Have you decided to go scuba diving in the Mediterranean? Discover the 9 best diving spots in Corsica!
It’s no secret that Corsica is known as the « Isle of Beauty » for a reason. This extraordinary territory is renowned for its spectacular scenery and sublime panoramas. With its many must-see tourist attractions, the island is also renowned for its diving spots. It’s true, they have nothing to envy the most beautiful tropical destinations!
Crystal-clear water, schools of multicolored fish, breathtaking underwater flora and fauna. Yes, all this and more can be found in Corsica! In every corner of Corsica, you can benefit from the experience of numerous clubs and instructors. They’re eager to share their passion and guide novice and experienced divers alike.
Snorkeling using fins and snorkels? Or equipped with full diving gear including tanks, regulator and wetsuit? It doesn’t matter: in Corsica, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to discover what’s behind the scenes. Discover the seabed and its exceptional natural wealth!
To help you choose from the best diving spots in Corsica, count on us. We’ve put together a selection of the nine most incredible spots. Put on your wetsuit and let’s get underway!
1. The Gulf of Sagone
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Julia Remezova
The Gulf of Sagone is located in southern Corsica. If we’re telling you about it, it’s because it’s one of the must-sees for those who love the thrill of the deep! In fact, it’s packed with diving sites to suit all levels. Quite simply, it’s one of the best diving spots in Corsica! You can admire the splendor of the seabed and discover the wreck of a Canadair. Or thrill to the Punta Locca: a spectacular drop-off almost sixty meters deep!
The lucky ones will no doubt come across schools of drumfish. Or even spend a few minutes in the company of groupers! Some are so shy that you can actually touch them… Come and meet them: you’ll be sure to bring back unforgettable memories of your stay.
2. Calvi Marine Reserve
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Angelo Giampiccolo
Calvi is a magnificent town in its own right. But it’s also one of the best diving spots in Corsica! Particularly on the Revellata peninsula, where there’s an abundance of fish. If you take the trouble to descend to depths of more than fifteen meters, the spectacle is fabulous. The rock faces offer breathtaking scenes to those lucky enough to get close to them!
Divers undulate in the midst of exceptional flora and fauna. Scorpion fish, groupers, red gorgonians, devil rays and moray eels will all be there for the duration of the dive. What are you waiting for? Put on your equipment and go out to meet them?
3. The Lavezzi Islands
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Ventura
These islands are located in Corse-du-Sud, 10 kilometers from Bonifacio. But then, really south: this diving spot is the most southerly spot in Corsica! Divers from all over Europe flock here, and it’s easy to see why when you look at the water. It’s turquoise as you approach, and crystal-clear once you enter!
Snorkeling enthusiasts will be delighted to meet up on the coastline of the six Lavezzi islands. You don’t have to dive too deep to enjoy the spectacle. But for experienced divers capable of reaching depths of several dozen meters, what splendor! Fish and coral are part of the scenery and will convince you to return as soon as possible.
4. The wreck of the Alcione
The Bay ofAjaccio is home to many types of coral and exceptional marine flora. These form a disparate and magnificently colorful whole. But if this is one of the best diving spots in Corsica, it’s for the Alcione. This Italian oil tanker has been lying at a depth of 35 meters since it sank here in 1943!
You need to be an experienced diver to access the wreck, but once there, what an atmosphere! The Alcione is in a sorry state, but that’s exactly what makes this escapade so charming. Nature has reclaimed its rightful place, and the sun’s rays pierce the boat. The resulting play of light gives day-trippers the unique sensation of being on another planet!
5. The Gulf of Porto
Photo credit: Shuttertsock / alpinenature
Quite simply, it’s one of the best diving spots in Corsica. And we’re not the only ones who think so. For those who doubt it, you should know that the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The site includes, among others, the Scandola reserve and the Calanches de Piana. Fishing and diving are not permitted in this nature reserve, but you can get close to its boundaries. And it’s already very beautiful! Once you’ve arrived, it’s time to put on your equipment and set off to discover the incredible animals present.
First, there are many sea urchins. Although some are edible, it is strictly forbidden to pick them up! Then, as you go deeper, you may come across moray eels and scorpion fish. Companions for a day, to make the most of your short stay beneath the surface!
6. Propriano Bay
Photo credit :Shuttertsock / Damsea
Once again, an exceptional spot in an exceptional region: the Gulf of Valinco. The bay of Propriano offers surreal scenes for those willing to take the plunge. In fact, it’s one of the best diving spots in Corsica! At depths of up to 25 metres, you’ll find the underwater riches of the Corsican coastline. But that’s not all, as you’re about to discover.
Here, you’ll find strange bouquets of dark coral that are quite rare in the region. And at a depth of almost fifty metres, you can see a surprising geological curiosity! A tunnel seemingly carved out of the rock, nicknamed « The Pyramids ». If you’re experienced enough, why not explore it?
7. Cerbicale Islands nature reserve
Photo credit :Shutterstock / Subphoto
This small archipelago consists of just four islands and islets. But this rocky, unappealing grouping is full of secrets! Off the coast of Porto-Vecchio, you’ll find some extraordinary scuba diving. In our opinion, this is one of the best diving spots in Corsica, and you’ll soon see why.
The area is home to some remarkable flora and fauna! What’s more, the sea is often calm along the coastline, making for a great diving experience. And no matter which island you choose in the archipelago to indulge in the pleasures of discovering the seabed! Our advice is to discover the island of Toro: a wreck awaits you in the area, just off the island…
8. Campanina
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Just outside Ajaccio, Campanina is an exceptional site. It’s an exceptional underwater cave at a depth of almost forty meters. Fish may be rare here, but the mostelle, which lives in the rocky cavities, feels right at home. And even if you don’t come across any, this geological curiosity remains a real pleasure to discover. It’s certainly one of the best diving spots in Corsica!
But not everyone is capable of descending to such depths. Either for lack of equipment, or lack of experience! Rest assured, however, there are other treasures to be discovered closer to the surface. The crustaceans present in the area are numerous: if you’re lucky, you’ll find lobsters. It’s an ideal meal to recover from your emotions, once you’re back on the cow floor!
9. Pietra Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock / frantisekhojdysz
This island is undoubtedly one of the best spots for diving in Corsica. And with good reason: you don’t even need a compressed air tank, just a snorkel! Snorkelers will be delighted to venture into this small cove, which is well sheltered from the waves. A whole new world can be observed just a few metres from the surface. Sea anemones, sea urchins and wrasse await you in this popular spot just a stone’s throw from Ile Rousse!
Northern Corsica is definitely full of spectacular places, each more astonishing than the last. But here, the authenticity of the wilderness is well worth the detour. We highly recommend putting on your flippers and enjoying a moment of relaxation where time stands still. So, when would you like to go?