Diving La Cathédrale

Site Overview

La Cathédrale (Scandola) is a cave and reef dive site in Corsica, France, reached from the base town of Porto. La Cathédrale is a giant swim-through cavern in the Scandola reserve, its vault hung with stalactites like a stone cathedral. It is one of the most photographed dive sites in Corsica, reached only with an authorised guide. The site reaches a maximum depth of 38 m with an average profile around 22 m and a shallow start near 8 m, which places it firmly in the advanced category and means divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the French coastal coast: visibility generally runs from 18 to 40 metres, the current is mild, and the water temperature ranges between 14 and 26 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Mediterranean Cardinalfish, Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, Dusky Grouper, Red Gorgonian, Two-banded Seabream, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. La Cathédrale (Scandola) is a strong representative of why Corsica 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 Corsica 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.