The Var underwater coast is among the richest in the Mediterranean: protected Port-Cros park (the strictest national park in France), Embiez archipelago, Cassidaigne canyon, World War II wrecks of the Allied landings of Provence (Le Donator, Le Grec, Le Togo). Our partner clubs (FFESSM, PADI) cover the entire coastline.
The try-dive (baptême de plongée) requires no certificate and is open from age 8. After a 30-minute land briefing on safety, breathing, and equalization, the instructor guides you one-on-one for a 20-minute dive at 5-6m maximum depth. You discover groupers, Mediterranean rainbow wrasse, fan worms, posidonia meadows. From €70-90.
Certified divers have a wider range: morning 1-2 dives, exploration of deeper spots, wreck diving, drift dives. The water is exceptionally clear May-November (20m+ visibility). Best partner sites: Hyères for Port-Cros, Bandol for Embiez and the wrecks, Saint-Raphaël for the Lion of Mer.
Rates by format
From try-dive to multi-day exploration:
- Try-dive (no certificate, 1h30 total, ~20 min underwater): €70-90.
- Single exploration dive for certified (P1/OWD): €55-75.
- Two dives morning for certified: €100-130.
- Wreck dive (deeper, AOWD required): €80-100.
- Half-day dive (1-2 dives + transfer): €110-160.
- Certification N1/OWD (3-5 days): €350-450.
- Certification N2/AOWD (3-4 days): €380-480.
Equipment rental (BCD, regulator, fins, mask, wetsuit) included in the price.
Top diving spots in Var
The unmissable sites:
- Gabinière, Port-Cros: rocky bottom 5-30m, abundant fish, groupers, gorgonia. Drift dive.
- La Pointe de la Galère, Port-Cros: vertical walls 10-30m, big fish.
- Le Donator (Bandol): cargo wreck sunk in 1945, 50m depth. Advanced level (AOWD/N2).
- Le Grec (Embiez): Greek freighter wreck 35-50m. Iconic site.
- Cassidaigne canyon (between Bandol and Cassis): deep underwater canyon, advanced.
- Lion de Mer (Saint-Raphaël): rock arches, posidonia, beginner-friendly.
- Île d'Or (Saint-Raphaël): shallow, ideal for beginners and snorkelling.
All sites are accessible by boat from our partner clubs (30-60 min crossing).
Certifications: N1, OWD, AOWD
For learning or progressing:
- FFESSM N1 (Niveau 1) or PADI OWD (Open Water Diver): from €350-450 for 3-5 days. Authorizes dives to 20m.
- FFESSM N2 or PADI AOWD: €380-480 for 3-4 days. Authorizes dives to 40m + autonomy in a group.
- Specialty courses (wreck, night, deep): €150-300 each, 2-3 days.
- Rescue Diver: €350-450, 4 days. Important step before instructor.
- Divemaster / DM: 1-2 weeks, €1,500-2,500. Pre-professional level.
Allow time: most learning starts in spring (April-May) when conditions are pleasant but not yet crowded.
Safety and prerequisites
Before diving:
- Medical: a brief 'fit-to-dive' declaration suffices for try-dives. Full medical certificate for certifications (€30-50 from a sports doctor).
- Age: from 8 for try-dive (with parental consent), 14 for certifications.
- No flying within 24 hours after diving (decompression risk).
- Alcohol: forbidden the day before and during diving day.
- Sea sickness: take medication 1h before boarding. Some spots are sheltered — ask us when booking.
- Insurance: covered by the club's professional insurance for the activity. Personal insurance covers personal effects.
Frequently asked questions
Where to dive in Var?
Best spots: Port-Cros (Gabinière, La Pointe de la Galère), Embiez (wrecks), Cap Nègre (rocky walls), Cassidaigne canyon (deep dive).
Best season?
April to November. Best water visibility: May, June, September, October (20m+). Summer: warmer but more boats.
Sea sickness?
Possible. Take seasick medication 1h before, eat light. Some spots are sheltered — ask when booking.
Without certification, can I really dive?
Yes — the try-dive is supervised one-on-one by an instructor. Maximum 6m, around 20 minutes underwater. No prerequisite.
Can certified divers from abroad use their certification?
Yes — all major certifications recognised (PADI, NAUI, SSI, CMAS/FFESSM). Bring your card and logbook. Skill check possible if you haven't dived for >1 year.