
Hotel La Calanque
★★★★
★ 9.1/10 (807 reviews)
51 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Côte d'Azur · France
5.0658 Google reviewsExplore the Mediterranean's legendary wreck sites and rocky reefs from the heart of the Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer harbour.
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Evasion Plongée is situated directly on the port of Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, a prime location for accessing the varied underwater topography of the French Riviera. Established in 2020, the centre has integrated the expertise of Saint-Mandrier Plongée, ensuring a focus on individual divers looking for structured training or technical exploration.
The centre operates with a dual identity, offering both FFESSM and SDI certifications. This allows you to follow traditional French federation pathways or international SDI standards, depending on your personal diving goals. Whether you are starting with your first breath underwater or preparing for a military diving career, the setting is designed for progression.
The team is composed of highly qualified instructors, including former military personnel and active or reserve instructors. This background is particularly evident in their specialised military diving preparation, which is offered year-round for both civilian and military candidates. The instruction is tailored to the specific technical requirements and discipline of the profession.
Beyond technical training, the staff is known for a professional and attentive approach to service. They handle all the heavy lifting, including the manoeuvring of cylinders, allowing you to focus on your dive preparation. After a day on the water, the centre provides a convivial atmosphere with tea, coffee, and viennoiseries for all divers.
The training catalogue is extensive, covering everything from initial certifications to advanced professional levels. You can pursue FFESSM pathways through Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3, as well as specialised modules like PA20, PA40, PA60, PE40, and PE60. For those following the SDI route, the centre offers Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster courses.
Specialised training is also available to enhance your skills, including Nitrox (Elementary and Confirmed), Deep Diver, and Scuba First Aid. For divers with specific career interests, the centre provides dedicated military diving preparation and advanced technical modules for depths between 0 and 40 metres, and 40 to 60 metres.
The centre provides a full range of rental kit, including wetsuits, BCDs (stab jackets), regulators, computers, and torches for night dives. For those looking for more specific setups, individual items such as masks, snorkels, and fins are also available for hire.
Nitrox 32% is available for use, with 12-litre and 15-litre cylinders provided. For divers preferring a lightweight setup, a Nitrox deco kit is available, comprising a 5.7-litre cylinder, a regulator, and an 80% mix.
The Les Fourmigues site, located east of Saint-Mandrier, offers a diverse range of multi-level diving. You can explore rocky formations or deeper wrecks, with sections accessible to beginners.
Deux Frères is a legendary area to the west, spanning from Cap Cépet to Cap Sicié. This site is famous for multi-level diving across more than fifteen different locations.
The Calanques de Toulon provide shallow, sheltered environments ideal for those completing their first training dives or discovery sessions.
For wreck enthusiasts, the area is home to several iconic wrecks, including La Mona, L'Arroyo, Le Mustang, L'Ariane, Le Dornier, Le Glenn Martin, and L'Artésien.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The centre organises regular night dives every Wednesday during the summer months. Divers should be aware of the varying depths and profiles when planning trips between the rocky reefs and the deeper wreck sites.
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