Diving Sites around the Golden Islands: Hyères, Porquerolles, Giens Peninsula and Port-Cros
The Golden Islands, which include Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and the Giens Peninsula, are a true paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. With their crystal-clear waters, diverse seascapes, and rich wildlife, these locations offer an exceptional setting for exploring the underwater wonders of the French Riviera.
PORQUEROLLES: THE ISLAND OF UNDERWATER TREASURES
Porquerolles, the largest of the Golden Islands, is a popular diving destination thanks to its diversity of sites. Its waters are home to incredibly preserved marine flora and fauna. The island's wrecks: Ideal for history and technical diving enthusiasts, the wrecks are fascinating sites, such as the famous Donator or the Grec. La Roche Percée at Cap de Mèdes: A spectacular site with a dive on a drop-off covered with gorgonians and corals, providing a perfect habitat for a multitude of fish.
A MULTITUDE OF SITES TO EXPLORE
PORT-CROS: THE MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Port-Cros, a National Park in the south of France, is one of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean. The richness of its marine biodiversity is exceptional.
The drop-off is at La Gabinière: This dive site is home to deep seabeds and waters where groupers, dentex and barracudas hide.
La Pointe de la Galère: A popular spot that reveals a varied fauna, schools of fish, and clear waters, perfect for a peaceful dive.
GIENS PENINSULA:
MULTI-BEAUTIES
The Giens peninsula, with its small coves and protected seabed, is an excellent choice for diving suitable for all levels.
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Escampo Bariou: A site renowned for its underwater landscapes and caves to explore. There are rock fish and small crevices where moray eels and crustaceans hide.
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Pointe Chevalier: A more accessible spot with shallow waters, perfect for beginners and those who wish to observe fish of all sizes in a peaceful environment.
PROTECTED AREAS
AND BIODIVERSITY
The dive sites around the Golden Islands are largely protected by the Port-Cros National Park. This guarantees a rich biological diversity and dives in unspoiled waters, far from mass tourism. Here, you can encounter dolphins, sea turtles, sunfish, groupers, and a multitude of colorful fish that inhabit the underwater seagrass beds.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
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Respect protected areas: Always remember that these sites are sensitive areas. Do not touch the underwater flora and fauna.
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Diving with a local guide: It is strongly recommended to dive with a local guide, especially for more technical sites and to learn more about the flora and fauna.
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Take your time: These underwater landscapes are incredibly beautiful. Take the time to explore in peace and quiet and enjoy the calm of these unspoiled places.
