Pyramides, Corsica: Exploring the Rocky Pinnacles of Favone

Located just off the southern exit of Favone Bay, Pyramides presents itself as a distinct underwater landscape, a complex of rocky formations rather than a single isolated pinnacle. The site begins with a prominent 'pyramid' of rock, its summit a welcoming 16 metres below the surface. From this initial high point, the terrain gradually slopes eastward, reaching depths of 30 metres, then continues south towards a more significant drop-off. This southern wall begins around 25 metres and plunges further down to a maximum recorded depth of 38 metres, offering a varied topography to explore.

The dive profile at Pyramides allows for a choice between two distinct experiences within the same area. You can spend your dive exploring the shallower section, circling the main pinnacle and the surrounding rocks in the 16 to 25-metre range. This area provides ample opportunity to observe the resident marine life in better light and with longer bottom times. Alternatively, experienced divers can push deeper, following the contours of the southern wall as it descends towards its maximum depth, offering a different perspective and potentially encountering larger species in the blue.

As you navigate the rock formations and sandy channels between the blocks, keep an eye out for the moray eels that often inhabit the crevices and overhangs. These territorial predators are commonly found tucked away in the rocks, sometimes with only their heads visible. Conger eels also share these rocky hideouts, their larger, more robust bodies hinting at their nocturnal hunting habits, though they can be spotted during the day in their shelters.

Moving across the site, you will encounter shoals of pomfrets patrolling the mid-water column, their shimmering scales catching the ambient light. These schooling fish add a dynamic element to the dive, moving in unison across the open spaces. Deeper on the site, particularly around the larger rock formations and the beginning of the drop-off, groupers are a common sight. These solitary, often curious fish can be found resting on the seabed or slowly navigating their territory, providing a more static, but equally rewarding, encounter.

The light current at Pyramides generally allows for a relaxed drift across the site, making navigation relatively straightforward once you understand the layout. While Mediterranean currents can always shift with local weather patterns, this site is not known for strong, persistent flows, which contributes to its accessibility. Visibility here typically holds well, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the rock formations and the diverse marine life from a distance, enhancing the overall experience of exploring this series of underwater pyramids.