Scuba Diving in Corsica: Top Dive Sites, Wrecks, and Wildlife

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Scuba diving in Corsica offers a world of underwater beauty - from dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear marine reserves to historic World War II wrecks and abundant marine life.

Often called the “Island of Beauty,” Corsica is a Mediterranean gem for divers of all levels. With thriving ecosystems, unique geological formations, and clear, warm waters, the island promises fantastic diving.

In this guide, we explore Corsica’s top dive sites - from north to south and along the west coast - featuring shallow reefs, deep walls, and historic wrecks.

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

Discover Corsica’s Marine Biodiversity and Protected Waters

Corsica’s waters are among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, thanks to limited industrialization and several protected marine areas. The most iconic is the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other important reserves include the Lavezzi Islands in the south and the Agriates in the north, all offering excellent diving conditions.

The underwater flora includes vibrant gorgonians, extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows (vital to Mediterranean ecosystems), and colorful coralligenous formations. The fauna is equally rich: groupers, barracudas, moray eels, dentex, damselfish, lobsters, octopuses, and nudibranchs are common sightings, with occasional visits from rays and dolphins.

Want to dive with purpose? Read: Marine Restoration: Top 5 Ways You Can Get Involved 

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

Top Dive Sites in Corsica

1. Scandola Nature Reserve (West Coast)

Accessible only by boat, typically from Cargèse or Sagone, the Scandola Nature Reserve is a strictly protected marine sanctuary renowned for its pristine beauty.

Dive highlights:

• Cultilatta – A dramatic vertical wall with schools of barracuda, large groupers, and vibrant red gorgonians.
• Loca – A striking site with arches, crevices, and coral-covered canyons.

2. Lavezzi & Cerbicale Islands (South Corsica, near Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio)

Located in a nutrient-rich protected area between Corsica and Sardinia, these islands offer some of the most biodiverse scuba diving in Corsica.

Dive highlights:

• Mérouville – A shallow site home to a famously friendly colony of large groupers.
• Forana Island – Located in the Cerbicale reserve, with varied seascapes and abundant marine life including barracudas and sea bream.

3. Revellata Point (Near Calvi)

Near the coastal town of Calvi, Revellata offers accessible diving for all experience levels and includes one of Corsica’s most famous wrecks.

Dive highlights:

• The B-17 Bomber Wreck – A well-preserved WWII American bomber at around 27 m (89 ft), offering a haunting, historical dive.
• Punta Bianca – A scenic reef with diverse marine life and stunning underwater terrain.

Interested in wreck diving in Corsica? Discover the Boeing B17 Wreck in Calvi 

4. Gulf of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands

Ajaccio, one of Corsica’s most popular summer spots, offers excellent scuba diving in Corsica. The nearby Sanguinaires Islands offer rich marine biodiversity and volcanic formations.

Dive highlights:

• E Sette Nave – A scenic dive site with arches, grottos, and colorful reef life.
• La Tête de Mort – A collection of submerged peaks ("secs") that attract predatory fish like dentex and barracudas.

5. Cap Corse (Northern Corsica)

Far from the crowds, the northern tip of the island offers peaceful diving in crystal-clear water with a mix of rocky and seagrass environments.

Dive highlights:

• Cap Sagro – A diverse area home to octopuses, eels, and reef fish.
• A Casaïola – A plateau with caverns and crevices, ideal for macro enthusiasts.

Ready to explore more? Discover France’s most spectacular dive sites: Scuba Diving in France

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

When to Go Scuba Diving in Corsica

The diving season in Corsica runs from May to October, with the warmest and calmest conditions typically from June to September.

• Water temperature: 22°C to 26°C (72°F–79°F)
• A 5 mm wetsuit is usually sufficient; a shorty may be suitable in peak summer.
• Avoid peak tourism in July and August for quieter dive sites and easier bookings. June and September offer excellent visibility and fewer crowds.

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

Dive Training and Courses In Corsica

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Corsica offers SSI-certified dive centers across the island—in Ajaccio, Calvi, Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, and more.

You can take your Open Water Diver certification, or join advanced SSI programs like wreck diving, deep diving, and Nitrox. Many dive sites cater to all experience levels, and local dive guides help ensure you explore each site safely and confidently.

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

Essential Tips for Scuba Diving in Corsica

• Book early during summer to secure spots at popular dive centers.
• Check local wind conditions - Mistral and Libeccio winds may cancel boat dives.
• Follow reserve rules – Some Marine Protected Areas require a guide or limit dive access.
• Respect marine life – Observe without touching to protect Corsica’s fragile ecosystems.

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

Why Corsica Should Be on Every Diver’s Bucket List

Corsica is not just a destination for hikers and sunseekers—it is an underwater treasure trove for divers. With its unique blend of rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and historical wrecks, diving in Corsica offers unforgettable experiences for every diver.

The Island of Beauty lives up to its name - above and below the surface.

Steady movements, smart positioning, and the right lighting transform your 360 footage into something unforgettable.

Ready to Dive into Corsica's Underwater Wonders?

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