

Best for beginner divers, 2-12m, shore entry, moderate current.
Passe du Gaou is a shore-entry reef site in Calanques National Park that offers a gentle drift dive experience. With depths ranging from 2 to 12 metres, it is well-suited for beginner divers. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres. Divers can encounter wrasses, bream, two-banded seabream, salema porgy, peacock blenny, sphinx blenny, and triplefin. Crabs, hermit crabs, snails, and mauve stingers are also present. Be aware of moderate currents, surge, and sharp rocks during entry. Due to regular vessel movement in the area, maintain caution regarding boat traffic at the surface. Facilities including parking, toilets, showers, and air fills are available nearby.
43.06840, 5.79223
Enter carefully over the rocks and check for boat traffic before surfacing, as this stretch of coastline sees regular vessel movement. The site has parking, showers, toilets, a café, and air fills nearby, so it works well as a full day out without needing to plan much in advance.
Access info coming soon
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 12m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
14-22°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Divers regularly encounter wrasses, bream, two-banded seabream, salema porgy, peacock blenny, sphinx blenny, and triplefin. You may also spot crabs, hermit crabs, snails, and mauve stingers.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow depth range of 2 to 12 metres.
The site has a depth range of 2 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres.
Passe du Gaou is a shore-entry site. Use caution over the rocks when entering the water.
Yes, the shallow depths of 2 to 12 metres make this site accessible for snorkelling.
Hazards include moderate currents, surge, sharp coral and rocks, and regular boat traffic. Always check for vessels before surfacing.
Diving at Passe du Gaou 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 Passe du Gaou in Bandol. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 22°C.
Expect moderate currents at Passe du Gaou in Bandol. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Passe du Gaou in Bandol typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.