Sub'Evasion

Sub'Évasion is situated in the natural harbour of Port de la Meule on L'Île-d'Yeu, providing direct access to the Atlantic's diverse marine environments. The centre has been operating for three decades, establishing itself as a long-standing specialist in the region's unique underwater topography.

The location is highly practical, with the centre's facilities and changing rooms situated just a few metres from the embarkation quays. This proximity allows for a smooth transition from shore to boat, which is particularly useful when managing kit and preparing for the day's dives.

The team is composed of three year-round instructors holding DEJEPS, E4, and BEES1 qualifications. This high level of expertise ensures that instruction is handled with professional rigour, whether you are completing your first discovery dive or working towards professional certifications.

Training is conducted in both French and English, catering to a variety of divers. The centre maintains a family-oriented atmosphere while adhering to the strict safety and pedagogical standards required by the FFESSM affiliation.

As an FFESSM affiliated centre, Sub'Évasion offers a comprehensive progression of courses. Beginners can start with a discovery dive (Plongeur Encadré) up to 12 metres, leading into the Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3 certifications. The centre also provides specialized training for children through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold diver programmes.

For more advanced divers, training includes PA12, PA40, and PE60 levels, as well as the Guide de palanquée N4 and Moniteur Fédéral 1er degré. The centre also offers boat permit training and first aid courses, catering to those looking to expand their technical or professional capabilities.

The RIP'Q is a comfortable aluminium vessel with a capacity for 20 divers and 30 cylinders. It is designed for ease of use, featuring raised cylinder racks to make loading more efficient, dedicated storage spaces, and netting for personal effects. For safe entry and exit, the boat is equipped with side doors for direct water entry and parrot ladders with handrails for secure climbs back on board.

The MOLA is a smaller inflatable RIB with a capacity for 8 divers. It is equipped with a cylinder rack and a parrot ladder, making it an agile option for navigating the local sites.

The shore base is well-equipped for both training and exploration. The centre operates a Coltri compressor with a 300b output and a 30m3/h flow rate, supported by 8 charging points. For those needing to rent kit, a full range is available, including regulators, wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, BCDs, computers, and dive computers.

Cylinder options include 5L, 6L, and 10L single-outlet bottles, as well as 12L short and 15L double-outlet cylinders. The centre is also an official Cressi reseller, and the classroom is fully equipped with IT facilities and a video projector for theoretical training sessions.

The rocky reefs of the southern coast are teeming with life, from large species to delicate invertebrates. You will frequently encounter lobster, octopus, John Dory, and conger eel among the crevices. The seabed is decorated with sponges, sea fans, anemones, and various types of algae, providing a rich backdrop for the local fauna.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, including nudibranchs, torpedo rays, and various species of sea anemones. The presence of cliones, corynactis, and spirographs adds intricate detail to the underwater landscape.

The environment also supports a variety of smaller inhabitants such as jewel anemones and fanworms, making every swim-through or rocky ledge a point of interest for biological observation.

Diving in this area involves navigating the Atlantic's coastal dynamics. Divers should be prepared for the movement of the water and the specific nature of the rocky reefs and offshore wreck sites.