

Best for beginner divers, 1-10m, shore entry, mild current.
Plage de la Palud on Île de Port-Cros features the oldest underwater trail in Europe. This site provides an accessible experience for beginners, with six educational buoys guiding snorkelers through reef and seagrass habitats. Depths range from 1 to 10 metres, averaging 5 metres. Snorkelers frequently encounter wrasses and bream. Less common sightings include the common octopus, Mediterranean moray, painted comber, and various nudibranchs such as the Mediterranean violet aeolid. Entry is from the shore, with visibility varying between 5 and 25 metres and mild currents. Be aware of potential surf and the presence of jellyfish, including the mauve stinger.
43.01090, 6.40120
In July and August, the site is very busy during the week, so it is better to visit on the weekend.
Located at Plage de la Palud on Port-Cros island. Access is by boat to the island, then a short walk to the beach.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
5-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
14-25°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Snorkelers frequently see wrasses and bream. Other species recorded include the common octopus, Mediterranean moray, Mediterranean violet aeolid, Cratena slug, white seabream, Mediterranean cardinalfish, sea star, painted comber, striped red mullet, and two-banded seabream.
Yes, the site is well-suited for beginners due to its shallow depths and the presence of an educational underwater trail.
The depth ranges from 1 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres.
Yes, entry to the water is from the shore.
Yes, Plage de la Palud is a highly-rated snorkel site featuring an underwater trail with educational buoys.
Divers and snorkelers should be aware of potential surf conditions and the presence of jellyfish, such as the mauve stinger.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Plage de la Palud in Lavandou. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C.
The best months to visit Plage de la Palud in Lavandou are June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Plage de la Palud in Lavandou typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Plage de la Palud in Lavandou typically ranges from 5 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.