Scuba

Analyze Nitrox, label the cylinder, and plan gas and decompression limits independently.
Carry a computer and a surface marker buoy when trained, and follow local ascent procedures in boat traffic.
Treat Vallee des Merous, deeper Cathedrales routes, caves, and chimneys as advanced or specialty environments.
Expect colder water below the thermocline and avoid letting a warm surface drive inadequate exposure protection.
Do not enter overheads, penetrate wrecks, or exceed certification because a guide is present.

Freediving and Snorkeling

Never freedive alone. Use active one-up, one-down safety and a lanyard on depth lines.
Do not hyperventilate, and stop after unusual fatigue, ear pain, chest symptoms, loss of motor control, or blackout.
Separate maximal freediving from scuba and follow qualified medical and training guidance.

Scuba

Analyze Nitrox, label the cylinder, and plan gas and decompression limits independently.
Carry a computer and a surface marker buoy when trained, and follow local ascent procedures in boat traffic.
Treat Vallee des Merous, deeper Cathedrales routes, caves, and chimneys as advanced or specialty environments.
Expect colder water below the thermocline and avoid letting a warm surface drive inadequate exposure protection.
Do not enter overheads, penetrate wrecks, or exceed certification because a guide is present.

Freediving and Snorkeling

Never freedive alone. Use active one-up, one-down safety and a lanyard on depth lines.
Do not hyperventilate, and stop after unusual fatigue, ear pain, chest symptoms, loss of motor control, or blackout.
Separate maximal freediving from scuba and follow qualified medical and training guidance.

Ajaccio Hospital's hyperbaric medicine service is the regional specialist resource. Its directory lists a 24/7 emergency number at +33 4 95 29 90 24 and a weekday service number at +33 4 95 29 91 93. For a suspected decompression illness, arterial gas embolism, serious breath-hold event, or marine emergency, call 112 or maritime rescue through 196 or VHF channel 16. Give oxygen if trained and equipped, keep the person at rest, and follow dispatch instructions. Do not delay activation to drive from Propriano toward Ajaccio. DAN Europe also provides a 24/7 diving emergency hotline. This information supports planning and does not replace professional medical advice.

Clear skies do not guarantee calm seas. Local wind and swell can move a departure, change the selected gulf sector, or cancel exposed line, wall, and snorkel sessions.

Vallee des Merous descends toward 55 m and is exposed to current. Les Cathedrales also offers routes far deeper than normal recreational limits. Follow the guide's exact profile.

Arches, chimneys, and caves occur around E Sette Nave and La Campanina. A visible exit does not automatically make every route suitable for an open-water diver.

Ajaccio, Porticcio, Propriano, and marina approaches are busy in summer. Use the operator's entry zone, carry a surface marker where trained, and never snorkel across a marked channel.

Posidonia oceanica is protected habitat and a nursery for Mediterranean life. Do not stand on, uproot, drag equipment through, or anchor on seagrass. Corsican anchoring rules apply especially to larger vessels and include protected sectors around Belvedere-Campomoro; guests should choose compliant operators and follow the captain. France designated the Natura 2000 site covering Ajaccio seamount reefs and rocky Valinco outcrops in 2025. Corsica also renewed a 10-year moratorium beginning in 2023 on recreational take of corb and multiple grouper species, running through December 2033. Maintain neutral buoyancy, do not feed or chase wildlife, leave shells and artifacts in place, and never remove material from the P51 or any submerged archaeological site.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
European Emergency Number	Police, fire, ambulance, or urgent rescue coordination	112	24/7
SAMU	Urgent medical assistance in France	15	24/7
CROSS Mediterranee	Maritime rescue coordination	196 by phone; VHF channel 16	24/7
Ajaccio Hyperbaric Medicine Emergency	Regional diving-accident treatment and specialist advice through emergency coordination	+33 4 95 29 90 24	24/7 emergency line
Ajaccio Hyperbaric Medicine Service	Non-emergency service contact	+33 4 95 29 91 93	Weekdays 08:00 to 16:30
DAN Europe Emergency Hotline	Diving medical emergency assistance	+39 06 4211 5685	24/7

Ajaccio and Propriano

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Scuba

Freediving and Snorkeling

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Scuba

Freediving and Snorkeling

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Emergency contacts