Narval Plongee

Located in the heart of Cassis, Narval Plongée serves as a gateway to the Parc National des Calanques. The centre's position allows for easy access to the diverse underwater landscapes stretching between La Ciotat, Cassis, and Marseille.

The centre operates with a focus on personalised instruction, offering everything from introductory discovery dives to advanced technical training. Whether you are looking for a relaxed shallow dive or a challenging descent along a steep wall, the local sites provide a vast range of environments.

The centre is run by a team of qualified instructors providing training across multiple certifying bodies, including FFESSM, LIFRAS, ANMP, CMAS, SDI, and PADI. This multi-affiliation ensures that both local French divers and international travellers can find the specific certification path they require.

Instruction is delivered in small, individualised groups, with a maximum ratio of four divers per guide. This approach allows for tailored guidance, whether you are working through a basic certification or refining your skills during a refresh dive.

A comprehensive catalogue of courses is available, covering both the French FFESSM/CMAS progression and international PADI standards. Beginners can start with a Baptême or Discover Scuba Diving, progressing through Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver levels.

For those following the French system, the centre offers the full range from N1 through to N3, including specialised modules such as PE12, PE40, and PE60. Technical training and Nitrox certification are also available for experienced divers looking to extend their bottom time or depth capabilities.

The centre features recently renovated facilities with a convivial reception area for divers. For those requiring equipment, a full range of hire kit is available on-site.

The technical setup includes a filling station equipped with a double compressor, providing both standard air (230 and 300 Bar) and Nitrox. Oxygen safety equipment is also maintained on-site for dive safety.

The marine life in the Calanques is defined by the dramatic limestone topography. On the steep walls and drop-offs, you will find a rich tapestry of fixed life, including various gorgonians, sea fans, sea anemones, and red coral. The rocky crevices and caves are often home to large groupers, moray eels, and various species of conger eel.

In the seagrass meadows and shallower areas, the environment is populated by sea bream, mullet, and sars. You can also find various crustaceans such as spiny lobster, large slipper lobsters, and shrimp hiding amongst the rocks and Posidonia beds.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty of detail. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, various species of shrimp, and colourful parazoanthus. The rocky structures also provide habitats for many small species, including various sea slugs and anemones.

Divers should be aware that certain sites, such as Le Grand Conglu, La Pointe Caramassaigne, Le Couloir aux Gorgones, and L'Impérial du Large, can experience significant currents.

While many sites offer sheltered environments, others are subject to the local conditions of the Mediterranean, particularly when diving the open walls or passing through narrow channels.