Aqualonde Plongee

Located in the heart of the port at La Londe-les-Maures, Aqualonde offers a direct gateway to some of the most significant dive sites in the Mediterranean. The centre is positioned just 30 metres from the boats, meaning you can move from the club to the water with minimal heavy lifting.

Whether you are looking to explore the deep wrecks of the Hyères archipelago or the vibrant reefs within the Port-Cros National Park, the location is ideal. The centre has been operating in this area for 30 years, providing a stable and professional base for both local divers and those travelling for intensive training.

As a PADI 5 Star centre and a certified FFESSM training organism, Aqualonde maintains high standards across its entire curriculum. The team is experienced in delivering both recreational courses and professional training, including the BPJEPS, DEJEPS, and DESJEPS instructor pathways.

Instruction is delivered in small groups, ensuring close supervision whether you are completing your first Scuba Diver course or working towards your Divemaster or IDC/OWSI ratings. For those looking to professionalise their skills, the centre is a long-standing training hub for instructors and staff.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering both the PADI and FFESSM systems. Beginners can start with Scuba Diver or Plongeur de Bronze, progressing through Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and the FFESSM Niveau 2 and 3 certifications.

Specialty training is a core part of the programme, with options ranging from Nitrox (Air Enrichi) and Deep Diver to Dry Suit Diver. For those looking to refine their technical skills, buoyancy improvement courses are also available.

Professional training is a significant part of the centre's identity, offering pathways through Divemaster, IDC, and MSDT levels, as well as full professional qualifications like the BPJEPS and DESJEPS.

The shore-based facilities are designed for efficiency and comfort. The centre features a heated swimming pool measuring 7x5m, maintained at a minimum of 25°C even in winter, which serves as an excellent resource for training and skills practice.

A high-performance filling station is available, powered by a Bauer PE-700 compressor. This setup includes 300 bar air cylinders, 350 bar air cylinders, and a Nitrox station capable of producing mixes from 32% to 100% using Oxyclean.

For those requiring kit, the centre offers a full range of Aqualung equipment for hire, including regulators, computers, torches, and SMBs. There is also an on-site workshop dedicated to the servicing of Aqualung regulators. After your dives, you can use the recently renovated changing rooms, which include two hot showers and a dedicated changing cabin.

The marine life in the Hyères archipelago is remarkably diverse, particularly around the rocky reefs and wrecks. You will frequently encounter large groupers, dentex, and barracuda patrolling the depths. The reefs are beautifully decorated with various gorgonians, including red and yellow species, as well as sponges and sea fans.

Macro life is abundant for the observant diver. You can find octopus, moray eels, and various species of scorpionfish hiding in the crevices. Nudibranchs and different types of sponges add splashes of colour to the seabed, while lobsters and crayfish inhabit the more sheltered areas.

In the seagrass meadows and around the wrecks, you will see a variety of smaller inhabitants, including anthias, wrasse, and many species of seabream. During certain seasons, you may even have the chance to see a Mola Mola in the blue.

Diving in this region is subject to variable conditions. While many sites are accessible in all seasons, certain wrecks like Le Donator can experience strong currents that require experience and confidence.

Conditions can change depending on the weather, and some sites, such as Le Grec, may experience variable currents. It is always advisable to check the daily plan with the instructors before heading out.