Sanary Plongee

Located at Quai Wilson in Sanary-sur-Mer, Sanary Plongée serves as a gateway to the diverse marine environments between Toulon and the Embiez Islands. The centre operates year-round, providing access to the varied topography of the Mediterranean coast, from rocky reefs to interesting wrecks.

This PADI 5 Star facility is designed for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional careers. Whether you are looking for a single exploration dive or are working towards a career in instruction, the infrastructure is built to support a structured and professional diving experience.

The team consists of seven qualified instructors, including state-certified DEJEPS E3 and E4 professionals. This ensures a high level of expertise across all training levels, from beginner courses to professional development.

Safety and individual attention are prioritised, with a guide-to-diver ratio of 2:1. The centre is also a recognised training structure for professional courses, hosting BPJEPS and DEJEPS students through partnerships with CREPS Montpellier and Antibes.

Environmental stewardship is a core part of the centre's identity. They are currently working towards the PADI Eco Center label via Green Fins and actively organise seabed clean-ups to protect the local marine ecosystem.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI certifications, starting from Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver through to Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver. For those looking to enter the professional ranks, they provide Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and professional training for BPJEPS and DEJEPS.

Specialised training is also available to refine your skills, including Sidemount, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Dry Suit diving. The curriculum also covers essential skills like buoyancy control, navigation, and night diving.

In addition to PADI courses, the centre provides French FFESSM training, including the full Niveau 2, Niveau 3, and Niveau 4 programmes, as well as specific certifications like PA20, PA40, PA60, PE40, and PE60.

The centre operates two semi-rigid boats specifically configured for diving. The Baruna, powered by a 250hp engine, and the Manone, featuring a 150hp engine, can each carry up to 12 passengers.

Both vessels are designed to provide a stable platform for divers. On board, you can find amenities to make the trip more comfortable, including hot tea served after your dives. The boats are equipped to handle various dive types, including night dives and explorations around the islands.

The shore-based facilities are modern and fully air-conditioned. Divers have access to separate male and female changing rooms equipped with hot showers, making it easy to rinse off after a session in the sea.

A standout feature is the unique, heated 5-metre training pool. This glass-walled pool is privately available and kept at a constant 26°C, making it an ideal environment for buoyancy training or conducting courses in a controlled setting.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, masks, and torches for night diving. For those needing technical assistance, the centre provides air fills and Nitrox 32%.

For underwater photography, the centre maintains an official partnership with GoPro, allowing you to hire or purchase cameras for your dives.

The Mediterranean waters around Sanary-sur-Mer host a variety of familiar species. You will regularly encounter schools of coastal fish, groupers, and moray eels patrolling the rocky structures.

The reefs are decorated with sea fans, providing a colourful backdrop for your dives. These habitats support a healthy population of typical Mediterranean fish that move through the water column.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty to observe. Look closely around the crevices and sandy patches for various crustaceans and smaller inhabitants that make the local ecosystem so diverse.

The centre operates throughout the year, offering a long diving season in the Mediterranean. The local environment provides a variety of sites that can be accessed depending on the time of year and your experience level.