La Bulle D Her

La Bulle d'Her is a professional dive club established in 2011, situated at the Port de l'Herbaudière in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île. The centre serves as a gateway to the varied underwater landscapes of the Vendée, from shallow rocky reefs to significant historical wrecks.

The team is composed of five experienced instructors, including co-managers Florian and Jonathan. Florian is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Trimix instructor with over 20 years of experience, while Jonathan is a Triton rebreather instructor and tutor. The staff also includes Florent, currently training for DEJEPS, Alexis, who specialises in macro-photography, and André, a DEJEPS instructor known for a calm and steady approach to diving.

Affiliated with PADI, FFESSM, and ANMP, the centre provides instruction in both recreational and technical disciplines. The team's expertise covers a broad spectrum, from beginner discovery dives to advanced technical training in Trimix and rebreather use.

The training programme is extensive, catering to every level of diver. Beginners can start with a Discovery Dive or Scuba Diver course, progressing through PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced OWD, and Rescue Diver, up to Divemaster. The centre also teaches the FFESSM progression, including Niveau 1, 2, and 3, as well as the PE and PA series.

Technical training is a core strength of the centre. Divers can specialise in Nitrox (Enriched Air), Deep diving, Wreck exploration, and Drift diving. For those moving into technical territory, the centre offers courses in normoxic and hypoxic Trimix, as well as drysuit training and Triton rebreather instruction. Specific wreck training stages are also available for depths between 15m and 60m.

The centre operates two distinct vessels to suit different diving needs. The Div'her is an 11.75m motor catamaran with a capacity for 18 divers, making it well-suited for larger groups or social trips.

The P'ti Fr'Her is an 8.50m semi-rigid capable of carrying 16 divers. Both boats allow for exploration of the local coastline, and Nitrox is available for use on board.

For those not bringing their own kit, the centre offers full equipment hire, including wetsuits, BCDs, and regulators. They also provide drysuit hire for those looking to extend their diving season or pursue technical courses.

Technical divers will find the necessary support on-site, including Nitrox and Trimix capabilities. Helium and oxygen are available for gas blending and support. The centre also operates a boutique for purchasing diving equipment.

The rocky plateaus and reefs are home to a variety of fixed life, including sponges, sea fans, and gorgonians. You will also find various species of anemones and 'lèches-doigts' clinging to the structures.

In the crevices and around the wrecks, look for crustaceans such as lobsters and tourteaux. The area is also frequented by conger eels and various species of wrasse.

For those interested in macro life, the sandy bottoms and rocky edges host nudibranchs and sea hares. You may also encounter various species of crabs and other small invertebrates among the flora.

Pelagic and larger fish species include rays, dogfish sharks, sea bass, and sea bream. In certain areas, you might also spot labres, rougets, lièvres de mer, bars, and dorades.

Diving in this area involves navigating the tides and currents characteristic of the Noirmoutier coast. Some sites, such as the rocky plateau, are specifically suited for drift diving where the current carries you along the seabed.

Navigating the waters near the islands and channels requires local knowledge, particularly around the rocks of the Île au large de l'Herbaudière, where tidal movements can be significant.