Diving La Grande Passe

Site Overview

La Grande Passe (Lavezzi) is a drift and reef dive site in Corsica, France, reached from the base town of Bonifacio. La Grande Passe is the main channel between Bonifacio and the Lavezzi islands, a drift dive swept by current and packed with barracuda and amberjacks. It is a thrilling advanced dive reached only with an authorised guide. The site reaches a maximum depth of 38 m with an average profile around 24 m and a shallow start near 12 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 38 metres, the current is strong, and the water temperature ranges between 14 and 26 degrees Celsius with moderate surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Common Barracuda, Amberjack, Dusky Grouper, Mediterranean Moray, Two-banded Seabream, Red Gorgonian, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. La Grande Passe (Lavezzi) 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.