Can You See Giant Gorgonians in the Calanques of Cassis?

Can you actually see giant gorgonians beneath the waters of the Calanques of Cassis? Absolutely. It’s one of the things I love most about diving in this extraordinary part of the Mediterranean.

When I descend along the rocky walls of the Calanques, I often look toward the deeper sections, where the underwater scenery changes dramatically. This is where large Mediterranean gorgonians can appear, sometimes forming impressive underwater landscapes.

Their size can be truly spectacular. Some colonies spread out like large underwater fans, moving gently with the current. When I come across one, I always take a moment to appreciate it — especially knowing that a colony of this size may have taken many years, even decades, to grow.

Where can you find gorgonians around Cassis?

The underwater landscape around the Calanques of Cassis is particularly varied. Rocky walls, drop-offs, caves, and areas exposed to currents create very different habitats for marine life.

Gorgonians tend to thrive where water movement brings them a regular supply of food. This is why the deeper rocky walls can be such interesting places to explore when diving in Cassis.

And the experience is not just about the gorgonians. Around them, I often find a whole community of smaller marine animals using their branches as shelter.

A fragile underwater treasure

What strikes me most is the contrast between their impressive appearance and their vulnerability.

A giant gorgonian may have taken decades to reach its size, yet physical contact, an anchor, fishing gear, or a severe storm can cause significant damage.

That’s why, when I photograph these colonies, I always try to keep a safe distance and avoid touching them.

For me, discovering a giant gorgonian in the Calanques of Cassis is much more than finding a beautiful subject for an underwater photograph. It feels like discovering a small piece of the Mediterranean that has been growing quietly beneath the surface for decades.

If you explore the underwater Calanques of Cassis, keep an eye on the rocky walls and deeper areas. You never know when one of these spectacular Mediterranean gorgonians might appear in front of you.