Imagine standing on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea in Corsica, feeling the warm sun on your back and the inviting blue waters before you. For just $339 per person, this 2.5-hour scuba diving course promises to introduce you to the basics of deep-water diving, culminating in three guided dives and your own PE40 certification. Led by friendly and experienced instructors, this experience is perfect for those who’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater and see the vibrant marine life beneath the waves.
One thing we love about this tour is how it balances theory and practice. The 30-minute introduction lets you get familiar with the equipment and understand the safety essentials before heading into the water. The second is the opportunity to explore three different dive sites, each offering unique underwater scenery, giving you a well-rounded introduction to deep-sea diving. A practical bonus is leaving with a scuba certification that’s recognized worldwide—meaning you can take your new skill to any dive spot across the globe.
A possible consideration is the group size—limited to just four participants—which ensures personalized attention but might feel a little snug if you prefer larger groups. Also, the cost might seem steep for a short course, but when you factor in the training, equipment, three dives, and your certification, it’s a value-packed opportunity for beginners eager to learn.
This tour suits curious travelers who are comfortable in water, eager to gain a certification, and want an authentic, hands-on experience. If you’re looking for a safe, guided introduction to deep-sea scuba diving that leaves you with a memorable skill and a certificate, this is an excellent choice.
Key Points
- Certified to 40 meters: You’ll learn the skills to safely dive up to 40 meters with an instructor.
- Comprehensive training: Combines a 30-minute intro, equipment familiarization, and practical dives.
- Vibrant marine life: Expect to see colorful underwater scenery and marine creatures.
- Small group setting: Limited to four participants to ensure personalized instruction.
- All necessary gear included: You won’t need to worry about bringing equipment.
- Worldwide recognized certification: Valid for future diving adventures globally.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
Ready to go deeper? We've looked into these other underwater experiences in Calvi
Meeting and Introduction
Your adventure begins at the Hippocampe Plongée Calvi stand at the Port de Plaisance, right next to the beach—an ideal starting point if you’re already soaking up the Corsican vibe. Once you meet your instructor (who speaks English and French), expect a 30-minute briefing. Here, you’ll learn about the scuba gear, safety procedures, and diving theory. The instructor, likely to be friendly and clear, will help you feel comfortable before stepping into the water.
Reviewers mention that this initial session is “informative but relaxed,” setting the stage for a confident dive. While some might feel a bit nervous at first, the thorough briefing generally helps ease those pre-dive jitters. This part of the experience is crucial because understanding your equipment and safety protocols means more confidence once you’re submerged.
First Dive: Getting Comfortable
The first of your three dives usually takes place in calm waters close to the coast. You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of buoyancy control and ascent management, key skills for safe deep diving. Expect to practice these in shallow waters before venturing into the deeper sites. The instructor’s role here is to guide you step-by-step, making sure you’re comfortable with breathing through the regulator and managing your buoyancy.
The Middle Dives: Exploration and Practice
The second and third dives are where the magic happens. You’ll visit different locations, each offering a unique underwater landscape—from rocky formations to colorful coral. As some reviews highlight, “the underwater world is stunning, with plenty of marine life to observe,” making these dives memorable. With the instructor supervising, you’ll put into practice what you’ve learned—controlling your buoyancy, managing your ascent, and navigating safely.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat You’ll Actually See
While the tour doesn’t specify exact marine species, the description of “vibrant marine life” hints at the diverse inhabitants of Corsica’s waters. Travelers often mention seeing multicolored fish, sea stars, and various marine flora. The depth limit of 40 meters allows for an impressive range of sea creatures, and the underwater scenery is often described as “colorful and lively.”
While you're exploring Calvi, here are other experiences we've looked into
Post-Dive and Certification
After completing the dives, you’ll return to the meeting point and receive your souvenir certificate of completion. This tangible acknowledgment of your new skill can be quite satisfying, and many reviews mention feeling proud of their accomplishment. The instructor might offer tips for future diving adventures, which could inspire you to explore more advanced courses later.
The Experience: What It Means for You
This course isn’t just about the underwater sights; it’s about gaining confidence and understanding in a safe, controlled environment. The small group size ensures you get personal attention, which is crucial if you’re new to diving. The equipment included means you can focus on learning without worrying about logistics or extra costs.
While the price might seem high at first glance, it includes professional instruction, gear, and three guided dives—a comprehensive package for beginners. Plus, the certification’s global validity is a bonus if you plan to dive abroad.
What Travelers Say
One review states, “the instructor made me feel comfortable right away,” highlighting the importance of good teaching. Another mentions that “the marine scenery was breathtaking,” which indicates that the underwater experience lives up to expectations. However, some note that the duration is relatively short, but still sufficient for an introduction rather than an in-depth course.
Practical Details and Considerations
Meeting Point & Logistics
Meeting directly at the port eliminates complicated transfers, especially if you’re already in Calvi or nearby. The location next to the beach makes it easy to combine your trip with some beach time afterward.
Timing and Group Size
Check the availability for your preferred dates; the tour runs in small groups of up to four, which may limit flexibility but guarantees more personalized instruction. Starting times vary, so planning your day around the schedule will help.
What to Bring
Be sure to carry sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, water, and a medical statement if required. Since food and drinks are not included, you might want to bring a snack if your schedule permits.
Restrictions
The tour explicitly states that children under 14, pregnant women, and individuals with heart or respiratory issues should not participate. Smoking and unaccompanied minors are also not allowed, emphasizing safety.
Cancellation & Payment
Flexibility is available—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is perfect for flexible travel plans.
Why This Tour Stands Out
This experience offers a practical introduction to deep diving, making it ideal for those curious about exploring beneath the waves without committing to a lengthy or expensive certification process. The PE40 certificate, accepted worldwide, adds value for travelers wanting a recognized qualification.
The personalized attention from the instructor and small group size ensure that novices will feel supported, and the opportunity to visit multiple dive sites adds variety. The marine scenery and the chance to see marine life firsthand make it an unforgettable adventure.
This tour is suitable for adventure seekers eager to try scuba for the first time, especially those comfortable in water but new to diving. It’s perfect if you want a guided, safe introduction with professional instruction. However, it’s not designed for children under 14, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues—safety first.
If you’re looking for a well-organized, beginner-friendly dive experience in Corsica that combines education, adventure, and a certification, this PE40 course checks all the boxes. It offers a great balance of learning and fun, with the added bonus of a globally recognized qualification. You’ll leave with not only memories of vibrant underwater sights but also new skills that could kickstart a lifelong hobby.
For those eager to explore Corsica’s waters in a safe, guided way—without the pressure of a full certification course—this experience delivers genuine value. Whether you’re a traveler’s thrill-seeker or a curious first-timer, it provides a taste of the underwater world that’s hard to forget.
What does the PE40 certification allow me to do?
It certifies you to dive up to 40 meters under instructor supervision, recognized internationally, making it useful for future diving adventures around the world.
How long does the entire experience last?
The tour is 2.5 hours long, starting with a 30-minute introduction followed by three guided dives.
Is equipment provided?
Yes, all necessary diving gear is included, so you don’t need to bring anything other than personal items like swimwear and water.
Can anyone participate?
Not everyone—participants should be at least 14 years old and in good health. The course is not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart or respiratory problems.
What’s the group size?
Limited to 4 participants for a more personalized experience, which can enhance your confidence and learning.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, water, swimwear, and a medical statement if needed. Food and drinks are not included.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind when booking.
This Corsican scuba course offers a rare chance to learn deep-sea diving skills with expert guidance, all in a setting that’s both scenic and inviting. Whether you’re contemplating your first underwater adventure or want to get certified to explore further, it’s a practical, fun, and rewarding experience that’s hard to pass up.
You can check availability for your dates here: