

Best for beginner divers, 5-18m, boat entry, mild current.
La Vierge de Bendor is a combined natural and artificial reef located 1000 metres off the coast near Bandol. The site offers depths ranging from 5 to 18 metres with an average of 12 metres, providing a suitable environment for beginners to practise buoyancy and navigation. Visibility typically spans 10 to 20 metres, and currents remain mild. Access is exclusively by boat. Divers and snorkellers must remain vigilant due to active boat traffic in the area; it is essential to deploy a surface marker buoy at all times during ascent and while at the surface to ensure visibility to vessel operators.
43.12733, 5.74240
Use a trolley or wheeled bag to transport gear along the 500m coastal path from the ferry arrival point.
Take the maritime shuttle from Bandol port to Bendor Island. The site is on the south-west coast, accessible via a 500m flat coastal path.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-18m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
14-21°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
5 min
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the mild currents and manageable depths, which provide a comfortable environment for practising diving skills.
The site ranges from 5 to 18 metres in depth, with an average depth of 12 metres.
Access to La Vierge de Bendor is by boat only. Dive shops in Bandol can arrange boat transport to the site.
Yes, the site is open to both diving and snorkelling activities.
The area experiences active boat traffic. Divers must deploy a surface marker buoy at all times during ascent and while at the surface to remain visible to vessel operators.
Diving at La vierge de Bendor in Bandol requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at La vierge de Bendor in Bandol. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 21°C.
La vierge de Bendor in Bandol typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at La vierge de Bendor in Bandol typically ranges from 10 metres to 20 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.