
Hôtel L'Escale Coté Port
★★★
★ 9.2/10 (1,315 reviews)
120 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Corse · France
4.9790 Google reviewsExplore the protected waters of the Cerbicale Islands reserve aboard the RUBHIS, a 10.40m aluminium hull boat.
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Porto-Vecchio Plongée is situated in the heart of southern Corsica, operating from April to October. The centre serves as a gateway to the Cerbicale Islands marine reserve, offering a variety of dive profiles ranging from shallow rocky plateaus to deeper reef structures.
Whether you are looking to start your training or are an experienced diver seeking to explore local wrecks, the centre operates on a half-day basis. The location allows for quick transit to the most interesting sites in the area, ensuring plenty of time spent underwater.
The team is led by Stéphane, a BEES 2nd degree instructor with over 20 years of experience. The diving staff includes Guillaume and Laetitia, both holding DEJEPS qualifications, ensuring a high level of professional guidance on every trip.
Safety and small group sizes are central to their operation, with a maximum of 4 divers per guide. The centre is affiliated with FFESSM, SSI, and ANMP, making it a versatile choice for divers following different certification paths.
The centre provides a comprehensive range of training through SSI and FFESSM/ANMP pathways. For beginners, courses include Basic Diver, Scuba Diver, and Niveau 1 (PE20). Students can progress through the FFESSM levels including Niveau 2 (PA20/PE40), Niveau 3 (PA60), and the advanced Plongeur d’Or.
Advanced divers can specialise with SSI courses such as Advanced Adventurer, Diver Stress and Rescue, and React Right. The centre also offers Nitrox training (élémentaire and confirmé) and professional training tracks including Initiateur, MF1, and MF2.
The centre operates three distinct vessels to reach the dive sites within approximately 30 minutes. The RUBHIS is a 10.40m aluminium hull boat equipped with two 250 CV motors, two dive entry doors, and two ladders. It features a sun protection canopy to keep you shaded during the trip.
The fleet also includes the CHEYENNE, an 8.50m semi-rigid, and the TITI, a 7.50m semi-rigid, providing options for different group sizes and conditions.
Full kit hire is available on-site, including regulators, BCDs, and cylinders. For those who prefer to bring their own core equipment, the centre also provides wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins for rent.
Nitrox is available for use, and the centre provides cylinder filling services for divers who require it.
Le cimentier de la Pecorella is a 45m long shipwreck resting at depths between 4m and 12m. It is in excellent condition, allowing divers to explore the holds and corridors where marine life has taken up residence.
Les arches features natural rocky arches and a forest of gorgonians. Located at depths between 17m and 50m, this site is suited for Niveau 2 or 3 divers and offers encounters with both sedentary and pelagic fish.
Le danger de la Vacca provides a more technical experience for those at Niveau 1 or above, with depths reaching 35m. The site consists of several rocky rises and a small cave to explore, often visited by pelagic species hunting near the reef.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The marine life around the Cerbicale Islands is diverse, particularly around the rocky plateaus and reefs. You can expect to see large pelagics such as amberjack, dentex, and barracuda patrolling the waters, alongside groupers and moray eels.
For those interested in macro life, the rocky habitats host a variety of nudibranchs and flabeline. The reefs are also home to various sponges and a wide array of small reef fish that provide plenty of interest for close-up observation.
In the deeper sections and around the arches, the scenery is defined by gorgonians and a variety of sedentary species. The presence of species like peacock wrasse and various sponges adds significant colour to the underwater landscape.
The centre operates seasonally from April to October. Diving is conducted via half-day trips, with most sites being accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from the harbour.
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