École de plongée des Issambres, la_plongee_aux_issambres_

The École de plongée des Issambres is the only dive centre in the local area, situated directly on the picturesque port of Les Issambres. Positioned near Saint-Raphaël and the Bay of Fréjus, it provides a convenient base for exploring the diverse underwater topography of the Côte d'Azur.

With more than 25 years of experience, the centre has built a reputation for handling everything from initial Discover Scuba Diving sessions to advanced technical training. Whether you are looking to explore local reefs or push your limits with deep technical dives, the facility is geared towards serious diving.

The centre operates with a professional approach, offering instruction in French, German, and English. This multilingual support ensures that international divers can follow technical briefings and training protocols with precision.

The team manages a wide range of certifications, from entry-level SSI courses through to Divemaster and specialised technical training. Their expertise extends into the technical realm, with instructors qualified to teach sidemount, drysuit use, and advanced deco procedures.

The centre provides a comprehensive curriculum through SSI and FFESSM affiliations. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the SSI Open Water Diver course, with progression paths leading through Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, and Night Diver specialties.

For those moving into technical diving, the centre offers advanced training in Trimix (both normoxic and hypoxic), Rebreather diving, Sidemount, and Drysuit proficiency. They also cover specialised skills such as Advanced Perfect Buoyancy, Navigation, and the use of Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs).

The primary vessel is Le Corsaire, a 10-metre aluminium catamaran used for excursions around the local coastline. This boat allows you to reach offshore sites and deeper reefs comfortably.

Onboard, the centre provides gas support including Nitrox and Trimix for technical divers. The catamaran is used for various trip types, including night dives and explorations of local wrecks and swim-throughs.

The shore-based facility features a high-performance multi-gas blending station capable of supplying Air, Nitrox, Trimix, and Oxygen. This makes it a reliable hub for technical divers requiring specific gas mixes.

Full kit hire is available for those not travelling with their own equipment, including masks, fins, snorkels, BCDs, regulators, torches, dive computers, and SMBs (surface marker buoys). The centre also stocks and sells equipment from brands such as Mares, Tecline, Cressi, XDEEP, and Big Blue, and offers a professional servicing department for your own gear.