Snorkelling and scuba diving holidays are a fantastic way to explore the underwater world and its impressive ecosystem. Snorkelling of course is an easy activity for all the family, with new improved full mask snorkels proving popular in particular with children. And if you are looking to scuba dive, there are plenty of accredited diving centres to be found across France. 

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling in France

France has some incredible diving and snorkelling spots, including some within easy reach of our Siblu holiday parks. To find accredited diving centers in France, consider checking out PADI and SSI dive centers, with options like Calvi Plongée, European Diving School Hyères, and Aquadomia Marseille, or check CheckYeti for a list of popular dive centers. 

Best places to dive or snorkel in France at a glance

The most popular places to dive or snorkel in France tends to be the Mediterranean coast, close to Nice and further down south to Marseille, where the waters are warm and there is plenty of sea life and ship wrecks to explore. You can snorkel and scuba dive in France on the med coast close to our Siblu park Le Montourey. 

Although the water tends not to be as warm as the Med, Brittany is particularly popular for snorkelling and diving, as some of the best snorkelling in France can be found here. Belle-Île-en-Mer in Brittany has beautifully calm and clear waters, ideal for spotting seals and colourful anemones and Glénan Archipelago, often called the "Breton Tahiti," features beautiful beaches that flow into the sea, where you can see underwater the white sandy bottoms and various types of sea life. Stay at Siblu park Le Conguel (which is one of our parks that offers direct access to the beach) or Domaine de Kerlann, close to around five different beaches including 'Tahiti' beach. Invest in a wet suit and you will find you can happily spend lots of time in the water.

Further down the west coast, heading south, you'll come to Île de Ré, a small island reachable by road in the Charente-Maritime. Here, you'll discover calm, shallow waters with lots of small fish and seaweed forests. Stay at Siblu park Mer et Soleil on the Île de Ré.

Best locations for diving and snorkelling in France

France has some fantastic scuba diving spots, whether you’re looking for vibrant marine life, wreck dives, or dramatic underwater landscapes. In all these areas you'll find accredited dive centres, our teams on park will be able to help you book although it's probably best to book courses, dives and equipment in advance to avoid any disappointment, especially in high season. 

 Here's our top recommendations for places to go scuba diving and snorkelling in France:

Port-Cros National Park, Provence, Mediterranean

Diving in Provence is very popular and in particular, France’s first marine park is on a tiny island called Port-Cros. This underwater national park is a real paradise for divers and snorkellers - you'll see lots of fish, barracudas, groupers, and even occasional dolphins. There's also a handful of wrecks like the Donator, the Grec and the Ferrando. Stay at Siblu park Le Montourey. 

Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Reserve (Occitanie, Mediterranean) 

This area is arguably best for seeing marine life. France’s first marine reserve is rich with diverse fish species, perfect for beginner and advanced divers. Top sites include L’Anse de Paulilles (great for training), Cap l’Abeille (for more experienced divers). Stay at Siblu park Mar Estang. 

Glénan Archipelago (Brittany, Atlantic) 

The water here can be colder than the Med, but it's a fantastic area for calm, crystal clear waters. There are some fascinating shipwrecks here as well as marine biodiversity. Top sites include Le Pouldu wreck and Penfret Island reefs. Stay at Siblu park Le Conguel. 

Mont-Saint-Michel Bay (Normandy, Atlantic) 

Are you into extreme diving? Then this area of Normandy will suit you with its unique tidal currents, dramatic sandbanks, and submerged WWII relics. Stay at Siblu park Domaine de Litteau. 
 

Monaco & Nice (French Riviera)

For the photographers and videographers who like to capture stunning underwater photos, then head to the French Riviera. Here you'll see plenty of small marine creatures like nudibranchs, seahorses, and hidden wrecks. Top sites to dive from includ Cap Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Le Dry Rocks. Stay at Siblu park Le Montourey. 

Saint-Raphaël & Fréjus (French Riviera, Mediterranean)

Want to go wreck diving? This area in the south of France is home to some of the best wreck dives in France, including WWII wrecks. Top sites include Le Rubis (a submarine wreck), Le Togo (a cargo ship wreck). Stay at Siblu park Le Montourey. 

What's the best time for diving in France?

As mentioned, France is full of brilliant dive spots, rivalling diving sites in Eqypt and other countries for clear waters and abundance of wildlife. In the Med and in particular in the south of France there are many national parks where the waters are teeming with life. Marseille is often quoted as being the birthplace of diving, features the Calanques National Park which features walls, caves, plateaus and shipwrecks. 

Obviously July and August are going to be popular times to dive and snorkel in  France but it will also be the busiest time. If you want to enjoy warmer water then consider September and early October. 

Discover our best direct beach access campsites

Siblu has some lovely holiday parks with direct beach access, meaning that you can grab your snorkelling gear and be straight into the sea from your holiday home. 

Camping Le Conguel in Brittany is one of these campsites, with the site backing directly onto a beautifully sandy beach and clear waters.