Ast Plongee Porto Pollo

Located in Porto-Pollo, AST Plongée (Association Subaquatique du Taravo) has been a fixture of the South Corsican diving scene since 1981. The club is situated in the Quartier des Oliviers, easily accessible from Ajaccio airport, which is approximately 40 km to the north.

The centre serves as both a training school and a diving club, focusing on the diverse marine environments of the Valinco Gulf. With over three decades of experience, the team is deeply committed to environmental preservation within the local Mediterranean ecosystem.

The club is affiliated with the FFESSM, following the French national diving federation standards. This provides a structured progression for divers looking to move through the formal French certification levels.

The team consists of qualified instructors, including specialists capable of conducting Nitrox training. All instruction and communication at the centre are conducted in French.

Training at AST Plongée follows the FFESSM curriculum, covering the full spectrum of diver development. This includes introductory sessions such as the Baptême de plongée, followed by the formal Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3 progression.

For more specialised training, the centre offers the RIFAP, PA20, and PA40 FFESSM certifications, catering to divers looking to refine their skills or move towards more advanced diving profiles.

The centre operates two aluminium boats to reach the offshore sites. The Guépard is the larger vessel, with a capacity for 40 people, and is equipped with twin 375hp turbo engines for reliable transit.

The Furtif is a smaller aluminium boat with a capacity for 25 people. Both vessels allow you to explore the protected waters of the Valinco Gulf, with Nitrox available for use on board.

The centre provides Nitrox for divers looking to extend their bottom time or manage nitrogen loading during multi-dive days.

The underwater scenery in the Valinco Gulf is defined by vibrant gorgonian forests and coral structures. You will find Violescent sea-whip (Paramuricea clavata) and Black coral (Antipatharia) providing complex habitats for a variety of species.

Large pelagics and reef fish are common throughout the area. You can expect to encounter common dentex (Dentex dentex), Grouper (Epinephelinae), and Salema porgy (Sarpa salpa) patrolling the rocky areas. Schools of sardine can often be seen moving through the water column, while torpedo rays and European conger (Conger conger) inhabit the crevices.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are abundant around the reef flats and rocky outcrops. Divers often spot Octopus (Octopoda), various crustaceans, and Sea anemone (Actiniaria) tucked into the substrate. Phycid hakes (Phycidae) and brown meagre also frequent these Mediterranean waters.

The centre operates daily from 08:30, providing regular access to the dive sites via their aluminium boats. The proximity to Ajaccio makes it a practical base for divers exploring the southern Corsican coast.