Cap des Medes, Porquerolles: diving the schist boulders

You access Cap des Medes by boat, arriving at the northeast side of Porquerolles, where a distinctive perforated rock marks the entry point. Below the surface, the dive begins amidst an unusual topography of large schist boulders, some of which rise back up by ten metres from the seabed. This creates a playful, intricate environment, often compared to the 'Marseille cheeses' due to its undulating, sculpted appearance.

Following these formations, you'll find the bottom gently descending to a maximum depth of 25 metres. The dive unfolds as you navigate from boulder to boulder, each offering different nooks and crannies to explore. On either side, the rocky landscape transitions into stretches of sand and extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows, providing a contrast to the rugged rock formations and supporting a diverse array of marine life.

Despite its varied underwater terrain, Cap des Medes is notably sheltered, especially from the prevailing Mistral winds. This protection ensures calm conditions, making for an easy and relaxed dive experience. The absence of significant current allows for unhurried exploration of the site's features, from the dramatic schist blocks to the smaller details hidden within crevices and on the seabed.

Among the boulders and seagrass, you'll encounter a range of resident species. Octopus can be found camouflaged among the rocks, while groups of ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) and cardinalfish (Apogon imberbis) frequent the crevices. Look for damselfish (Chromis chromis) darting through the water column and painted comber (Serranus scriba) resting on the substrate. You might also spot brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) and various species of rainbow wrasse (Coris julis) and peacock wrasse (Symphodus tinca) as you traverse the site.