This is an underwater paradise where exceptional marine life and fascinating shipwrecks attract passionate divers and experts alike. In Port-Cros, off the coast of Toulon, diving is supervised and thoroughly prepared. An unforgettable adventure in a Mediterranean gem, all in complete safety.
With crystal-clear waters and exceptional flora and fauna, Port-Cros is nothing short of a diver’s paradise.
A Shipwreck 50 Meters Deep
On this particular day, the boat from Lavandou Plongée club carries about twenty passengers. Their destination: the wreck of the Donator, lying 50 meters deep. Among those exploring it are professional divers, firefighters undergoing their annual retraining, and experienced enthusiasts. One of them is Xavier Hofman, who has been diving for 33 years: “At the start of each season, we do a few re-adaptation dives. It’s absolutely essential. And of course, no alcohol the night before, get a good night’s sleep, and go to bed early.”
Strictly Supervised Diving
Here, there’s no room for improvisation. At depths beyond 40 meters, diving must be supervised. The wreck is only accessible to divers who hold at least a Level 3 certification. As Olivier Heim, a Level 4 diver, explains: “There will definitely be decompression stops depending on how long we stay at the bottom. All of that is dictated by the dive tables and the procedures of the French Federation of Underwater Studies and Sports. We follow them to the letter — that’s what keeps us safe.”
Des conditions optimales
C’est l’heure du briefing réalisé par Laurent Augustin, moniteur et responsable du club Lavandou-plongée : “la difficulté que vous pourriez rencontrer, c’est le courant qui aurait tendance à vous décaler et à vous renvoyer dans la direction de Porquerolles”.
Bonne condition physique, respect des règles, Thierry Boissay, 25 ans de plongée à son actif, a ajouté une condition, ne jamais plonger en autonomie : “on est bien sur ce type de bateau. Les professionnels sont carrés. Ils nous mettent en confiance. Ils nous permettent de faire la plongée dans les meilleures conditions possibles”.
The Price of Success
In Port-Cros, with the arrival of spring, the waters of the National Park attract a large share of Mediterranean divers. It’s the price of success, according to Laurent Augustin: “We’ve gone from a population of seasoned divers to one of underwater tourists. The equipment has evolved. What started as a military practice has become more accessible. And inevitably, the standards have become a bit less demanding.”
Source: francebleu
