This dive site, L'autre Monde, is a coral plateau located about a 20-minute boat ride from a diving center in France. Situated between 16 and 20 meters of depth, the plateau features a variety of hard and encrusting corals, creating a fascinating underwater landscape. Large sandy grooves cut through the coral, adding to the site's complexity and offering diverse exploration opportunities. The relatively shallow depth and manageable size make it easily navigable for divers of all levels, especially beginners, but experienced divers can also enjoy its richness.
The abundant marine life includes a variety of fish such as butterflyfish, damselfish, sergeant majors, pufferfish, trunkfish, barracuda, lionfish, grouper, grunts, squirrelfish, as well as invertebrates like lobster, shrimp, and the unusual Eiffel crab and flamingo tongue snail. The presence of both hard and soft corals (gorgonians mentioned) provides a rich habitat for a diverse range of species, offering great opportunities for macro photography and spotting smaller creatures hiding in the crevices.
The best time to visit L'autre Monde is likely during the warmer months (summer and early autumn), when water temperatures are most comfortable and visibility is generally higher. The calmer conditions during these periods make for ideal snorkeling and freediving experiences. Divers should remember to check the weather forecast before heading out, and be aware of the potential for mild currents, especially around the edges of the plateau. Appropriate buoyancy control is crucial, especially for beginner divers, to avoid damaging the delicate coral structures.
