Diving Les Îles Cerbicale
Site Overview
Les Îles Cerbicale is a reef and wall dive site in Corsica, France, reached from the base town of Porto-Vecchio. Les Îles Cerbicale are red-rock islands east of Porto-Vecchio, a reef and wall system rich in groupers and gorgonians. They are a quieter alternative to the south-coast beaches. The site reaches a maximum depth of 30 m with an average profile around 18 m and a shallow start near 8 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the French coastal coast: visibility generally runs from 18 to 36 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 Dusky Grouper, Common Barracuda, Mediterranean Moray, Two-banded Seabream, Red Gorgonian, Common Octopus, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. Les Îles Cerbicale 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.
Dive Briefing
"Entry is made by boat from Porto-Vecchio with a transfer of about 20 minutes, and divers should check in with a local centre in Porto-Vecchio before entering the water. Les Îles Cerbicale are red-rock islands east of Porto-Vecchio, a reef and wall system rich in groupers and gorgonians. They are a quieter alternative to the south-coast beaches. Plan your profile around a maximum depth of 30 m and an average of 18 m, keeping a close eye on gas and, in the deeper or enclosed sections, on the low surge. Buoyancy control matters here: the rock and sand bottom and submerged structures are easily disturbed, and Red-rock islands to navigate, Light current, Permit-only diving are real considerations throughout the dive. The reef and wall topography offers reef, wall, and the marine life centres on Dusky Grouper, Common Barracuda, Mediterranean Moray, Two-banded Seabream, Red Gorgonian, Common Octopus alongside the other species listed for the site. Take a moment to review the site-specific hazards with your guide, because conditions at Les Îles Cerbicale 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, Hôpital de la Conception, Marseille."
Signature Marine Life
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: May, June, July
Common Barracuda
Sphyraena sphyraena
Best: May, June, July
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: May, June, July
Two-banded Seabream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: May, June, July
Red Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: May, June, July
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: May, June, July
Safety & Hazards
- Red-rock islands to navigate
- Light current
- Permit-only diving
- Variable visibility
- Rocky terrain
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Les Îles Cerbicale suits intermediate divers holding at least an Open Water certification, and it is a strong choice for those who enjoy the French coastal water of the French coast. Photographers, training groups and divers chasing reef, wall, intermediate, photography will all find something here, provided they respect the temperature, the marine park rules and the limits of each site. It is less suitable for absolute novices unless booked through a centre running a supervised course, and the deepest or most enclosed sections should only be attempted with the correct specialist training and a guide. Planning a dive here with a licensed French operator not only keeps you safe but also helps protect the fragile gorgonian forests, seagrass meadows, wrecks and reefs that make the site special for the next visitor.
For Non-Divers
Palombaggia beach; Porto-Vecchio old town
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Scandola Plongée
- Bonifacio Plongée
- Ajaccio Subaquatique
- Calvi Plongée
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Hôtel Casadelmar
Porto-Vecchio • 15km away
Hôtel La Signoria
Calvi • 6km away