9 May 2025 Updated on 23 September 2026 Stay active

The 5 Most Beautiful Diving and Snorkeling Spots in South Corsica

South Corsica is a true paradise for lovers of scuba diving and snorkeling. Thanks to its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, it offers exceptional sites, suitable for experienced divers and beginners alike. Here are the best places to explore the Corsican seabeds!

1. The Bonifacio Strait Nature Reserve: a preserved ecosystem

🐠 Exceptional biodiversity 🌊 Clear, protected waters 📍 Access: by boat from Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio

Group of divers swimming above a sandy seabed in clear blue water, in South Corsica

The Bonifacio Strait Nature Reserve is a must for all diving enthusiasts. Classified as a protected area, it is home to a very rich underwater fauna:

Grouper, barracuda and dentex,
Colorful corals and gorgonians,
Caves and dizzying drop-offs.

🚤 Best way to get there: a boat excursion with a diving club from Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio.

2. The Lavezzi Islands: an underwater paradise

🐟 Ideal for diving and snorkeling ⛵ Impressive underwater landscapes 📍 Access: by boat from Bonifacio

Diver swimming above a large pink gorgonian on a coral reef in South Corsica

The Lavezzi Islands are famous for their translucent waters and their wind-sculpted granite rocks. Underwater, it is a unique spectacle:

Vast schools of fish,
Historic wrecks,
Incredible light play in the underwater caves.

💡 Tip: For beginner divers, several clubs offer diving baptisms around the islands.

3. La Tête de Mort site: a spectacular setting

🐚 A unique underwater relief
🌟 Diving for intermediate and advanced levels
📍 Access: off Porto-Vecchio

The site lives up to its name: the underwater rocks form a silhouette resembling a human skull. The seabed here is impressive, with:

Large rocky fissures,
A cave accessible to experienced divers,
Abundant marine life.

🌊 A perfect spot for a dive full of thrills!

4. The Santa Giulia Gulf: ideal for family snorkeling

🦑 Easy access
🐠 Calm, shallow waters
📍 Access: Santa Giulia beach

Woman snorkeling with blue fins and a snorkel in clear turquoise water in South Corsica

If you would rather explore the seabed without a tank, Santa Giulia beach is an excellent choice for snorkeling.

The water there is particularly clear,
The rocks teem with life (small fish, starfish, octopuses),
It is ideal for children and beginners.

🥽 Grab a mask and snorkel and set off to discover this natural lagoon!

5. The P47 wreck: a historic dive

✈️ Diving on a Second World War aircraft wreck
🤿 Site for experienced divers
📍 Access: off Pianottoli-Caldarello

For an extraordinary dive, head to the wreck of the P47, an American aircraft that crashed into the sea during the Second World War. Today the wreck rests at about 25 metres depth, offering a fascinating setting where nature has reclaimed its place.

💡 A spot reserved for experienced divers, accessible with a diving club.

Tips for a successful dive in southern Corsica

✔️ Choose the right season: The best season runs from May to October, when the water is at its clearest.
✔️ Book ahead: Diving clubs are in high demand in summer.
✔️ Respect marine life and plants: Avoid touching corals and sea creatures.
✔️ Get the right gear: For snorkeling, opt for a comfortable mask and a snorkel with a purge valve.

Stay at Les Toits de Santa Giulia for privileged access to the finest spots

Located close to the best diving and snorkeling sites, our residence The Toits de Santa Giulia is the perfect base for a stay devoted to marine exploration.

✅ A peaceful and refined setting
✅ Just a few minutes from Santa Giulia beach
✅ Fully equipped accommodation after a day at sea

📅 Book now your stay and dive into the incredible waters of southern Corsica!

Frequently asked questions

Where can you go snorkeling with the family near Porto-Vecchio?

Santa Giulia Gulf beach is the ideal place to go snorkeling with the family or if you are a beginner. Its calm, clear, shallow waters are home to small fish, starfish and octopuses. All you need is a mask and a snorkel to discover this natural lagoon.

What is the best time to go diving in southern Corsica?

The best season for scuba diving and snorkeling in southern Corsica runs from May to October, when the water is at its clearest. In summer, book your outings in advance with diving clubs, as they are in high demand.

Where can you dive to see a wreck in southern Corsica?

The P47 aircraft wreck, located off Pianottoli-Caldarello, is an exceptional historic dive site. It is an American aircraft from the Second World War resting at about 25 metres depth. The spot is reserved for experienced divers and must be explored with a diving club.