7 diving spots in Corsica, from shipwrecks to groupers

Published on 26/06/2026 - updated: 26 June 2026 - 6 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz

Contents

Key takeaways:

Mérouville, dans la réserve of the Lavezzi, reste le spot phare for nager with les mérous.
Les épaves of the B-17, of la Pinella and of the Canadair séduisent les amoureux d’histoire sous-marine.
La Revellata and le golfe of Porto offrent tombants, gorgones and décors classés to l’Unesco.
La meilleure saison s’étend of May to October, with une eau plus chaude en plein été.
Les sites se répartissent sur toute l’île, of Calvi to Bonifacio.

Corsica is among the most beautiful underwater destinations in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear waters, protected reserves, and wrecks laden with history. Whether a beginner or experienced diver, the Island of Beauty has a dive spot for your level. Are you staying in a camping with water park along the coast? From the Gulf of Calvi to the Lavezzi Islands, every dive in Corsica offers its share of encounters!

Here is our top 7 best dive sites for your outings.

Merouville (Sec du Pelu): The Kingdom of Groupers

In the heart of the Lavezzi Islands nature reserve, Merouville lives up to its name. This rocky outcrop, also called Sec du Pelu, is home to about thirty brown groupers that approach divers fearlessly. The three plateaus range from 16 to 30 m deep, in crystal-clear water. Many consider this site to be the flagship dive of all Corsica.

Visitors’ favorite moment: the incredible proximity with the groupers, which approach within just a few centimeters of your mask.

Practical information to prepare your outing:

Boat access from Bonifacio, about twenty minutes to the southeast.
Depth between 16 and 30 m.
Level 1 minimum recommended, guided supervision advised.
Wildlife to observe: brown groupers, barracudas, dentis.

B-17 Wreck: A Bomber Frozen in Time

In Calvi, the B-17 wreck immerses history lovers in World War II. This American bomber, shot down in February 1944, rests at 27 m depth, a short distance from the citadel. With its 32 m length and 23 m wingspan, the aircraft impresses with its state of conservation. The wings and engines remain perfectly identifiable underwater.

Visitors’ favorite moment: flying over the intact fuselage, as if suspended over a sunken museum.

Here is useful information before diving:

Boat access off the Calvi citadel.
Depth of about 27 m.
Level 2 required due to depth.
To see: the fuselage structure and wildlife settled on the wreck.

Revellata Peninsula: Gorgons and Steep Walls

Near Calvi, the Revellata Peninsula is a classic that instructors quickly recommend. From 15 m onwards, the rock is covered with red gorgons. It is common to encounter a grouper or scorpionfish at a crevice. Two sites stand out on the edge of the reserve: Saint-François and Sec des Belges. They are better suited for already confident divers, with water that remains clear most of the time.

Visitors’ favorite moment: coming face to face with a large curious grouper, just before dropping along the steep wall.

Some practical landmarks for this Corsican dive:

Boat access from Calvi, near the Revellata reserve.
Depth from 15 m, steep drops beyond.
Level 1 to 2 depending on the chosen site.
To see: red gorgons, groupers, rays.

Porto Gulf: Dive at the Gates of Scandola

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Porto Gulf offers a magnificent mineral setting between red cliffs and deep waters. Diving remains forbidden in the heart of the Scandola reserve, but the centers of Porto and Galéria offer magnificent sites on its southern edge. Steep walls, caves, and dense wildlife reward each dive.

Visitors’ favorite moment: the contrast between the ochre rocks on the surface and the intense blue of the depths.

To organize your outing, remember these elements:

Boat access from Porto or Galéria.
Variable depth depending on sites, often between 10 and 30 m.
Level 1 minimum, some steep drops for experienced divers.
To see: groupers, moray eels, carved underwater topography.

Pinella Wreck: Ideal for Beginners

Off Porto-Vecchio, the Pinella wreck is a perfect playground for first wreck dives. This former 45 m cement carrier, sunk in 1967, rests upright on its keel at only 5 to 12 m. This shallow depth makes it accessible from level 1, while keeping the thrill of exploration. Fish and concretions gradually colonize the hull.

Visitors’ favorite moment: the feeling of adventure of a real wreck, without the constraint of depth.

Before leaving, keep this information in mind:

Boat access from Porto-Vecchio.
Shallow depth, between 5 and 12 m.
Level 1 sufficient, ideal for beginners.
To see: the cement carrier structure and settled wildlife.

Canadair Wreck: A Challenge for Experienced Divers

In the Sagone Gulf, the Canadair wreck attracts divers seeking thrills. This water-bombing aircraft lies at 30 m depth, in an area reserved for experienced levels. The descent along the structure offers an extraordinary experience, between history and depth. The light remains beautiful despite the depth.

Visitors’ favorite moment: the emotion of discovering an entire Canadair resting on the sand, 30 m below the surface.

Here are the practical points to know:

Boat access from the Sagone Gulf.
Depth of about 30 m.
Level 2 required at minimum.
To see: the aircraft fuselage and surrounding schools of fish.

Lavezzi Islands: Turquoise Waters for All Levels

The Lavezzi archipelago, about ten kilometers from Bonifacio, closes this top of diving sites in Corsica. Its granite plateaus extend between 16 and 30 m, in turquoise water of rare transparency. Barracudas, octopuses, and rays cross paths with divers of all levels. Introductory and easy dives border on steeper drops, which makes the reserve welcoming for the whole family.

Visitors’ favorite moment: the color of the depths, a turquoise gradient worthy of tropical lagoons.

A few landmarks for this last dive in Corsica:

Boat access from Bonifacio, about twenty minutes.
Depth between 16 and 30 m depending on zones.
All levels, from introductory to experienced diver.
To see: barracudas, rays, octopuses, granite plateaus.

Theo’s advice: for a first family dive, I would direct you to Lavezzi or Pinella, where the shallow depth and clear water reassure both children and adults. Book your introductory dive at the start of your stay: if the experience is enjoyable, you will have time to schedule a second outing on a more challenging site before leaving.

Ready to combine swimming in the pool and discoveries of Corsican underwater depths during your vacation? Compose your ideal stay and find your camping with water park in Corsica for days that please the whole family!

FAQ — Diving in Corsica

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to dive in Corsica?

The best time to dive in Corsica runs from May to October. The water warms up gradually and reaches its peak temperature in August and September, with visibility often excellent. Spring and early autumn bring calmer seas and quieter dive sites.

Do you need a diving certification to dive in Corsica?

It all depends on the site. Many centres offer introductory dives open to everyone, no certification required, from age 8 depending on the operator. Deeper wrecks such as the B-17 or the Canadair, however, require a level 2 certification. The Lavezzi islands suit beginners and experienced divers alike.

Where can you see groupers while diving in Corsica?

To see groupers in Corsica, Mérouville, in the Lavezzi Islands reserve, remains the go-to site, home to around thirty individuals. The Revellata peninsula, near Calvi, also offers sightings along its drop-offs covered in red gorgonians.

Can you dive in the Scandola reserve?

No, diving is banned within the core of the Scandola nature reserve in order to protect its ecosystem. However, dive centres in Porto and Galéria offer superb sites along the reserve's southern edge, within the UNESCO-listed Gulf of Porto.