The snorkeling life
Underwater explorationAdventure under the Mediterranean
When it comes to marine biodiversity, the Mediterranean has nothing to envy the Caribbean or the Pacific islands. It is home to around 8% of the world’s marine fauna, yet covers less than 1% of the ocean’s surface. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer or a scuba diver to discover the riches of the Provence Méditerranée seabed. Whether you’re on a guided aquatic tour or exploring on your own, all you need to do is snorkel and breathe to explore the underwater trails or watch the fish as you swim from the coves and beaches.
5 good reasons to explore the world of silence
- Feeling like a fish in water
- Swimming in history on Olbia’s archaeological underwater trail
- A fun way to learn about protecting the marine environment
- Fish and sea anemone recognition game
- Enjoy a fearless adventure, accompanied by a qualified instructor
Underwater trails
The six underwater trails in the Provence Méditerranée region are designed to help you discover the diversity of marine landscapes and highlight the fragility of our ecosystems. In Hyères, on the Olbia archaeological trail, in the waters of Port-Cros national park, in Le Pradet, La Garde or La Seyne-sur-Mer, follow these maritime routes punctuated by observation stops, with commentary by a guide or educational materials.
Our advice
If you decide to explore the seabed on your own, it’s best to go when the sea is calm and in the early morning. This is when the sea is clearest and, with fewer people in the water, the fish are less shy and more visible.
Beneath the surface, life
The crystal-clear waters of the Provence-Mediterranean seabed are home to many of the Mediterranean’s endemic underwater species. These include the precious and fragile posidonia meadows, which are nurseries, shelters and larders for fish. Put on your snorkeling gear and you’re free to swim among sars, sea breams, girelles… Keep an eye out for octopus and starfish.
Snorkelling is a fun activity for young and old alike, requiring only that you be comfortable in the water. Swim on the surface or make short apneas and treat yourself to a spectacular dive in the underwater life around the Toulon roadstead, the Hyères islands or the Embiez archipelago.
Focus on
Accompanied aquatic outings
Several professional diving centers offer accompanied snorkeling trips. These trips take place in fish-filled spots specially selected for the beauty of their seabeds.
In complete safety, you can swim at your own pace, observing marine species such as rock fish, limpets, posidonia and castagnoles…