Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee.
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Last updated on May 5, 2021
Marine de Negru is a small beach nestled on the steep coast of Cap Corse. Here, cliffs dive into crystal-clear waters, shaping an interesting rock wall. Underwater life doesn’t thrive here, but snorkelers come here to try to spot a stingray, a common dentex or a dusky grouper at the foot of the drop-off. The important water depth makes it a spot for experienced snorkelers only.
Marine de Negru (Negru beach) is located in the Gulf of Saint-Florent, on Cap Corse west coast. It is a 20 minute-drive from Saint-Florent (15km away) and a 50 minute-drive from Bastia (30km away). After leaving road D80, park in the hamlet and walk down to the pebble beach.
The recommended snorkel area is located on the north side of the beach (on your right when facing the sea). Walk to the northern tip of the beach and enter the water next to the rocks.
The snorkeling area follows the cliffs extending at the northern tip of the beach. As you fin towards the cliffs, you will first swim over shallow rocky areas (↕1-2m). Some rocks are covered with yellow algae, and there are a few small Posidonia patches here and there.
This shallow, sunbathed area doesn’t teem with fish but a few wrasses, as well as common two-banded seabream, can still be spotted.
As you swim further along the coast, you will soon arrive at the gorgeous rocky drop-off the spot is famed for. True underwater cliffs steeply fall on a rocky seabed located about 6-10 meters below the water surface.
The waterscape is stunning on sunny days, as bright light fully reveals deep blue crystal-clear waters. This part of the spot does not teem with fish either, but it can allow interesting encounters.
Lucky ones will indeed occasionally spot a roughtail stingray, a common dentex or even a small dusky grouper in this area where fishing and spearfishing are not allowed.
As water depth is important at the cliff’s foot, this spot is not advised to beginners and children. Marine de Negru’s northern side is generally well sheltered from waves and currents, however, never enter the water in rough sea conditions or if a western wind is blowing. Mind not to get too close to the cliffs, as rocks sometimes tumble down.
A few bed and breakfasts and a restaurant (Le Farniente, overlooking the southern side of the beach) are set in Marine de Negru.
These spots are only recommended to good swimmers, in good physical conditions, and with excellent snorkeling skills. These spots can experience currents, moderate waves, important depths, tight or narrow passages, or tricky water entrance, and can be located near hazardous areas (channels, boat traffic, strong currents…). The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas can be important - up to 500 meters. The “advanced” category includes drift snorkeling (transported by currents) and snorkeling off the coast. 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.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
