www.hyeres-plongee.com · Operator
Local operator write-up for route shape, exposure, depth, and fish mix.
La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre is a boat drop-off with steep east-side relief.
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La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre is a boat dive on the east side of the Gabinière islet in Port-Cros National Park, known for a steep drop-off and dense fish life. The route alternates ledges, broken rock, and open blue, so it feels more like a drift along relief than a flat reef circuit. Plan for exposed water, strict park rules, and boat handling that fits the day. When the current is steady rather than messy, the site rewards you with a classic overflight profile and strong Mediterranean life.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0m - 45m
Depth Note
Operator guidance describes a shallow start, richer structure around 10 m, and sand at about 45 m; directory listings round the site to 50 m.
Best Season
spring
Typical Conditions
Steep east-side relief with ledges and rubble, often dived as a drift or moored boat dive. Wind and current are the main day-to-day condition drivers.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Treat it as an exposed boat dive: keep the group tight, plan the pickup before entry, and avoid pushing the site when wind or current is already building.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only. Use approved moorings or a controlled drift/pickup plan; there is no shore entry and anchoring is tightly restricted near dive sites.
Legal Notes
Diving in Port-Cros requires CaPel registration, a signed dive regulation, and an authorized individual diver or charter-signatory structure. The site is capped at 40 divers, and a competent person on board is required in busy months.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as a drift or moored boat dive that follows the east-side wall and broken rock. The fish payoff is highest when the current is manageable and the group stays compact.
Freediving
Not a casual freedive site. The drop-off and current make it a poor fit for relaxed breath-hold sessions; only very confident freedivers with proper boat support should consider it.
Snorkeling
Not a practical snorkel objective. The site is boat-based and the main interest drops away too quickly for casual surface-only viewing.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre.
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Local operator write-up for route shape, exposure, depth, and fish mix.
Official park page on the Gabiniere’s biodiversity and grouper abundance.
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