including the N4 dive guide qualification. They also provide specialised training such as the PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty, catering to divers with specific needs.

The centre operates a full retail shop and a dedicated after-sales service (SAV) workshop. Divers can access comprehensive equipment hire, covering everything from regulators and BCDs to fins and masks. For those needing maintenance, the workshop provides professional servicing for regulators, including first and second stages, as well as BCD inspections and cylinder valve servicing.

Gas services are readily available on-site, with Nitrox available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also offers various cylinder inflation options, including individual air fills and multi-fill cards for regular divers. Specialized servicing is also available for Nitrox and O2 equipment.

The marine life in this region is diverse, particularly around the wrecks and rocky structures. You can encounter various species such as scorpionfish, chub, and yellow scorpionfish, alongside spiny lobster and various bottom-dwelling fish.

In the seagrass meadows and calmer areas, the biodiversity is notable. Look for seahorses, brittle stars, and noble pen shells amongst the Zostera meadows. Sea urchins are also a common sight in these habitats.

In the unique environment of the Chenal de Caronte within the Étang de Berre, the oxygenated saltwater inflows support a specific community. Here, you may find large pen shells, brittle stars, and seahorses, which serve as indicators of the area's ecological health.

Diving in the area varies between the open Mediterranean coast and the more sheltered, shallow waters of the Étang de Berre. The Étang de Berre is a large, shallow environment with a maximum depth of 9 metres, offering very different conditions compared to the deeper wrecks and walls of the Côte Bleue.