Ecole Internationale D'Apnee

Situated on the Presqu'île de Giens in Hyères, École Internationale d'Apnée occupies a prime position for exploring the Mediterranean. The centre is specifically geared towards the disciplines of apnea, spearfishing, and the unique PADI Mermaiding programme.

With over 30 years of experience in the field, the school has established itself as a technical hub for breath-hold divers. Its location allows for immediate access to the diverse marine environments of the Hyères coastline, ranging from rocky reefs to deeper waters.

The centre is led by Jean-Luc Casares and operates with a focus on bespoke, personalised training programmes. The instruction is designed to cover everything from basic breath-hold techniques to instructor-level qualifications.

Training is delivered through multiple major certifying bodies, including PADI, AIDA, and the FFESSM. This multi-affiliation approach allows divers to follow different pedagogical paths depending on whether they seek recreational certification or more traditional French diving standards.

In addition to technical diving skills, the team provides specialised instruction in RIFA apnea and spearfishing first aid. The staff is able to communicate in French, English, and Russian, ensuring clear communication during safety briefings and technical training.

The course catalogue is extensive, with a heavy emphasis on freediving. You can progress through the full AIDA progression (Levels 1 to 4) or follow the PADI freediving pathway from Basic Freediver through to Master Freediver and Instructor. The FFESSM curriculum is also available, covering both pool-based (Apnée Piscine) and sea-based (Apnée Mer) levels from Pass'apnéiste up to Level 3.

For scuba divers, the centre offers PADI courses including Open Water Diver and Nitrox specialties, alongside FFESSM scuba training. The school also hosts specialised programmes such as PADI Mermaiding (Levels 1 to 3 and Instructor) and various levels of spearfishing certification. Safety training is a core component, with EFR (Emergency First Response) and RIFA courses available for apnea and spearfishing specialists.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit, including fins, masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and weight belts. For those looking to purchase specialised equipment, an on-site shop stocks brands such as Salvimar, Seac, and Magictail.

Nitrox is available for those conducting scuba dives. The facility is supported by a main partner providing access to a heated pool, which is an essential resource for practicing breath-hold techniques and buoyancy control in a controlled environment.

The marine life around Hyères is diverse, with the rocky habitats supporting a wide array of species. You will find various groupers (Epinephelinae), including the Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), often stationed near ledges. Schools of sea bream (Sparidae) and common dentex (Dentex dentex) are frequently seen, alongside amberjack (Seriola), barracuda (Sphyraena), and bogue (Boops boops).

For those interested in macro life, the reefs are home to many interesting invertebrates. Look for octopus (Octopoda), moray eels (Muraenidae), and various crustaceans including spiny lobster (Palinuridae) and crabs (Brachyura). You may also encounter nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani) and different types of shrimp (Caridea) amongst the reef structures.

Scorpionfish (Scorpaena) and various species of wrasses are common residents of the Mediterranean seabed. The environment is also rich in fixed life, such as gorgonians (Gorgonacea), sponges (Porifera), and various sea anemones (Actiniaria), which provide the essential architecture for the local ecosystem.

In the open water, you might encounter larger pelagics such as dogfish sharks or the occasional ocean sunfish (Mola mola). The area is also known for its migratory birds and marine mammals, adding to the natural interest of the Giens peninsula.

The local diving environment is characterised by a variety of habitats, from shallow reef flats to deeper coastal structures. Divers should be prepared for the typical conditions of the Mediterranean, including potential currents when exploring the islands or the peninsula.