Lavandou Plongee Sarl

Lavandou Plongée is an established dive centre situated directly facing the Port-Cros National Park, Europe's first marine park. Positioned within the Pelagos sanctuary, the centre provides immediate access to some of the most biodiverse and protected waters in the Mediterranean.

For over three decades, the centre has operated with a strong commitment to environmental preservation. As an ambassador for the 'ÉcoGestes Méditerranée' label and a partner of the Port-Cros National Park since 1994, they integrate conservation into their daily operations, from using eco-responsible materials to participating in underwater clean-up missions.

The team is composed of state-qualified instructors (DEJEPS, BPJEPS, BEES1) who are experienced in both recreational and technical diving. They are polyglot, offering instruction and guidance in both French and English to accommodate a diverse range of divers.

The centre is deeply integrated into the local marine protection efforts. They follow the Port-Cros National Park charter, utilising rinsing tanks to protect the ecosystem and conducting regular underwater clean-ups to maintain the health of the reefs and wrecks.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of training through the FFESSM and CMAS federations. Beginners can start with a Discovery Dive (Baptême) or a three-dive Discovery Pack, leading into FFESSM Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre provides Nitrox training and dedicated technical diving (TEK) courses, including rebreather training. They also run specialised multi-day programmes, such as 'Rock and Wreck' stages and intensive week-long wreck exploration courses.

The centre operates the KENAVO II, a modern, spacious, and fast 14 x 5m vedette. The boat is designed for comfort during trips to the offshore sites, featuring plenty of seating, storage spaces, and the ability to change on board.

For your comfort during the day, the boat provides hot tea and snacks. The KENAVO II is equipped to handle various types of excursions, including day trips to the national park and night dives. Nitrox is available on board for divers requiring enriched air.

The shore-based facilities include a fully equipped club-house with a dedicated classroom for theory sessions. The centre features a professional inflation station equipped for both air and Nitrox, including a Nitrox stick for blending.

Full kit hire is available for those not travelling with their own equipment. For night diving, torches are provided. The facility also includes rinsing areas, a shower, and a WC, with free parking available for divers.

The marine life around Le Lavandou is exceptionally diverse due to the proximity of the national park. On the reefs and drop-offs, you will encounter large groupers (Epinephelus), barracudas, dentex, and various species of wrasses. The rocky structures are draped in gorgonians and sponges, providing a complex habitat for moray eels (Muraenidae) and conger eels (Congridae).

In the seagrass meadows and sandy areas, look for octopus, spiny lobster (Palinuridae), and various species of seabream. You may also spot ocean sunfish (Mola mola) passing through the area.

Macro life is abundant among the crevices and sponges, including many species of crabs, anemones, and small crustaceans. The presence of diverse gorgonians and sponges creates a colourful backdrop for observing smaller marine organisms.

During the months of May and June, there is the possibility of seeing dolphins near the Pointe de la Croix.

The centre offers various dive types depending on the conditions, including sheltered dives in the Baie du Lavandou, which is well-protected from the wind and suitable for beginners. This site is approximately a 15-minute boat ride from the centre.

For more advanced divers, the offshore sites near Port-Cros offer more varied environments, including deeper drop-offs and potential currents. Night diving is also a regular part of the centre's programme.