Discover the marine world of Port-Cros National Park

Port-Cros National Park is said to be "insular, coastal and marine". This is a way of recalling the geographical characteristics and diverse aquatic influences that encounter there. It’s a world apart. A treasure trove of fragile, well-conserved ecosystems, to the delight of amphibious adventurers.

From the coastline to the open sea, from the shore to the depths of the sea, Port-Cros National Park is home to an unrivalled range of Mediterranean biodiversity which has been vigorously conserved for almost 60 years. The seabed of Porquerolles and Port-Cros Islands is renowned worldwide for its richness. Sea birds, groupers, sea turtles, whales and dolphins flourish in the geological features of the National Park, from the deep Stoechades canyon (-2,500 metres) to the secret coves of the rocky coastline via the pearly white beaches.

A playground to probe the unprobable

Nature and history lovers will follow in the footsteps of a grand and eventful past, stretching from Ancient Greece to the present day: remains of Greek commercial activity, marine or aerospace wrecks... Are you an experienced diver or a keen snorkeler? Do you prefer kayaking or paddleboarding? Or why not an exceptional boat, whether sailing or hybrid? In any case, outings labelled Esprit parc national - Port-Cros will guarantee you a breath-taking, authentic and respectful discovery of these enigmatic and preserved areas.

Take walking to another level from Palud Bay in Port-Cros

Located on the north coast of Port-Cros island, Palud Bay looks out onto the emblematic islet of Rascas. The small beach sharing the same name, shaded by tamarisk trees, is bordered by a reed bed. It is the starting point for the first underwater Mediterranean path created by the National Park. Access to this beach is via a former goat track: The Plants Trail. This terrestrial continuation of the Palud underwater trail is ideal for discovering the plant life of the island by crossing the scrubland.

Retreat to the private Jovat Beach in La Croix-Valmer

At Cap Lardier, Jovat Beach is one of the little jewels of this coastline. It is bordered by luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation where the three species of oak forest (Holm, Cork and Pubescent Oaks) and pine forest (Aleppo, Umbrella and Maritime Pines) are found side by side. Its turquoise waters reveal mesmerising seabeds. You can get a closer look at them by swimming the underwater trail of Crocodile islet, either alone or accompanied by a guide from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez Marine Observatory.    

Take a Mediterranean cure on the Magaud cove in La Garde

Found in the commune of La Garde at the western end of the National Park, the Magaud cove is a typical Mediterranean coastal setting: rocky coves, pebble beaches, fishermen's huts, steep cliffs overhung by sloping maritime pines. A place that combines all conditions needed for discovering the sandy or rocky bottoms, the Posidonia meadow, but also the marine wildlife by swimming the underwater trail h of Magaud cove. Don't hesitate to be accompanied by a guide from the Naturoscope Association, your visit will be all the more enriching.