The Port-Cros underwater trail starts from La Palud beach, on the north-east coast of the island. According to Wikipedia, it is the first underwater trail in the Mediterranean that can be followed by snorkelling: a route marked in 6 stages, done on your own with fins, mask and snorkel, to discover the shallows, the Posidonia seagrass and the fish protected by the national park. You reach La Palud on foot from the harbour along a marked trail. None of the island's beaches has facilities: bring your own gear.
Key facts
- Starts at La Palud beach, north-east coast of Port-Cros, on foot from the village.
- Route marked in 6 stages, done on your own, with fins, mask and snorkel.
- Protected Posidonia seagrass and the national park's fish.
- The Rascas rock lies off La Palud, in the park core.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | La Palud bay, north-east coast of Port-Cros |
| Format | trail marked in 6 stages, self-guided |
| Equipment | fins, mask, snorkel (bring your own) |
| Access | on foot from the harbour, on the island’s trails |
| Status | national park marine core |
Source: Wikipedia, Port-Cros National Park.
The first underwater trail in the Mediterranean
The national park created the first underwater trail in the Mediterranean that can be followed by snorkelling on Port-Cros. Markers in 6 stages guide swimmers over the shallows of La Palud bay: face down in the water, you follow the change from rocks to Posidonia seagrass and the fish that benefit from the park’s protection.
Getting there
From the harbour, you reach La Palud along the island’s network of marked trails. Port-Cros beaches have no facilities, according to Vedettes Îles d’Or: bring your own gear, water and lunch, or head back to the village. See hiking and the beaches.
Tips
Stay on the surface and touch nothing: this is the park core, where no plant or animal may be taken. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. To go further, scuba diving requires a park permit.
Book a trip
Snorkelling and kayaking around the islands
Guided Sea Kayaking Tour of the Giens Peninsula3 - 7 hours★ 4.7 (2 reviews)from €76Check availability
Hyères: Morning Discovery or Relaxing Afternoon cruise3 - 4 hours★ 4.7 (225 reviews)from €70Check availability- Hyères: The Discovery Morning - Guided Tour of the Coast by Catamaran3 hours★ 4.7 (65 reviews)from €70Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Port-Cros underwater trail?
In La Palud bay, on the north-east coast of the island. You walk there from the harbour on the island's marked trails.
Do you need a guide for the underwater trail?
No, the trail is marked in 6 stages so you can follow it on your own, with fins, mask and snorkel.
Can dogs go to La Palud?
No. The national park bans dogs from beaches, and on Port-Cros only allows them in the village.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Ferry times and prices change: confirm before you go.
- Wikipedia, Port-Cros National Park: La Palud underwater trail (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Vedettes Îles d'Or, Port-Cros island: snorkelling, underwater trail (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Port-Cros National Park, regulations (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
