Pa-Di Divin'Giens

Divin’Giens is situated on the Giens Peninsula, the southernmost point of mainland France, positioned between Toulon and Saint-Tropez. The centre is located within the Camping International & Spa, offering direct access to the sea just 50 metres from the Almanarre spot. This location provides a strategic starting point for diving the renowned Îles d'Or, including the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant.

Since 1998, the centre has established itself as a reliable hub for Mediterranean diving. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or explore deep-water wrecks, the proximity to these protected marine areas ensures a high standard of underwater biodiversity and varied topography.

Run by Gisèle and Hansi, the centre brings over two decades of experience to the Giens Peninsula. The team is multilingually proficient, with instruction and guidance available in French, German, and English. This makes the centre a practical choice for international divers looking to train or explore without language barriers.

Safety and structured learning are central to their operation, with all diving conducted according to FFESSM standards. The centre maintains a strict ratio of one guide per diver, ensuring close supervision during both training sessions and exploration dives. They also offer specialised programmes for younger divers, including Bronze, Silver, and Gold diver stages for children aged 8 to 14.

Training at Divin’Giens covers a broad spectrum of certifications through FFESSM, CMAS, and PADI. For beginners, the centre offers the Niveau 1 FFESSM (equivalent to CMAS*), as well as introductory discovery packages. For those looking to progress, they provide Niveau 2 and Niveau 3 FFESSM courses, as well as CMAS level 2 and 3 certifications.

Beyond standard recreational courses, the centre offers specialised training such as the PE 40 and marine ecology stages. They also cater to younger divers with specific age-graded programmes. Through partners, they can also facilitate training in freediving, underwater hunting, and boat handling.

The fleet consists of two dedicated vessels that take you directly to the best sites in the region. The Ar’-Guevel is an 11-metre former fishing vessel made of wood, providing a traditional feel for your excursions. The Subtil is an 11-metre aluminium boat, offering a modern and robust platform for daily dives.

Both boats are equipped with modern navigation systems, including radar, sonar, GPS, and VHF, ensuring safe passage to the islands. All dives are conducted from the boat, allowing you to reach the offshore reefs and wrecks of the Mediterranean efficiently.

The centre is a test centre for Cressi Sub, meaning you can expect high-quality, regularly renewed equipment. Full kit hire is available on-site, covering everything from wetsuits and BCDs to regulators, fins, masks, and torches for night dives. For those who prefer to use their own kit, the centre also sells second-hand equipment.

On-shore facilities include a dedicated gas filling station to support your diving needs. The centre is conveniently located within a 4-star campsite, providing easy access to amenities for divers staying in the area.

The Mediterranean habitats around the Îles d'Or are rich with life. On the rocky reefs and walls, you will encounter various species of wrasses, including peacock wrasses and corkwing wrasse, alongside Painted comber and Salema porgy. Large Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) are frequently seen stationed near ledges and structures, often accompanied by schools of Bogue (Boops boops) and common dentex.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants add significant detail to the dive sites. Keep an eye out for different species of octopuses, moray eels (Muraenidae), and scorpionfish, including the Red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa). You may also spot various crustaceans, such as Spiny lobster (Palinuridae), hermit crabs, and shrimp (Caridea), as well as colourful nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani).

The seabed and structures are decorated with a variety of fixed life. Red gorgonians, sea fans (Gorgoniidae), and various sponges (Porifera) provide a vibrant backdrop, while yellow encrusting anemones and other sea anemones (Actiniaria) add splashes of colour to the rocks and wrecks.

Diving in this region is best experienced from April to October. The proximity to the islands means you can enjoy a variety of environments, from the calm, shallow waters of the islands to the more open sea around the wrecks.

While many sites are accessible, divers should always be mindful of the local maritime conditions. The centre operates from boats, which allows them to navigate the different areas of the archipelago to find the best conditions for the day.