Le Bateau Jaune

Located at 1 quai Marcel Pagnol in Marseille, Le Bateau Jaune has been a fixture of the local diving scene for over 26 years. The centre sits directly on the Vieux-Port, providing immediate access to the Mediterranean's most significant marine protected areas.

From this base, you can explore the varied underwater landscapes of the Calanques National Park, ranging from rocky reefs to the unique underwater museum. The proximity to the Riou and Friou archipelagos allows for diverse itineraries, whether you are looking for sheltered reef flats or more open coastal exploration.

The team is comprised of 15 instructors, ensuring a high level of supervision for all activities. They maintain a strict ratio of a maximum of four divers per guide, which allows for more controlled and personalised sessions during both recreational dives and professional training.

Le Bateau Jaune is an FFESSM affiliated centre and offers a comprehensive range of professional training pathways. They are also a QUALIOPI certified centre, which is particularly relevant for those looking to utilise professional funding for their diving qualifications.

Beyond standard recreational diving, the centre operates through its Sensations Bleues entity, which specialises in diving for children and self-guided groups. This dual approach allows them to manage everything from introductory dives to structured professional development.

The centre offers a complete progression of FFESSM certifications, ranging from the Niveau 1 through to Niveau 4. For those looking to enter the industry, they provide professional training including DEJEPS, Guide de Palanquée, and Monitorat.

They also cater to specialised career paths, offering Scaphandrier training. All professional training courses are QUALIOPI certified and may be eligible for OPCO funding.

The centre operates a fleet of five boats, all specifically equipped for diving operations with a dedicated pilot on board. These vessels serve as the platform for trips to the Calanques, the Côte Bleue, and the various archipelagos.

Nitrox is available on board to support extended bottom times during your excursions. The boats provide easy access to the diverse sites of the Marseille coastline, from the sheltered waters of the islands to the more open sea.

On shore, the centre is well-equipped for divers to prepare for their outings, featuring hot showers, a dedicated rinsing tank, and a large drying area for wetsuits and kit. For group divers, cylinders and weights are included in the service.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own gear. For those undertaking N1 training, complete equipment is included as part of the course structure.

Diving in the Marseille area is subject to the typical Mediterranean conditions of the Calanques. While the archipelagos can offer varied environments, divers should always be mindful of the local swell and currents when planning trips to more open sites like the Côte Bleue.