Get your snorkeling gear out of the closet and embark for the dream destinations of the European continent. A treat for beginners and experts alike!
Snorkeling. The very word is enough to take us on a journey. Translated into French as palmes masque tuba (or PMT), the practice has become increasingly popular in recent years. You no longer need to be an experienced, well-equipped diver to admire the seabed. So, of course, when you imagine yourself underwater, surrounded by fish and multicolored coral, the clichés quickly flood into your mind. White sandy beaches, clear turquoise water, outdoor heat of at least 30 degrees, coconut palms... We're dreaming of exotic destinations on the other side of the globe. And yet, just a few hours' flight from mainland France, some countries also offer a formidable playground. Here's an overview of European snorkeling spots.
El Puertito de Armeňime (Tenerife - Canary Islands)
The Canary Islands - whose reputation as a great tourist destination is well established - offer a wide range of spots for PMT all year round. El Puertito de Armeňime (Adeje municipality), a small cove that's quieter than the big resorts nearby, is one of them. You're sure to come across one of the archipelago's five species of sea turtle. Not very wild, the animal spends a good part of the year on this site. Sheltered from the strong waves, the bay, which is accessible to the greatest number of visitors, will enable you to observe boxfish, trumpetfish, harlequin shrimp and octopus, among others.
Baia Archaeological Park (Pozzuoli - Italy)
A change of country and scenery, heading for Italy and more specifically the Bay of Naples. History lovers will be delighted by the Roman remains and mosaics submerged to a maximum depth of 10 metres. Ruins of villas, statues, thermal baths - all these rich witnesses to the past have found their way underwater as a result of the bradyseism present in this region of the Phlegrean fields (slow lowering or raising of the ground level, of volcanic origin). Don't miss the Ninfeo di Claudio and Villa a Protiro sites, the highlights of your snorkeling tour.
The Silfra Fault (Þingvellir National Park - Iceland)
Head north with a spot that should surprise you. Iceland, best known for its aurora borealis and natural hot springs, can also be discovered underwater. Equipped with a fully waterproof wetsuit (granted, the local water temperature is between 2 and 4°), head for the Silfra fault. Located some fifty kilometers from the capital, it lies at the confluence of the American and European tectonic plates. A geological peculiarity that partly explains its success. With its crystal-clear waters, visibility of up to 100 meters and colorful seabed, Silfra is regularly cited as one of the world's best dive sites. The Silfra Cathedral, 63 metres deep and 100 metres long, will leave you with unforgettable memories of your underwater excursion.
Comino Island (Malta)
It's impossible to end our selection without a stopover in Malta, Europe's premier diving destination. Among the various islands that make up the archipelago, it's hard to choose. More tranquil than its neighbors Malta and Gozo, Comino looks like a small paradise. And with good reason, its 3.5km² and its inhabitants (who can be counted on the fingers of one hand) seem untouched: just one seasonal hotel and one campsite, and no cars allowed. Of course, in high season, the Blue Lagoon - the island's flagship spot - is very busy. Turquoise water at 28° in summer and white sand give it the air of an exotic destination.
A twenty-minute walk will take you to more remote and deserted beaches, such as Santa Marija and San Niklaw. Don't forget to visit the Santa Maria caves, a veritable underwater sanctuary. Nudibranchs, octopus, crabs, lobsters, eels, shrimps, moray eels, oblades, groupers, mostelles... you'll be lost for words.
Finally, if you prefer more local tourism, our beautiful country is well equipped for snorkeling. The Var, Alpes-Maritimes, Corsica and Marseille's famous Calanques offer plenty of opportunities to perfect your snorkeling skills.