Gulf Of Calvi Snorkel Trip

Overview

Hippocampe, the Sea Horse Diving centre at Calvi's marina, runs this two-and-a-half-hour boat and snorkelling trip in the Gulf of Calvi. The outing starts from the port, a short distance from the beach and opposite the car park and roundabout. From there the boat heads out to a rocky stretch of coastline where the group gets into the water with mask, snorkel and fins.

Snorkelling gear is provided, and wetsuits are handed out too, which several travellers appreciated on days when the water felt cool. Reviews describe a short, speedy ride out to the rocks, then time in the water with the group. What you see varies: many reviewers report plenty of fish, some spotted a moray eel, starfish or sea urchins among the rocks, while a few said the marine life was modest when swell reduced visibility.

The listing says most travellers can participate, and the group is capped at twenty travellers. The crew works in French and English, and at least one reviewer noted Italian was spoken as well.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Calvi marinaMeet at Sea Horse Diving Calvi, Le Port de Plaisance, Calvi, about 100 meters from the beach and opposite the car park and roundabout.
2. Boat ride to the snorkel spotA short boat ride takes the group out to rocks along the gulf. Reviewers describe the crossing as quick and fun once the boat picks up speed.
3. Snorkelling sessionTime in the water with provided snorkelling equipment and wetsuits, swimming among rocks, fish and the occasional starfish or sea urchin.
4. Return to the marinaThe boat brings the group back to the same meeting point at the port, where the trip ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this outing.

• What is provided. Snorkelling equipment is included, and multiple reviewers confirm wetsuits are supplied as well. This means you do not need your own mask, fins or suit.
• Bring water. Bottled water is not included, so bring your own. One traveller also advised packing only the essentials plus a waterproof camera for photos of the fish and rocks.
• Who it suits. The listing says most travellers can participate, and one reviewer found the outing quite okay for beginners who had never snorkelled before. It is not recommended for travellers with back problems or who are pregnant, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
• Conditions vary. What you see depends on the sea. Several reviewers reported good visibility and lots of fish, while others said swell made the underwater viewing modest that day. Rock formations, soft corals, sea urchins and the occasional moray eel or starfish all appear in the accounts.
• Language and crew. The crew works with divers and snorkellers from the same boat. Reviews mention English, French and Italian being spoken, and staff are described as friendly in several accounts.

Common issues. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants; if either is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund, and the same applies to cancellations made by you at least 24 hours ahead. One reviewer felt snorkellers got less attention than the divers on board, and another saw few fish on the day. Visibility and marine life vary with swell, so a quiet day underwater is possible. The group can reach twenty travellers and the activity is not wheelchair accessible.

Common Questions