This dive site, L'oursin (The Sea Urchin), is characterized by its intriguing underwater topography featuring a plateau and a distinct drop-off. Divers can explore the plateau starting at a depth of 14 meters, which gently transitions into deeper areas. A highlight of the dive is discovering a unique 2-meter diameter sea urchin formation at around 23 meters, which, though slightly beyond the site's official 22-meter maximum depth, is often visited for its sponge and broyozoan covering.
The marine life at L'oursin is vibrant and diverse. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of anchovy and castagnole, often attracting barracuda that are observed hunting amongst them. Groupers are also a common sight, along with a wide variety of other fish species, making for an active and engaging underwater experience. The unique sea urchin formation itself hosts a micro-ecosystem of sponges and broyozoans.
While not explicitly stated, the best time to visit Mediterranean dive sites like L'oursin is typically from spring to autumn, when water temperatures are warmer and conditions are generally calm. The combination of a shallower plateau and a deeper drop-off makes it suitable for both beginner and intermediate divers, offering plenty to explore. Freedivers will also find the average depth of 11 meters and the 22-meter maximum depth appealing for breath-hold explorations, especially around the plateau area.
