< Back
CORSICA: One of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world
Corsica can be found between two of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, France and Italy. Just 160 kilometres south-west of the French Riviera and 82 kilometres west of the coast of Tuscany, this tranquil island provides a spectacular paradise between the two. Corsica is accessible either by plane or by ferry which depart from both the south of France and western Italy.
Corsica is renowned for it’s under water diving and there are many fantastic diving opportunities and dive sites can be discovered all over Corsica. From the undisturbed marine life in the natural Marine Reserve at Bonifacio to the breath-taking rock formations or as the locals say, ‘cathédrales’ just off the coast of Porto Pollo in the Valincio. Corsica is also home to many cargo and WWII wrecks like near the Revellata peninsula, not far from Calvi, you can dive down to discover the wreck of a WWII bomber.
Anyone who has ever been to Corsica will tell you it is one of the most beautiful places in the world and thanks to its virtual absence of pollution it is one of the most sort after scuba diving destinations as its waters are among the cleanest in the Mediterranean. These marvellous waters combined with the fact that most of the waters surrounding the island are managed by two internationally renowned marine nature reserves make it easy for divers to discover the vast marine communities such as grouper, brown meagre and dentex. What is more the rugged and rocky landscape above ground continues under the water forming mountains, canyons, needles and rocky masses making for spectacular dive sites for the more experienced scuba diver. However Corsica is also the perfect destination to learn how to scuba dive below the calm, clear waters where you will wish you had eyes in the back of your head to take everything in.
Corsica is renowned for it’s under water diving and there are many fantastic diving opportunities and dive sites can be discovered all over Corsica. From the undisturbed marine life in the natural Marine Reserve at Bonifacio to the breath-taking rock formations or as the locals say, ‘cathédrales’ just off the coast of Porto Pollo in the Valincio. Corsica is also home to many cargo and WWII wrecks like near the Revellata peninsula, not far from Calvi, you can dive down to discover the wreck of a WWII bomber.
Anyone who has ever been to Corsica will tell you it is one of the most beautiful places in the world and thanks to its virtual absence of pollution it is one of the most sort after scuba diving destinations as its waters are among the cleanest in the Mediterranean. These marvellous waters combined with the fact that most of the waters surrounding the island are managed by two internationally renowned marine nature reserves make it easy for divers to discover the vast marine communities such as grouper, brown meagre and dentex. What is more the rugged and rocky landscape above ground continues under the water forming mountains, canyons, needles and rocky masses making for spectacular dive sites for the more experienced scuba diver. However Corsica is also the perfect destination to learn how to scuba dive below the calm, clear waters where you will wish you had eyes in the back of your head to take everything in.
Best Dive Sites – Where to dive
If you are planning a diving holiday in Corsica then here are the must-see dive sites around the island. Luckily Corsica is small enough to discover the entire island by car!
The Lavezzi Marine Reserve
The Lavezzi Islands, a short boat ride away from Bonafacio, are home to over 40 dive sites which together make up a breath-taking diving experience. The waters range from 60-70 meters in depth and thanks to the clarity of the water, visibility can be possible for over 30 meters. The strong currents in this area provide the perfect habitat for marine life so eagle rays, barracuda and other pelagic sightings are common. The best dive spots can be recognised by large granite boulders, swim-through walls and wrecks - the most spectacular being Washington Rock with its giant walls and overhangs covered with red gorgonian fans, yellow sponges and golden sea daisies. There is also the Angelika cargo ship wreck which was sunk in 1982 and makes a fantastic dive.
The US B17 wreck
Just in front of Calvi’s harbour you can dive down to see the wreck of a crashed US B-17 Flying Fortress, which has been claimed by a large colony of moray eels and makes for an interesting dive. Most diving centers in Calvi run trips to this under water dive site.
Drunken Wreck
In the bay of Porto-Vecchio you can dive down to discover a large cruiser that was apparently sunk by a drunken crew. The Hippocampe, Nature Plongée, Kallisté, Oxygène and the Porto-Vecchio diving centers all operate out of Porto-Vecchio and run trips to this dive site.
US P47 Fighter Plane
Not far from the coast of Bastia is the dive site of the remains of a US P47 fighter plane which lies on a the sandy seabed 40 meters under the surface. The Flabelline Diving Center and the Bastias Diving Center both run trips here.
If you are planning a diving holiday in Corsica then here are the must-see dive sites around the island. Luckily Corsica is small enough to discover the entire island by car!
The Lavezzi Marine Reserve
The Lavezzi Islands, a short boat ride away from Bonafacio, are home to over 40 dive sites which together make up a breath-taking diving experience. The waters range from 60-70 meters in depth and thanks to the clarity of the water, visibility can be possible for over 30 meters. The strong currents in this area provide the perfect habitat for marine life so eagle rays, barracuda and other pelagic sightings are common. The best dive spots can be recognised by large granite boulders, swim-through walls and wrecks - the most spectacular being Washington Rock with its giant walls and overhangs covered with red gorgonian fans, yellow sponges and golden sea daisies. There is also the Angelika cargo ship wreck which was sunk in 1982 and makes a fantastic dive.
The US B17 wreck
Just in front of Calvi’s harbour you can dive down to see the wreck of a crashed US B-17 Flying Fortress, which has been claimed by a large colony of moray eels and makes for an interesting dive. Most diving centers in Calvi run trips to this under water dive site.
Drunken Wreck
In the bay of Porto-Vecchio you can dive down to discover a large cruiser that was apparently sunk by a drunken crew. The Hippocampe, Nature Plongée, Kallisté, Oxygène and the Porto-Vecchio diving centers all operate out of Porto-Vecchio and run trips to this dive site.
US P47 Fighter Plane
Not far from the coast of Bastia is the dive site of the remains of a US P47 fighter plane which lies on a the sandy seabed 40 meters under the surface. The Flabelline Diving Center and the Bastias Diving Center both run trips here.
Top diving ideas
-
Challenging dive sites
Take your diving to new levels - discover the world's most difficult diving -
-
-
