Corsica · France · Cave & cavern · Reef
Pointe Loca
Tunnels and vaults in the rock down to 40 m
Area photo: Myrabella · CC BY-SA 3.0
A headland site in the Golfe de Sagone, north-west of Ajaccio, described in the catalogue as a cathedral of tunnels and vaults with depths of up to 40 m. The rock passages are the point of the dive, and the entry lists it as suitable for divers of all levels, which in practice means the shallower vaults for the newer diver and the deep ones for those trained for 40 m.
Also known as Loca.
Where it is and how deep
42.0627° N, 8.7154° EPublished position for this site.
The dive
Pointe Loca is a headland site, and the dive is a route through rock rather than along it: the catalogue calls it a cathedral of tunnels and vaults, and the structure runs down to 40 m. The briefing sets the depth. Because the site is listed for all levels, the same rock has to offer passages that a newer diver can follow near the top and deeper vaults that need a 40 m plan, so ask which ones the guide intends to take before you kit up.
Inside the tunnels the ordinary cavern rules apply: stay with the guide, keep a light to hand, and fin gently so the floor stays clear behind you. Work the deeper vaults first and the shallower ones on the way back, so that the last part of the dive is already close to safety-stop depth. The catalogue's other note is the site's reputation: it rates Loca as one of the most beautiful sites in Corsica, which is a claim about the rock rather than the marine life, and it is the shape of the passages that people come here for.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-season | Off-season | Off-season | Fair | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Off-season |
Season follows Corsica: West-coast centres run roughly April to November; the sea is above 20 °C from June to October and averages under 14 °C in February.
Know before you go
- Overhead sections in the tunnels and vaults: follow the guide, keep to passages with a visible exit and avoid stirring the floor.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Pointe Loca?+
The tunnels and vaults run to a maximum of 40 m, with shallower passages that the catalogue considers suitable for divers of all levels.
Can beginners dive Pointe Loca?+
The catalogue lists the site for all levels, but the deepest vaults are at 40 m, so a newer diver should expect the shallower passages and leave the deep section to divers with deep training.
Sources
- Loca - Scubago dive site catalogue — Scubago
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