The Cerbicale Islands, diving destination

Published on July 7, 2024 at 4:00 pm

An integral part of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve, the Cerbicale Islands (https://www.reserves-naturelles.org/iles-cerbicale?utm_source=easyvoyage) are a must for scuba divers.

The 6 islands and islets of the Cerbicale are teeming with extraordinary animal species. The richness of the seabed is remarkable and has contributed to the classification of the entire Cerbicale archipelago as a nature reserve.

What's more, the warm (in summer), clear turquoise water has many surprises in store for you!

Diving in the Mediterranean Sea

Summary

The Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve
The rich biodiversity of the Cerbicale Islands
Where can you stay near the Porto-Vecchio marina to reach the Cerbicale islands?

The Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve

Located south-east of Porto-Vecchio, the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in France!

Spread over more than 80,000 hectares, straddling Corsica and Sardinia, the reserve is a limitless place to discover!

The Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve features a landscape of limestone cliffs and superb granite chaos.

What's more, the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve is home to almost 40% (37% to be exact) of the Mediterranean's remarkable species!

The Cerbicale islands are protected within this immense natural sanctuary.

In addition, there are other superb sites in southern Corsica:

The Bruzzi archipelago and its pink sandy beaches
The mythical Lavezzi islands and their granite rocks, like the Seychelles of Corsica!

The Cerbicale islands close off the northeastern tip of Palombaggia beach.

The rich biodiversity of the Cerbicale Islands

The Cerbicale Islands comprise some 4 islands and 2 islets. The two main islands of the archipelago are Forana and Piana.

These uninhabited territories are popular sites for birdlife. Several bird species live and breed here (peregrine falcon, crested cormorant, storm petrel).

The vegetation on the archipelago is very sparse. It is made up of fragrant scrub and shrubs.

Within the Cerbicale Islands nature reserve, there are several diving sites renowned for their rich seabed and clear waters.

Here, the world of silence is home to various species of fish(groupers, sars, saups), colourful gorgonians and even a few lobsters!

Around the islands, dolphins and turtles can sometimes be seen...

The natural spectacle around the Cerbicale archipelago is truly breathtaking. The îlot du Toro and Danger du Toro sites are renowned.

Among the various operators are :

Kalliste Plongée
Porto-Vecchio Plongée
Dolfinu-Biancu

A dive in the Tyrrhenian Sea, around the Cerbicale islands, will remain a memorable experience of a stay in Corsica!

Bank of saupes in the Tyrrhenian Sea

Where can you stay near the Porto-Vecchio marina to reach the Cerbicale islands?

⭐ Located just 100 metres from the marina in Porto-Vecchio the 4* Hotel Costa Salina is an ideal base for organising your future dive.

🛌 The modern rooms all offer a balcony or terrace.

The master suite has a total capacity of 5 people. This accommodates a family of two adults and three children.

🍴 In addition, note that a bar and restaurant are available.

Breakfast is served every morning. Pleasant moment in anticipation with breakfast on its private terrace!

🚗 Finally, free parking is provided for hotel guests (subject to availability).

Booking.com

Costa Salina 4* Hotel

Located in Porto-Vecchio and boasting panoramic sea views, Hotel Costa Salina features an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and sun terrace.

8.8 Superb

From

£193 / night

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Practical information

⏰ When to come and enjoy the pleasure of a cruise to the Cerbicale Islands?

Cruises are organised in fine weather. Most tours departing from Porto-Vecchio run from April to October.

To enjoy the sumptuous scenery with less crowds, favour June or September.

🚌 How do I get to the Porto-Vecchio marina?

From the Ville Haute simply follow the D359 road. Arriving from the south of the town, take the D768 road and the D368 road.

Alternatively, you can reach the marina by bus. Luckily, the town's bus station is just a stone's throw from the port of Porto-Vecchio.

Finally, a free electric shuttle bus links the marina to the upper town all year round.

With the typically Corsican name of "A Citadina", the network connects the town centre, the port and all the city's major car parks all year round.

In summer, from June to August, the shuttle runs every 15 minutes. Services run every day from 8.10am to 11.30pm.

In low season, the shuttle runs every 20 minutes. The service also runs every day from 8.10am to 7.30pm.

On Sundays, however, the service is reduced. As a result, operating hours are limited to 08:10 to 13:30.

🚗 Where can I park near the port of Porto-Vecchio?

There is a charge for parking near the Porto-Vecchio marina.

You'll find several car parks around the marina.

As is often the case in summer in southern Corsica, if you want to park without too much difficulty, come early!

by Faustine PEREZ

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Porto Vecchio