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Cala di Reta is a beautiful rocky cove in Pointe de la Parata, boasting turquoise waters and a preserved environment. It is an ideal snorkel spot if you want to have refreshing snorkeling after visiting the neighboring Sanguinaires Islands. Small fish and cuttlefish abound on the rocks bordering the cove. Be careful, however, as this spot can become dangerous in bad weather conditions.

View of Cala di Reta snorkeling area
Cala di Reta boasts calm, turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling.

How to get to the Cala di Reta snorkeling area

Cala di Reta is a small rocky cove located at the foot of Parata Point, which is the starting point for shuttle boats leaving to Sanguinaires Islands. It is possible to get there by car (with a parking fee) or by bus from Ajaccio city center.

The spot is located behind the earth mound bordering the parking lot. The walk from the parking lot to the sea takes only a few minutes by the small paths.

Cala di Reta snorkeling map, Corsica

Water entrance for snorkeling Cala di Reta

If the beach is covered with humps of dried Posidonia, which often happens, we advise entering the water from a small passage between rocks, located below the access path (see map).

Cala di Reta is a dangerous place for snorkeling when water is not perfectly calm, notably because it is very exposed to swells when the wind blows from the West. Ask for information on site and do not enter the water if there is wind or waves.

Cala di Reta snorkeling exploration tips

The most beautiful seabed is to be seen on the rocky areas bordering the southern side of the cove, where rocky slopes and huge granite boulders fall into vast white sand areas.

Most rocks are covered with algae. Here and there, purple sea urchins and small sea anemones have taken shelter on the rocks.

Cuttlefish at Cala di Reta
Common cuttlefish is pretty common in Cala di Reta, mainly during the mating season, in spring.

The fish dwelling in Cala di Reta are mostly juvenile, but you will have the opportunity to see a good diversity. Common two-banded seabreams, sargo and saddled seabreams are notably quite easy to spot here.

More colorful fish like painted combers and East-Atlantic peacock wrasses appreciate the numerous cavities hidden between rocks. So do the cuttlefish, which can mainly be seen here during spring.

Huge schools of forage fish often gather in this sheltered cove. The fish density regularly attracts hungry cormorants in Cala di Reta. If lucky, you will spot one of those birds diving and chasing fish underwater.

Sea anemone at Cala di Reta
Small sea anemones can be found at Cala di Reta rocky seabed.

Cala di Reta boasts exceptionally clear water, ideal for underwater photography when the sea is quiet and suitable for snorkeling.

Restaurants and accommodation near Cala di Reta

Pointe de la Parata is home to a café – restaurant located about 600m after the parking lot. On your way back to Ajaccio, you will also find a lot of restaurants and snacks along the road, for example around Moorea beach, which happens to be a nice neighboring snorkel spot.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth5m
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach or rocks
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.