Aqualonde Formation

Located in La Londe-les-Maures, Aqualonde Formation sits at the gateway to the Port-Cros National Park. This position offers access to some of the most protected and biodiverse Mediterranean marine environments, making it a premier location for both recreational exploration and professional training.

The centre has established itself over 25 years as a specialist in professional development. Whether you are looking to start your journey with an Open Water Diver course or are pursuing high-level instructor credentials, the setting provides a consistent and high-quality backdrop for learning.

The centre is led by Clément Druilhe, a DESJEPS instructor and PADI Course Director, ensuring a high level of technical oversight. The team is recognised for its pedagogical approach, specifically geared towards those transitioning into a professional diving career.

Aqualonde holds PADI Frequent Trainer Gold Status, a testament to their consistent training standards. They offer a unique dual-competency approach, meaning you can work towards French State diplomas like the BPJEPS or DEJEPS alongside international PADI certifications.

For those looking to enter the professional industry, the centre provides structured pathways and even offers accommodation for specific long-term training programmes, such as the Divemaster 'Immersion & Logement' pack or the BPJEPS cursus.

Aqualonde Formation is primarily a training hub for aspiring professionals. They offer a comprehensive range of PADI instructor training, including Divemaster, Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), Specialty Instructor, IDC Staff Instructor, and even Course Director training.

Beyond the PADI system, the centre is a specialist in French State qualifications. You can undertake the BPJEPS, DEJEPS, DESJEPS, and Certificat Complémentaire (CREPS) programmes. They also provide EFRI (PADI Emergency First Response Instructor) training, leveraging their expertise in medical first aid.

For recreational divers, the full spectrum of PADI courses is available, from Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water to specialty courses such as Nitrox, Deep, and Wreck diver.

The centre is fully equipped for both training and recreational diving, offering a complete range of kit for hire. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks for divers who prefer not to carry their own equipment.

Technical capabilities are a core part of the facility, with support for advanced diving profiles through the availability of Nitrox and Trimix. The centre is also equipped for rebreather diving, catering to the technical community.

The marine life within the Port-Cros National Park is exceptionally diverse due to the protected status of the area. You will find a wealth of large pelagic species and classic Mediterranean fish, including Common dentex (Dentex dentex), Amberjack (Seriola), and various species of Sea bream (Sparidae). Large predators like Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) are part of the local ecosystem.

The reef structures are heavily colonised by fixed life, providing a complex habitat. Red gorgonians, Sea fan (Gorgoniidae), and various Sponges (Porifera) create a vibrant backdrop, often accompanied by yellow encrusting anemones and other encrusting anemones.

For those interested in macro life, the area is a haven for smaller organisms. You can encounter various Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) species, octopuses, and a variety of crustaceans including Spiny lobster (Palinuridae), crabs (Brachyura), and shrimp (Caridea). Scorpionfish and Moray eel (Muraenidae) are also frequently observed amongst the rocky crevices and reef flats.