Scandola Reserve - Corsica

The Scandola Reserve is a truly distinct Mediterranean dive, not just another rocky reef. What we love here are the stark, dramatic volcanic formations themselves – sheer red cliffs plunging into the impossibly blue water, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Descending into the caves and swim-throughs, the light plays in incredible ways, shafts cutting through the gloom, illuminating thick schools of gunner and poor cod. Keep an eye out for the incredibly shy Atlantic spotted flounder tucked against the rock, and if you’re lucky, a peek at the Grohmann’s Scaldfish. It’s an intermediate dive, with depths hitting 30m, and while currents are generally manageable, some of the narrow passages can get a bit swirly. Our top tip: go early in the season, late spring, when the light is particularly crisp and the summer boat traffic hasn't peaked. This isn’t a site for macro fanatics; it’s about the grand, geological spectacle and the fish that call these unique structures home.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.370000, 8.550000
Maximum Depth
5-30m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Scandola

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 Scandola Reserve

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 Scandola Reserve

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