Scuba diving Nice 10 prices and offers 2025

Nothing better than diving in Nice to combine emotion and discovery of the Côte d'Azur. Many will tell you that you have to live it to understand it? And you will!

Don't hesitate to visit our many diving centers in the port of Nice, but you can also find them in the surroundings, for example in the bay of Villefranche, Biot and Juan-les-Pins.

Most of the underwater activities departing from Nice, usually dive in the bay of Villefranche, in front of Cap Ferrat, which is only 20 minutes away by boat from the pier. Cap de Nice, Baie de Villefranche Ouest, Baie de Villefranche and Cap Ferrat are the four main diving areas.

Where are the best diving sites in Nice?

• Cape Nice (Cap de Nice): There are several diving sites worth visiting on the cape. The Valley of the Gorgons is the best known of them. This one is reserved for experienced divers and will take you to dive to a depth of 45 meters to explore an impressive wall of red and blue gorgonians. In any case, you will love this discovery of classic Mediterranean species. Playa Coco, only 9 meters deep, is an excellent place for beginners to dive, who will be able to observe a great variety of fish in this area.

• Caussinière Point: This site, located just south of the tip of Cap Ferrat, is the most picturesque of all. Needless to say, that its deep drop-off covered with purple gorgonians and its schools of barracudas do not disappoint. Our diving schools in Nice offer this site for all levels, thanks to its diversity. Its depth goes gradually from 3 to 45 m.

• Semaphore Cave: Experienced divers who feel comfortable underwater and know how to use their fins correctly can go diving in this cave. It is a favorite dive because of the variety of underwater landscapes that can be explored in one dive. However, exploring the traffic light cave is the most exciting part of the dive.

• La Vierge in Nice: this site, located 100 meters from the shore, is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers. Don't worry, the water will be kept at a pleasant temperature for you to discover the statue of the submerged Virgin. Under the scorching sun, the atmosphere is quite mysterious. In fact, the rays are concentrated on the statue to enhance its charm.

• The plane (L'avion): there are only a few sites in France where you can dive in a plane crash, and the one in Nice is one of them! However, to visit the wreck at 46 meters deep, you must be a level 3 diver.

What types of diving packages are available in Nice?

Today, many levels of education are offered in and around Nice, from first dives to PADI professional certification.

You can take several courses in Nice, whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver:

- The FFESSM level 1 certification allows you to dive to a depth of 20 meters with the help of an instructor. With expert instructors, you will learn how to control your equipment, how to behave underwater and progress in complete safety! This short course is suitable for people with no previous experience. The diploma is comparable to the PADI Open Water Diver certification. The level 1 dive can be practiced at the Cap de Nice, which is located near the exit of the port of Nice. Beautiful gorgonians, sargus and capons are visible in the drop off between 10 and 35 meters.

- The FFESSM level 2 certification will allow you to dive up to 40 meters deep with an instructor and up to 20 meters independently. You will learn all the safety fundamentals necessary to progress to these depths and independently. The qualification is the same as the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

- Level 3 "Padi Rescue Diver": The PADI Rescue Diver is defined by underwater first aid training. One of the most exciting PADI courses, you will learn how to respond to different rescue scenarios, handle emergency equipment and manage stress. The Sec de Merlot dive site is where you can complete your level 3 dive instruction. The dry river is 40 meters deep. It can reach depths of up to 60 meters. Due to the depth, the presence of currents and the breaks that can only be done in open water, this dive is reserved for experienced divers.

- Level 4 "Padi Dive Master": First level of certification for professionals, this course is the consecration for amateur divers. You will be authorized to supervise new divers at the international level after completing this training.

When is the best time of the year go diving in Nice?

From May to September is the best time to dive in Nice. This is the most pleasant time of the year, with air temperatures ranging between 20 and 29 °C. In summer, the south of France often experiences strong heat waves.

In the middle of winter, the water temperature never drops below 13°C. However, if you want to dive comfortably with a 5 or 7 mm wetsuit, July, August and September are ideal. The water temperature at the surface can reach 26°C at this time of year, and 22°C at 15 m depth.

If you want to have a good time, scuba diving is one of the best activities to do in Nice, come and live unforgettable experiences with our diving centers!