Bonifacio Plongee

Bonifacio Plongée is situated on the port of Bonifacio, positioned directly opposite the Botti garage and station. The centre serves as a gateway to the Bouches de Bonifacio International Marine Park, a protected area established in 1982 that encompasses the stunning Lavezzi Islands and the dramatic limestone cliffs of the coastline.

Operating from mid-April to the end of October, the centre focuses on delivering a high standard of diving through a dedicated, cohesive team. Whether you are looking to explore the shallow reef flats or the deeper drop-offs of the archipelago, the location allows for a seamless transition from the shore to the boat.

The centre is run by a tight-knit, professional team of instructors who are trained internally to ensure a consistent standard of instruction and safety. They manage dive groups with a ratio of maximum four divers per guide, ensuring attentive supervision for every excursion.

Environmental stewardship is a core part of their operation, with a commitment to a zero-impact objective. This includes practical measures such as the recycling of neoprene, the use of biodegradable disinfectants, and careful management of water consumption to protect the local marine ecosystem.

The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum through both SSI and FFESSM affiliations. For those starting their journey, courses include Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, and the French Niveau 1, PE12, and PE20 certifications.

Experienced divers can progress through Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and various higher-level FFESSM qualifications such as PE40, Niveau 2, and PA20. The centre also provides EFR (Emergency First Response) training to ensure all divers have the essential skills for underwater safety.

The centre operates three semi-rigid boats, powered by 250cv and 300cv engines. These vessels are designed to reach the best sites around the Lavezzi Islands quickly and efficiently.

On board, you can enjoy hot and cold drinks along with local canistrelli and sweet snacks. The setup is designed for comfort between dives, allowing you to relax while the crew prepares for the next descent.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment, with a focus on the Mares Rover range. All kit is maintained by two Mares-authorised technicians and is regularly renewed to ensure reliability. For those requiring specific items, they stock regulators, computers, wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels.

On-shore facilities include lockers for your personal belongings. To make the logistics easier, the centre is organised so that there is no heavy lifting of cylinders required, and the boats are located just a two-minute walk from the main facilities.

The marine life in this reserve is defined by its abundance of groupers and large predators. You will frequently encounter dentex, barracuda, and various species of snapper, alongside amberjack and leerfish during the summer months of July and August. Large tuna are also known to visit the area during this same period.

The rocky reefs and drop-offs are draped in vibrant fixed life, including gorgonians, sea fans, and various sponges. In the seagrass meadows, you will find a variety of smaller organisms and fish such as saupe and serran écriture.

Macro life enthusiasts can find plenty to observe in the cracks and crevices of the rocks. The area is home to nudibranchs, sea squirts, and various crustaceans, including slipper lobsters and many species of moray eel. Keep a close eye on the seabed for scorpionfish, crayfish, and the blue-eyed galathee.

Diving in this region is influenced by the local topography and the exposure of the sites. Some sites, such as the Grande balise de Perduto and Balise SUD, are subject to moderate to strong currents and can be quite sporty.

Other areas, like the Baie de l’éléphant or the Crique à Kiki, offer highly sheltered, pool-like conditions that are ideal for beginners or those completing their first certifications. The Lavezzi archipelago provides a variety of environments, from calm bays to exposed reefs.