Balise Sud – Écueil des Lavezzi
A drift around the large southern beacon and the Lavezzi reef, the southernmost point of metropolitan France. The exposed south side has dramatic relief and thick algae; rays, dentex, groupers and amberjacks are possible but shy. Archaeologists know three ancient amphora wrecks on the reef at 38–42 m.
Facts
- Region: France – Corsica
- Area: Bonifacio & Lavezzi
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: drift, reef
- Coordinates: 41.3275, 9.2535 (approximate)
- Highlights: rays, dentex, dusky grouper, amberjack, dense algae forest, ancient amphora wrecks nearby
- Permit: Inside the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve. Under the 1999 creation decree, spearfishing and any taking are banned in the protected perimeters, and diving in the reserve's no-take zones (which include the Lavezzi plateau) is subject to individual authorisation under a procedure set by the maritime prefect (Art. 31). Dive with a local centre that operates in the reserve and check the current zone rules with the manager (OEC). (Source: decree of 23 Sept 1999 via AIDA/INERIS)
- Issuer / contact: Office de l'Environnement de la Corse (reserve manager)
- Phone: +33 4 95 45 04 00
- Email: contact@oec.fr
- Website: https://www.oec.corsica/
- Tips: The antique wrecks are protected cultural property: look only, never take anything (DRASSM rules).