This dive site, Ponton de la Bordelaise, is situated within the unique Etang de Thau, a salty water lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by sand dunes in southern France. It offers a calm and shallow environment, making it an excellent location for new divers and snorkelers to explore an atypical underwater ecosystem. The pontoon itself likely serves as a navigation point, offering easy entry and exit to this sheltered habitat.
The Etang de Thau is renowned for its fascinating macro life. Divers can expect to encounter seahorses, which are considered the true stars of this location. Other notable species include various pipefish, colorful nudibranchs, and large noble pen shells. Several species of rock fish also inhabit the structures around the pontoon, contributing to the rich biodiversity of this unique lagoon.
The best time to visit this site to maximize the chances of spotting seahorses and other delicate marine life typically involves careful planning, likely during warmer, calmer months. Its shallow depths make it ideal for prolonged bottom times for scuba divers and provides perfect conditions for freedivers and snorkelers to observe the abundant small creatures. It is a fantastic spot for macro photography enthusiasts.
