Snorkelling between land and sea Villefranche-sur-Mer

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Visit Rand eau Evasion, a family diving club ideally located at the Port Royal de la Darse in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The welcome is warm and friendly, and the team are on hand to answer our questions and tell us all about their business, which they’ve been doing with passion for years.

We were given our equipment, including a wetsuit, which was a good idea for the chilly person that I am and to avoid a nasty jellyfish sting.

We then set off for the boat, docked just a few metres from the club.

N.B. Don’t forget to bring a pair of beach shoes for this short walk.

We then boarded the boat and enjoyed the crew’s commentary on the history of Villefranche-sur-Mer! It’s a very comprehensive account, tracing the city’s extremely rich past through the Citadel, the old town and the buildings of the Darse harbour… which you can admire from the sea.

The journey is made all the more pleasant by the fact that the boat moves through the harbour at a pleasant pace, allowing us to quietly observe the landscapes around us.

We soon arrived at the spot where we were to enjoy a snorkelling trip. This is a marine protected area, part of the Natura 2000 zone, which aims to protect biodiversity through the use of eco-actions and respect for the species found there.

We were told that this is an eco-responsible activity, and what we should be doing to minimise our impact on the flora and fauna.

Then it’s time to get down to business! Fins on, masks and snorkels on, wetsuit on… we’re ready to jump into the water for this underwater experience.

We’re diving in a small group, which means we’ll have the benefit of top-quality supervision from a team that’ll take great care of us.

We put our heads under the water, and the enchantment began: the many species of fish paraded before our eyes. The site is particularly beautiful and the instructors’ comments are very interesting! This outing is suitable for all levels and profiles. Everyone’s needs and wishes are listened to and taken into account. A truly personalised service that’s much appreciated.

After more than an hour at sea, exploring, swimming and sunbathing on the boat… it’s time to head back to shore. On the way back, you’ll be shown the majestic villas that can be seen from the sea on Cap-Ferrat and in Villefranche. It’s an interesting interlude, with various anecdotes about the houses, their history and the personalities who have lived there.

Back at the Port de la Darse, the experience comes to an end… Once changed, we are treated to a well-deserved snack. It was a great opportunity to chat and share our feedback on this fun, all-round activity!

I highly recommend this aquatic attraction, which combines history and the discovery of marine fauna with a mask and snorkel. The club also offers first dives, explorations and training courses…

The Club’s assets

  • A human-scale structure with the “Tourism Quality” label
  • Space to change and leave personal belongings
  • Easy parking
  • Located in one of the most beautiful roadsteads in the world
  • Close to the best snorkelling and diving sites
  • A friendly, professional team
  • An eco-responsible activity
  • Equipment hire included
  • Activities to suit all levels

Joëlle

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communication at the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau