Diving in Corsica

Explore 166 dive sites in Corsica, France. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Corsica

The warmest water temperatures in Corsica occur in January, averaging 13.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 13.9°C (air: 9.4°C)
  • February: 13.9°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • March: 13.9°C (air: 11.2°C)
  • April: 13.9°C (air: 13.4°C)
  • May: 13.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • June: 13.9°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • July: 13.9°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • August: 13.9°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • September: 13.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • October: 13.9°C (air: 17.9°C)
  • November: 13.9°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • December: 13.9°C (air: 10.8°C)

Marine Life in Corsica

Home to 225 recorded species including 146 reef fish, 35 sharks & rays, 9 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 other, 5 hard corals.

Dive Site Difficulty in Corsica

Corsica has 67 beginner, 27 intermediate, 2 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Corsica

Based on average water temperature of 13.9°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 14°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Corsica

  • Scandola - Corsican Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Golfe de Porto : calanche de Piana, golfe de Girolata, réserve de Scandola - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Pinia - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mucchiatana - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Presqu’île et îles Bruzzi et îlot aux moines - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Archipel De La Tonnara - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Saint-Florent (Formation Récifale) - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bouches De Bonifacio - Corsican Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilot De Cornuta - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilots De Stagnolu Et Ziglione - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilot De Roscana - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilot capense - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pelagos Sanctuary For The Conservation Of Marine Mammals - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Iles Lavezzi, Bouches de Bonifacio - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Iles Cerbicale - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Golfe de Porto et presqu'île de Scandola - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Iles Sanguinaires, golfe d'Ajaccio - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Colonie de Goélands d'Audouin d'Aspretto/Ajaccio - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Plateau du Cap Corse - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Capu Rossu , Scandola, revellata, Calvi - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Ilôts du toro - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cap Corse Et Agriate - Marine Nature Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Embouchure du stabiacciu - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Iles de la pietra - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rivages de casinca - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Castagna - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Iles Du Cap Corse - Corsican Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Grands dauphins de l'Agriate - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Récifs du mont sous-marin d'Ajaccio et des affleurements rocheux de Valinco - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Récifs du mont sous-marin de l'Agriate - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Oiseaux marins de l'Agriate - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zones de quiétude du Balbuzard pêcheur (Haute-Corse) - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Zones de quiétude du Balbuzard pêcheur - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Péridotites jurassiques du Monte Maggiore - Geotope Protection Order (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Plateau du Cap Corse - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Grand herbier de la côte orientale - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bouches de Bonifacio, Iles des Moines - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pointe de Senetosa et prolongements - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Golfe d'Ajaccio - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cap rossu, Scandola, Pointe de la Reveletta, Canyon de Calvi - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Agriates - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Porto/Scandola/Revellata/Calvi/Calanches de Piana (zone terrestre et marine) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Plateau de Pertusato/ Bonifacio et îles Lavezzi - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Embouchure du Stabiaccu, Domaine Public Maritime et îlot Ziglione - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Iles Cerbicale et frange littoral - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Iles et pointe Bruzzi, étangs de Chevanu et d'Arbitru - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Baie de Stagnolu, golfu di Sognu, Golfe de Porto-Vecchio - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vallée du Fango - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Corsica - Nearest Airports

  • Bastia-Poretta International airport (BIA), Bastia - 22 km away, approx 39 min travel time
  • Figari Sud-Corse Airport (FSC), Figari - 104 km away, approx 128 min travel time
  • Pisa International Airport (PSA), Pisa (PI) - 161 km away, approx 191 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility for diving in Corsica?
While specific data on typical visibility and general water conditions for diving in Corsica is not provided, we can note that the best water temperatures are around 13.95°C for three months of the year. For more detailed information, it's always best to consult local dive centers.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in Corsica?
The provided data does not detail specific marine life you can expect to encounter while diving in Corsica. However, the region is known for its pristine marine reserves, suggesting a healthy ecosystem. For general information on Mediterranean marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in Corsica for different interests, such as wrecks, reefs, or caves?
Corsica offers a diverse range of dive sites for various interests. For wreck enthusiasts, the P47 de Santa Severa (link) and Relitto Aereo (link) are excellent beginner-friendly options, while the Nasim, wreck (link) is suitable for intermediate divers. Reefs are abundant, with sites like La Louise (link) for beginners and Scoglietto - Cristo (link) challenging expert divers.
Is Corsica suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for experienced divers?
Corsica is highly suitable for beginner divers, with numerous sites catering to those new to the sport. Examples include the wreck dive at P47 de Santa Severa (link) and reef dives like La Louise (link) and Stareso (link). While there are also intermediate and expert sites, such as the Scoglietto - Cristo (link) reef, beginners will find plenty of accessible options.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Corsica regarding weather and water temperature?
Based on the provided data, the best water temperatures for diving in Corsica are recorded in Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, all at 13.95°C. While specific weather information is not detailed, these months offer the most favorable water temperatures. For more comprehensive seasonal guidance, consult our when to dive section.
How can travelers get to Corsica for a diving trip?
The provided data does not include specific information on how travelers can get to Corsica for a diving trip. Typically, islands like Corsica are accessible via flights to local airports or ferries from mainland Europe. We recommend checking general travel resources for the best routes.
Are there any specific marine protected areas or reserves in Corsica that are popular for diving?
The description for Corsica highlights its "pristine marine reserves," indicating the presence of protected areas. However, the provided data does not specify the names of these reserves or particular dive sites within them that are popular for diving. Divers can inquire with local dive centers for more information on protected areas.
What are the water temperatures like in Corsica throughout the diving season?
Based on the available data, the best water temperatures for diving in Corsica are consistently 13.95°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. Comprehensive water temperatures for the entire diving season are not provided in this context. For a broader understanding of seasonal conditions, local dive operators can offer up-to-date information.