Why I dive all year round and without a wetsuit in the most beautiful spots on the island

When you think of Corsica, you primarily imagine crystal-clear water and white sand. But for me, the true magic of the Isle of Beauty is experienced far from the shore, underwater a few kilometers away from Vista Corsica, my charming guesthouse. A keen open water swimmer, I explore the island's coastline throughout the seasons.

My ritual? A minimum of 2.5 kilometers on every outing, without fins and especially... without a wetsuit, even when the water temperature drops to 14 degrees Celsius. It's quite simple: I no longer like warm water, and every plunge into cold water is a rebirth. The first thing I see is what I hear. In the sea, if you are patient and respectful, you can mingle with the fish and even form bonds with them. Splash, let's go!

The chill of 14°C

Swimming in Corsica means enjoying divine, crystal-clear water for much of the year. But as winter approaches, the second "cool" effect kicks in. Swimming in cold water without a wetsuit offers a complete escape and incredible physical benefits. First, there's the thermal shock, which releases endorphins and dopamine. Furthermore, the cold water stimulates blood circulation, firms the skin, and strengthens the immune system. Without a wetsuit, the feel of the water on my skin is pure bliss, and I become one with the elements.

Santa Giulia where the lagoon

Santa Giulia is a world-famous postcard scene. The water is so crystal clear that I sometimes feel like I'm flying over the seabed. I greet the fish in my own way. I admire them. Swimming among schools of saddled seabream or encountering a white seabream around a rock is a wonderful sight. Coming across an octopus capable of transforming into tens of thousands is a miracle of marine life. My favorites? The damselfish that dance by the hundreds around me.

Facing the Lavezzi Islands: Sperone

Swimming at Sperone is a unique experience. The shades of blue in the water are utterly unreal. I start from Petit Sperone and swim to the three points, a little over three kilometers, arriving beneath the cliffs of Bonifacio. I feel tiny, yet I maintain my glide through the turquoise water, a beauty no other island can rival.

The Secret Bruzzi

Located near Pianottoli-Caldarello, the Bruzzi peninsula is a hidden gem. It's Corsica in its rawest form, with its pink granite sculpted by the wind (the famous tafoni ) and its fragrant maquis shrubland plunging into a calm sea. The archipelago of islets creates small channels and coves sheltered from the wind (like the pink sands of Corail beach), perfect for swimming its 2.5 km. The seabed is incredibly rich. Swimming there? It's the feeling of being alone in the world.

Punta Capicciola: The wild tip of the Far South

Nestled between the bays of Saint-Cyprien and Pinarello, Punta Capicciola is a haven of biodiversity and tranquility. The rugged coastline alternates between rocky headlands and secluded coves of white sand. The water is incredibly clear, the seabed crystal clear. It's the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in nature, sheltered from strong currents.

My advice

If you want to try open water swimming (warm or cold!), the golden rule is safety. Beginners, don't go alone and equip yourself with a A signal buoy allows one to rest in case of fatigue and, above all, to be visible from afar to boats. And after a workout, nothing compares to a personalized massage by the expert hands of Camille, available at our refined guest house in Southern Corsica.

Ready for the big leap and a stay over in our room ?