ORETTA - Corsica

Oretta is less a dive site and more a snorkel safari, a sun-drenched history lesson just beneath the surface. We love it for its sheer accessibility, sitting in a mere two metres of water, making it perfect for those days when you just want to grab a mask and fins and go. The wreck itself, a Roman galley, isn't a grand, intact vessel, but rather a scatter of amphorae and pottery shards, each piece hinting at ancient trade routes and shipwrecks past. What you'll find here is a mosaic of broken earthenware, some still in place, others shifted by centuries of gentle currents. Schools of juvenile damselfish flit in and around the pottery, and we've often spotted small octopus tucked into the nooks and crannies. The light here is incredible, filtering through the clear water, illuminating the colours of the seabed and the subtle hues of the ancient ceramics. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, before any afternoon chop picks up, when the water is at its calmest and the sun directly overhead for the best visibility. It’s a gentle introduction to underwater archaeology, a quiet reflection on history, and a genuinely rewarding snorkel.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.694168, 9.454166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Saint-Florent (Formation Récifale)

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Corsica

Nearest Dive Centres to ORETTA

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ORETTA

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