Kraken Plongee

Located at the edge of the Golfe d’Amour, Kraken Plongée serves as a technical and recreational hub for divers exploring the waters from La Ciotat to the Parc National des Calanques. Since opening in 2016, the centre has established itself through a commitment to a more mindful approach to diving, focusing on individualised pedagogy and technical mastery.

The centre operates across two distinct locations. The Atelier serves as the administrative heart, housing the classrooms, the Revo rebreather workshop, and the main shop. For departures, divers meet at La Paillote, situated at the Nouveau Port de Plaisance, which serves as the primary meeting point and equipment hub for boat trips.

The centre is co-directed by Justine and Thibault Rauby and is staffed by State-qualified instructors. Their teaching philosophy, known as 'Slow Diving', moves away from repetitive drill-based learning to focus on body awareness, breathing techniques, and personalised instruction.

Affiliated with FFESSM, ANMP, and IANTD, the team provides a wide range of certifications. They are also highly experienced in underwater filming, offering professional audiovisual services for divers looking to capture high-quality footage of their underwater excursions.

The training programme is exceptionally broad, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced technical divers. Recreational courses include the FFESSM progression from Niveau 1 through to Niveau 3, alongside specialized training such as Nitrox and drysuit diving.

Technical training is a core strength, with a heavy emphasis on the Revo rebreather. Divers can progress through Revo Air Diluent, Normoxic Trimix, and Hypoxic Trimix courses. The centre also offers specialised training in DPV (scooter) use, RIFAP first aid, and professional instructor-level qualifications through IANTD.

The centre operates two semi-rigid boats, designed to handle the coastal waters of the Mediterranean. These vessels have a capacity for 24 divers to dive simultaneously, with a total rotation capacity of around thirty divers per day.

For those seeking a more private experience, the centre offers private boat days for groups of 2 to 8 divers, or larger groups of 9 to 16. Nitrox and Trimix gases are available for use during these trips.

The shore-based facilities include a dedicated station for filling AIR, Nitrox, and Trimix cylinders. For technical divers, the centre provides a comprehensive range of specialised kit, including Shearwater computers, Revo rebreathers, and Seacraft scooters for DPV training.

Rental options are extensive, covering everything from full recreational sets (BCD, regulator, computer, wetsuit, fins, and mask) to specific technical requirements like bailout cylinders (S40 or 7L aluminium) and regulators. They also stock various gases, including Helium for Trimix blends.

The best period for recreational diving and training is between April and October. Divers should be prepared for Mediterranean conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C depending on the season.