Snorkeling in Marseille: Calanques dive and boat

Board a boat and spend your day moving between snorkeling and scuba in the Calanques

A full-day snorkeling and guided scuba activity in Marseille's Calanques National Park combines two separate water sessions (an hour of snorkeling after a 30-minute boat ride, then a 30- to 60-minute scuba dive after lunch) with a professional guide, all equipment provided, and park fees included. The group stays under twelve people on an inflatable boat. Minimum age is 10. Participants must complete a health questionnaire before diving, and some medical conditions may prevent participation.

The experience

You arrive at the meeting point for a briefing, then board a 12-passenger inflatable boat at around 9:45 am for a 30-minute ride to the snorkeling site. The boat is 7.5 meters long and built for the Calanques' rocky inlets. Once there, after another briefing, you spend an hour snorkeling in the protected waters. The guide is with you, and all equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided. The water here is clear enough to see the seabed and the rock formations that make the Calanques distinct from open-water diving.

Back on the boat, you have lunch (bring your own food and drinks, no plastic containers) and rest for a while. Then comes the scuba portion: a second briefing, and 30 to 60 minutes underwater depending on how much air you use, how cold you feel, and your comfort level. If you're certified, the dive is guided. If you're new to diving, this is a discovery or first dive with instruction. The guide stays with you the whole time. You return to the meeting point around 5 pm, though timing shifts with weather and how far the dive site is that day.

The full day runs 6 to 8 hours. Bring clothes for sun and cold protection. The Calanques water is cooler than Mediterranean beaches. You'll need at least moderate fitness. The activity is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, heart conditions, asthma, or pregnancy. All participants fill out a health form before diving. Children must be with an adult, and the minimum age is 10. Book at least four days ahead if you want a weekend slot. The guide speaks English, French, or German.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, French, or German.
• snorkel and scuba equipment for both water sessions.
• Calanques National Park entry fees.
• use of the 12-passenger inflatable boat for transport to and from the site.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Is this one for you?The 6- to 8-hour commitment means you lose most of a day, but it's the only way to fit both snorkeling and a full scuba dive into one outing in the Calanques: the boat ride, the lunch break, and the second briefing are what make both activities possible without rushing either one.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the water like in the Calanques, and how deep do you go snorkeling?

The Calanques National Park waters are clear and cool, with rocky underwater formations visible from the surface during the snorkeling hour. Depth varies by site and tide, but snorkeling is shallow enough for beginners. The guide chooses the spot based on conditions that day.

Do I need to be a certified diver to do the scuba part?

No. The activity includes a discovery dive or first dive for beginners with instruction from the guide, or a guided dive if you're already certified. Either way, the guide is with you underwater.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkeling site?

The ride from the meeting point to the snorkeling and diving site takes about 30 minutes on the 12-passenger inflatable boat.

What should I bring, and what's provided?

Bring your own lunch, drinks (in reusable bottles, no plastic), and clothes for sun and cold protection. The operator provides all snorkel and scuba equipment, and the National Park fees are included.

What time does the activity start and end?

The briefing is at the meeting point in the morning, and you board the boat around 9:45 am. You return to the meeting point around 5 pm, though the exact time depends on weather and the distance to the dive site.

Are there any health conditions that would prevent me from diving?

Diving is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, heart conditions, asthma, or pregnancy. All participants complete a health questionnaire before the dive. Some pre-existing medical conditions may prevent participation, so consult your doctor if you have concerns. Diving within 48 hours of flying is also not recommended.