Confirmed-diver route with the deeper gorgonian section and named fauna.
Cap de Nice 1 is a multi-level Nice cape dive with rich gorgonians.
Cap de Nice 1 is a multi-level Nice cape dive with rich gorgonians.
Boat access and the deeper gorgonian section make guided local support the right default.
Cap de Nice 1 is a multi-level rocky dive on the Nice cape, with a top section that leads into a deeper ridge where black and red gorgonians become the main feature. It suits confident scuba divers who can manage a boat dive and a deeper profile, and it regularly turns up moray eels, groupers, octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and occasional pelagics.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
35m - 45m
Depth Note
Multi-level rocky ridge; the signature gorgonian zone is reported between 35 and 45 m, with a larger block around 40 m.
Best Season
Late spring through autumn.
Typical Conditions
The site is best on settled days with clear water and a calm boat plan; the deeper ridge rewards conservative buoyancy and gas management.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Safety Notes
Treat the deeper ridge as a confidence dive: check gas, buoyancy, and turn pressure before committing to the gorgonian section.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; plan through a local operator and brief the deeper section before entering.
Legal Notes
Follow local marine and boating rules and any operator instructions for the site.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as a confident boat dive. Follow the rocky ridge over the top section and save the deeper gorgonian zone for calm days and a conservative plan.
Freediving
Not a good freedive target; the signature structure sits too deep for surface-only exploration.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel target; the main ridge and marine life are below comfortable surface viewing.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Confirmed-diver route with the deeper gorgonian section and named fauna.
Cap de Nice and Villefranche-area day-sea framing with warm, clear water.
Daily outings from Villefranche-sur-Mer toward the Cap de Nice and Cap Ferrat area.
Boat departures, site list, and dive-day logistics around Cap de Nice.
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