Diving the Fontaine de Vaucluse

60m Max

15-30m Vis

shore

Site Overview

Fontaine de Vaucluse is a cave and spring dive site in Inland France, France, reached from the base town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The Fontaine de Vaucluse is one of the largest karst resurgences in the world, a deep, enclosed cave dive for extreme technical divers. The water is a constant cold temperature and famously clear, plunging to great depth. The site reaches a maximum depth of 60 m with an average profile around 40 m and a shallow start near 10 m, which places it firmly in the technical category and means divers should hold at least an Cave Certification certification. Conditions are typical of the French inland freshwater coast: visibility generally runs from 15 to 30 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 13 and 13 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on European Eel, Stone Crayfish, Common Roach, European Perch, Brown Trout, Tench, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. Fontaine de Vaucluse is a strong representative of why Inland France diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define French underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Inland France region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck or reef enthusiasts alike.

Dive Briefing

"Entry is made by a shore entry near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, and divers should check in with a local centre in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse before entering the water. The Fontaine de Vaucluse is one of the largest karst resurgences in the world, a deep, enclosed cave dive for extreme technical divers. The water is a constant cold temperature and famously clear, plunging to great depth. Plan your profile around a maximum depth of 60 m and an average of 40 m, keeping a close eye on gas and, in the deeper or enclosed sections, on the low surge. Buoyancy control matters here: the rock bottom and submerged structures are easily disturbed, and Deep resurgence, Extreme depth, Enclosed cave are real considerations throughout the dive. The cave and spring topography offers cavern, wall, and the marine life centres on European Eel, Stone Crayfish, Common Roach, European Perch, Brown Trout, Tench alongside the other species listed for the site. Take a moment to review the site-specific hazards with your guide, because conditions at Fontaine de Vaucluse can shift with wind and tide and change the feel of the dive. A safe ascent with a surface marker buoy and a clear exit plan completes the dive, with emergency cover routed through Centre Hyperbare, Hopital d’Avignon."