Chango Diving runs introductory scuba dives and guided snorkelling outings from Quai Lunel in the Port de Nice (Port Lympia), on the Cote d'Azur in southeastern France. The introductory dive, known in French as a bapteme de plongee, is designed for people with no diving experience: it consists of a single immersion of about 20 minutes to a maximum depth of 6 metres, preceded by a briefing on the shore. Allow a half-day for the whole outing including equipment fitting and the safety talk. The guided snorkelling option is a gentler alternative for those who prefer to stay at the surface and look down at the rocky seabed and marine life along the coast near Nice.
No diving certification is required for the introductory dive. Participants need to be comfortable in the water and in reasonable health; a medical declaration is typically completed before any scuba activity, and visitors with heart, lung, ear or sinus problems should check suitability with a doctor first. Age limits are set by the centre at booking, so families with children should confirm eligibility in advance. Diving equipment is supplied by the centre, so visitors only need to bring swimwear and a towel.
Chango Diving is described as a scuba and freediving training centre based at the port of Nice, which means the instructors work with beginners regularly and the dives follow a structured teaching format. Introductory dives are supervised by a qualified instructor in a small group, and the shallow maximum depth keeps the exercise within a controlled, beginner-appropriate envelope. The briefing covers breathing through the regulator, equalising pressure in the ears, hand signals and what to do if a participant feels uncomfortable. Boat or shore support and emergency procedures follow standard French diving-centre practice; details of the evacuation plan are explained at the briefing.
Tourist-office listings for 2026 give about EUR 105 (roughly $121) for the introductory scuba dive and EUR 60 (roughly $69) for guided snorkelling. The best season runs from May to October, when sea temperatures are warmest and visibility is generally good. Strong swell, heavy rain or mistral-type winds can lead to postponement, so flexibility in the itinerary is useful. The operator can be reached by phone on +33 6 48 91 64 72 or through its website.
| Price | Introductory scuba dive EUR 105 (about $121); guided snorkelling EUR 60 (about $69), 2026 prices from the tourist office listing |
|---|---|
| Duration | Introductory dive: 1 immersion of about 20 minutes to a maximum of 6 m; allow a half-day with briefing |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May-October |
| Address | Chango Diving, Quai Lunel, Port de Nice, 06300 Nice, France |
Activity facts
- Where
- Port de Nice (Port Lympia) and the Cote d'Azur coastline
Equipment
Swimwear and towel; diving equipment is supplied by the centre. No certification is needed for the introductory dive
Location
Chango Diving, Quai Lunel, Port de Nice, 06300 Nice, France
43.6951, 7.2832 View on map
Highlights
- First breath underwater on a supervised 20-minute introductory dive to a maximum of 6 m
- No diving certification needed; all scuba equipment is supplied by the centre
- Departure from the historic Port de Nice (Port Lympia), close to the old town
- Guided snorkelling option for visitors who prefer to stay at the surface
- Small-group instruction from a training centre that also teaches freediving
Tips for visiting
- Book several days ahead in July and August, when introductory dives fill quickly
- Bring swimwear and a towel; the centre supplies the wetsuit and diving gear
- Ask about the weather policy, since swell or wind can move or cancel an outing
- Mention any ear, sinus, heart or asthma history during the briefing
- Wear sun protection and avoid heavy meals just before the dive
- Ask whether underwater photos or a camera mount are available before the day
When to visit
May to October is the best window, with calm seas and warm water. Mornings tend to offer calmer conditions than afternoons.
Accessibility
Entering the water and wearing scuba gear requires some mobility, and the pier area at the port has uneven surfaces. Visitors with reduced mobility should ask the centre in advance whether an adapted outing is possible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is a diving certificate needed for the introductory dive?
No. The introductory dive is open to complete beginners, and the centre supplies all equipment and an instructor.
How deep and how long is the introductory dive?
The dive is a single immersion of about 20 minutes to a maximum depth of 6 metres, within a half-day outing that includes the briefing.
How much does it cost?
Tourist-office listings for 2026 give about EUR 105 for the introductory scuba dive and EUR 60 for guided snorkelling. Confirm current prices with the centre.
When is the best time to go?
May to October offers the warmest water and generally the best visibility on the Cote d'Azur.