Corsica, the French island with a twist of Italian flavor, is not just a gem on the surface. Beyond its pristine beaches, rustic villages, and mountainous terrains lies a world teeming with life and treasures — an underwater paradise waiting to be explored. If you’re an avid diver or someone keen to immerse in this thrilling experience, Corsica’s marine treasures are bound to captivate you.
Lavezzi Islands: Dive into a Protected Paradise
Located southeast of Corsica, Lavezzi Islands is a group of small granite islands and reefs. It boasts a protected marine reserve status, ensuring that the marine life here flourishes uninhibited.
What to Expect: Divers can spot groupers, lobsters, moray eels, and barracudas. The waters are exceptionally clear, offering visibility that often exceeds 40 meters!
Scandola Nature Reserve: A UNESCO Heritage Site
A part of the Gulf of Porto, this marine reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its striking red cliffs plunge into the sea, housing a variety of marine species.
What to Expect: From yellow corals, red gorgonians to the playful dusky groupers, Scandola is a vivid palette of marine biodiversity. It’s a site that often ranks high on the bucket lists of divers worldwide.
The Shipwrecks of Corsica
The waters surrounding Corsica have witnessed numerous historical events, leading to some fascinating underwater wrecks. These sites serve as a somber reminder of the past, with each having its unique story.
Alcione C Wreck: Sunk in 1943, this cargo ship lies near Calvi and now hosts an array of marine life, including the dreamy sunfish.
B-17 Bomber: Resting near Calvi, this WWII American bomber is an eerie yet beautiful dive spot. It’s an ideal site for those interested in war relics.
The Cave of Sdragonatto: Nature’s Marvel
It’s not just the marine life; sometimes, the underwater geography itself is the star. The Cave of Sdragonatto, with its half-submerged entrance, allows divers to witness the play of light on its rocky interiors, creating an ethereal ambiance.
What to Expect: Once inside, divers get to see red coral branches, sponges, and occasionally, curious lobsters.
Revellata Point: Dive into the Deep Blue
A dive spot near Calvi, Revellata Point, is for those who wish to delve into the deep blue. Its underwater drop-offs descend into the abyss, offering a thrilling experience.
What to Expect: Divers can witness conger eels, grouper fish, and, if lucky, dolphins in the distance. It’s a dive that combines depth and diversity.
Before You Dive: Essential Tips
Safety First: While Corsica offers a myriad of diving experiences, always ensure you dive within your limits and training.
Season Matters: While diving is possible throughout the year, the best visibility is between May and October.
Go Local: Consider hiring local diving instructors or guides. They often have invaluable insights about the lesser-known spots.
Preserve the Beauty: Remember, many of these sites are protected. Avoid touching or disturbing the marine life. Dive responsibly!
Corsica, with its rich marine ecosystem, offers a diverse range of experiences for divers of all levels. Whether you’re mesmerized by the historical wrecks, the biodiversity, or the unique underwater caves and formations, there’s something for everyone.
As you glide through its waters, surrounded by the vivid colors of marine flora and fauna, it’s an overwhelming realization that you’re experiencing a world that many remain oblivious to. Corsica beckons, not just for the beauty that lies above its waters but for the secrets it guards beneath.
Are you ready to embark on a Corsican underwater adventure? Dive in!