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Centuri, found on the Cap Corse peninsula, is a great example of a classic Corsican snorkeling spot. Rocky, surrounded by cliffs and set against the beautiful Mediterranean, it is a great site to discover the local marine life. Octopuses, moray eels, sea bream, salema porgy and many other species are frequently spotted here.

Mediterranean moray eel at Centuri, Corsica
Small Mediterranean moray eels are occasionally found in the bay rocky beds.

How to get to Centuri snorkeling spot?

The picturesque village of Centuri sits on the northwestern tip of Corsica, known as Cap Corse. It is a 1:30 hours drive from Bastia (50km) and Saint-Florent (55km). Centuri is a perfect stop on a 1 or 2 days driving tour of Cap Corse, a very popular excursion on the island.

There is a large parking area just south of the village (see map below). The snorkeling spot lies in front of it.

Centuri snorkeling map, Corsica

Getting into the water to snorkel Centuri

Enter the water from one of the two small beaches located down to the parking area.

Centuri snorkeling exploration

The snorkeling area is vast. It covers the whole bay extending between the port breakwater (on the east) and the Capense Islet (on the west). The seabed is mainly made of rocky slopes and ridges, covered with small algae. In some places, you will also cross white sand beds.

Octopus and fish at Centuri, Corsica
The area boasts an intense underwater life. In this picture, an octopus surrounded by painted combers and a rainbow wrasse.

The shallow edges of the bay, full of fish, are the most recommended for snorkeling (↕3-7ft/1-2m). Painted comber, ornate wrasse and rainbow wrasse are amongst the many colorful creatures that can be seen above the rocks. In the small crevices, try to spot a moray eel or an octopus, quite common in the area.

Visibility is generally excellent on this spot, with calm and pristine water.

View of Centuri snorkeling area, Corsica
Snorkelers in Centuri.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Centuri makes a great lunch spot as many restaurants are based around the old fishing port. Some accommodation options are available in and around the village.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth4m/13ft
  • Water entranceEasy, from sandy beaches
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

This reference identification guide includes all the 860 marine fish species that may be encountered while snorkeling in coastal Western Europe and the Mediterranean.

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

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.