Abyss Garden

ABYSS Garden is a professional freediving and underwater hunting school situated in La Ciotat, positioned at the gateway to the Parc National des Calanques. Since its establishment in 2011, the centre has focused on the technical and mindful aspects of breath-hold diving, blending physical training with a deep respect for the Mediterranean ecosystem.

The school operates from the Base Nautique municipale in Nouveau Port, providing direct access to some of the most significant underwater landscapes near Marseille. From the sheltered biodiversity of Île Verte to the deeper structures of the Calanques, the location is ideal for both recreational exploration and serious athletic progression.

The teaching team consists of State-certified professional instructors with extensive experience in deep freediving. They provide a personalised approach to pedagogy, ensuring that every student, from those taking their first breath-hold dive to advanced athletes, receives instruction tailored to their specific physiological and technical needs.

Safety and small group sizes are central to their operation, with a strict limit of five divers per guide for discovery dives. For those undergoing specific freediving training, the ratio is even more controlled, with a maximum of four freedivers per cable during training sessions. The school is affiliated with both AIDA France and FFESSM, allowing for a wide range of recognised certifications.

The curriculum is divided between professional freediving certifications and underwater hunting. For breath-hold divers, the school offers the full AIDA progression from Wave 1 through to AIDA 4*, as well as FFESSM instructor training (MEF1, MEF2) and the BPJEPS plongée "option sans scaphandre".

Beyond basic certifications, the centre provides intensive coaching and training programmes, including half-day coaching sessions, full-week training intensives, and specialised 'Mix Coaching' packages. They also offer AIDA instructor training and crossover courses for those looking to professionalise their skills. For those interested in the hunting discipline, initiation and perfectionnement courses in underwater hunting are available.

The centre utilises a semi-rigid boat for all sea outings, ensuring quick and stable access to the local dive sites. The vessel is specifically equipped with poles to facilitate cable training for freedivers, making it a functional platform for both technical progression and recreational exploration.

Most sites are reached within 10 to 15 minutes of navigation, allowing for maximum time in the water. The boat serves as a base for various activities, including guided explorations, training sessions, and underwater hunting trips.

On-site facilities at the Base Nautique municipale include changing rooms and showers for divers to use between sessions. For those requiring equipment, the centre offers a full range of hire kit, including wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, weight belts, gloves, and booties.

Specialised equipment such as spearguns is also available for those participating in underwater hunting sessions. The centre maintains a partnership with Cressi for their neoprene equipment, ensuring divers have access to reliable, high-quality kit.

The best period for exploring the local sites is from May to October. Sea conditions and activity schedules are subject to weather, and sessions may be rescheduled or cancelled to ensure diver safety.

Navigation is generally efficient, with most major spots located within a short 10 to 15-minute transit from the harbour.