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 November 2, 2022
Pinarello is a small town in the north of Porto Vecchio. Its coastline is perfect for snorkeling, especially around the rocky areas that separate the locality’s two main beaches. Snorkeling along the shore, you will be surprised by the diversity of species of fish and invertebrates that you’ll encounter in the shallows, where rocks, stretches of sand and seagrass beds are found.
Pinarello (or Pinarellu) is a locality on the south-eastern coast of Corsica, located about 15km (25 minutes drive) north of Porto Vecchio. Several car parks are available nearby, especially at the back of the beach, under the pines, and near the diving center.
The spot is located between the northern tip of Pinarello beach and the small beach which is a little further north, opposite the cemetery. It is easily accessible from these two beaches.
Water entrance is from one of the two beaches, near the rocky areas.
The recommended snorkeling area is all around the rocky area that separates the two beaches. The seabed, gently sloping, does not exceed 10ft/3m deep. Porphyry rocks, large massifs of Posidonia, as well as interesting sandy beds are found in the area.
At this spot, you’ll first note a nice diversity of invertebrates: sea anemones, sea cucumbers (or holothurians), black sponges, but also some cuttlefish camouflaged on the sand. Do not hesitate to enter the gaps in the Posidonia massifs, to discover beautiful sea urchins.
Even if this spot is not located in a marine reserve, it is home to a particularly rich ecosystem, with many species of fish. As you snorkel from rock to rock, you will alternately encounter sargo, wrasse, mullets, and perhaps a cleaning wrasse ridding bigger fish of their parasites.
Keep an eye on the sandy areas, where you may find many red mullets busy digging the substrate. It is also in the sand that you may have the chance to spot a wide-eyed flounder, a flatfish that perfectly mimics the color of the sand.
The blue also reserves some surprises, between garfishes bursting under the surface and schools of anchovies.
This spot is generally well sheltered, with perfectly calm seas. It is a good place for beginners or to discover marine life with children.
There are several paillotes and restaurants along the two beaches. A large choice of accommodation is available inland, just minutes from Pinarello.
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.
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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.
