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Explore beginner to instructor courses, community events, and global dive trips. Immerse yourself in a world of discovery and unforgettable experiences with our SSI course and event calendar.

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Explore the best dive sites France has to offer

Diving in France is as varied as it comes. Experienced divers will enjoy the thrill of diving the cold, rough waters of the English Channel and Bay of Biscay in hunt of the magnificent basking shark and where there is no shortage of WWII wrecks. For warmer, crystal-clear water, head to the posh French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea, where the diving is as sophisticated as the cuisine. Enjoy reefs that house conger eels, lobster, shrimp, octopus, many fish, and nudibranchs of every color. If it is pristine coral reefs thriving with tropical marine life in clear, warm waters you are looking for, make the trek to French Polynesia for some of the world’s most relaxed diving and beautiful beaches. Diving in France is an experience unlike any other.

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Rocher du Diamant

Le Rocher : The mythical dive in Martinique !!! Double dive to enjoy the enchanting setting of the rock! The dive is done at the foot of the rock, the water is clear and blue, the walls are covered with all the colors of the rainbow !!!

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La Gabinière Est tombant

Ile de la Gabinière is located to the south-east of Port-Cros. The site is slightly protected from the Mistral, but very exposed to the easterly wind. Drift diving with a magnificent drop-off from 0 to 50 m.

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La Gabinière Ouest

The dive alternates between large rocky screes and ends to the south with magnificent ridges up to 40 m. Sheltered from the easterly wind, with the possibility of mooring on 4 buoys.

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Roche d'Aurelle

Located in the Cap-Roux reserve, the Aurelle Rock is made up of several rocks ranging from 0 to 37 meters in depth. This site is ideal for first dives but also for exploration and training dives for divers.

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Impérial du milieu

The Impériaux are part of the Riou Archipelago and represent 3 rocks to the north-east of the island, making them one of Marseille's best-known divesThe Impérial du milieu is located in the middle of the 3 rocks, as its name suggests.

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Grand Cap Roux

Located in a protected marine area (Cap Roux reserve), the underwater fauna and flora is abundant. The underwater landscape is an extension of the Esterel, with its ochre hues.

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Les Pharillons

The Pharillons are located at the southern tip of Maïre Island, they are two rocks. A beautiful drop off with two main arches and other smaller ones.

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Les Moyades

Small rocky island located south of Marseille, off the Calanques massif. It is part of the Riou archipelago, a beautiful canyon followed by a drop off. It is not uncommon to see groupers, greater forkbeards, eels, anthias, damsel fish and even barrakudas.

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Rubis, wreck

The Ruby is one of the Mediterranean’s must-see wrecks. Ranked by the magazine Plongeurs International among the 101 most beautiful dives in the world, the Rubis is a pure jewel. To be able to observe a submarine in perfect condition is rare enough not to give yourself the opportunity to dive there.

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Discover the world’s most fascinating aquatic life

Aquatic life under our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams is amazing! From microscopic zooplankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, underwater life comes in all possible shapes and sizes. With 71% of the earth being covered with water, it is no wonder we are so fascinated with what lies beneath the surface. In fact, scientists estimate that there are nearly 1 million different species of aquatic animals. Freshwater ecosystems are home mainly to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, whereas the ocean contains a wide array of marine life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees.

Seal

The round, sweet eyes of a seal don’t only make these acrobatic mammals one of the cutest creatures in the sea but have a highly functional purpose as well. Seals have excellent underwater vision, especially in dark and murky waters. Being deep divers, sometimes reaching depths of up to 100 meters, having this increased ability to see in low light conditions is not only beneficial, but necessary to survive. Their bodies have also adapted to allow for these deeper, longer dives better than other marine mammals. Seal’s blood contains special properties allowing them to absorb more oxygen than other marine mammals, therefore allowing them to do these deep, long dives with ease.

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Eagle Ray

Like manta rays, eagle rays are among the largest rays. The best known and most popular species is the spotted eagle ray, one of the most beautiful rays and among the most desired to be seen by divers. These animals have the unique ability to move both forward and backward using their pectoral fins. You will never forget observing these majestic movements while diving with eagle rays.

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Moray Eel

One of the most fascinating fish on the reef, moray eels come in nearly every size and color from the tiny, bright blue ribbon eel, the smallest averaging only 25 cm long, to the black speckled giant moray which can grow up to 4 meters in length! In fact, there are nearly 200 different species. Most morays are marine dwelling fish, but several species have been seen in brackish water, and just a few are found in fresh water. They are clearly distinguishable from the other reef fish with their long, slithering bodies, pointy snouts full of sharp teeth, and long dorsal fins that run the entire length of their bodies. No matter the species, these animals are always an exciting site to see while scuba diving.

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Barracuda

Despite their protruding teeth, menacing grin, and aggressive predatory status, barracuda are actually completely passive towards divers and snorkelers, although passing by a large adult can still be intimidating to the most experienced scuba diver. They are found in tropical and temperate oceans throughout the world, preferring to cruise over coral reefs, seagrass beds, and near the surface of the water, never venturing very deep; therefore, they are commonly sighted while scuba diving.

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Wrasse

Most wrasses species have extraordinary, bright coloration. With over 600 different species, wrasses are as varied in size as they are in their brilliant color. They are identifiable by their elongated bodies, protruding canine teeth, and thick lips. It is fantastic to dive with wrasses and watch them swimming around coral reefs firsthand. These lively fish make coral reefs even more colorful.

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Octopus

An octopus has eight arms with suction cups which it uses as powerful tools for hunting prey, defense against attackers, and locomotion along the seafloor. They are one of the most fascinating marine animals on the planet. Every octopus has a designated “arm“ that it favors and uses most often. Because they have no inner skeleton, they are extremely mobile and can slip through the narrowest gaps and holes. Some species can even survive and move on land for a short time. Scuba diving with an octopus is an amazing and rewarding experience.

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Dolphins

Who doesn’t dream of diving with dolphins? Not shy and very playful, they are as curious about us as we are about them. What would be better while diving than playing with dolphins? These toothed whales are highly intelligent animals with a personality all their own, often living together in large pods. They exhibit many human traits such as mourning the dead of their conspecifics, learning from one another, trying to impress their females with gifts, joy, playfulness, empathy, etc.

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Discover the wonders of the deep with SSI's blog

Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.