Tavac Rock
3 points of interest
Faunawhite gorgonian
Entirely white, these gorgonians stand upright on flat, vegetation-covered seabeds, amidst patches of seagrass or on soft substrates. They are the first gorgonians encountered during a dive, found at depths ranging from 10 to 60 meters. Exposed to light, they are most often found on flat rock shelves. Unlike other gorgonian species, this one is rather photophilic and can tolerate direct sunlight.- Fauna
The conger
The conger eel (or sea eel) is found in rocky and sandy seabeds. Juveniles live in coastal waters and then migrate to deeper waters as they mature. A voracious nocturnal predator, it feeds on fish and crustaceans, swallowing its prey whole or tearing it apart with swift movements. It moves slowly and attacks by surprise, needing only a single tail flick to capture its prey. During the day, it hides under rocks. Try to spot it! - Fauna
The scorpionfish
The scorpionfish is a rocky seabed fish with a thick body, skin flaps, and spiny fins. Also known as a sea toad or sea scorpion, it is recognizable by its ungainly head and the numerous spines that cover its body. It hunts by ambushing crustaceans and fish. This venomous species can cause painful stings, as the venom is located at the base of the spines on its dorsal fin. Be careful not to get too close!
Description
A narrow rocky plateau in the middle of a vast sand space and mud, the Roche Tavac allows you to dive from 18 to 22 meters depth. Several dives are possible on this site.
This is a dive for experienced divers. Visibility is often medium even low, and the currents (usually south-north) can influence the exploration. Strong currents are frequent depending on the time of year.
Many small slots are present on the west side slopes, slowing getting to the sand, dyue to it’s situation it is exposed to both the Tramontane and sea wind, the latter rising in the afternoon. Situated near the Argeles sur Mer port, it is almost parallel to its large beach heading towards Saint Cyprien. The fauna is rich in this area. The base of the plateau quite flared is well suited for orange gorgonians while the top of the rocks is the domain of white gorgonians.
The site is mainly characterized by the abundance of sea roses and colorful halcyons. You will also observe a wide variety of rock fishes such as scorpion fish, conger fish, pouting fish, blenny red mullets as well as common sars. Lobsters, galateas and crabs are present too on some parts of the site. Discover exceptional wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Departure : Port d'Argelès-sur-Mer, de Collioure, de Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer et Cerbère
- Arrival : Port d'Argelès-sur-Mer, de Collioure, de Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer et Cerbère
- Towns crossed : ARGELES SUR MER
Recommandations
Go safe and be supervised by professional scuba diving from all the ports of the Côte Vermeille.
Argelès-sur-Mer:
Argelès Plongée: 06 78 48 76 30 / 06 83 89 96 90 - Résidence Santa Maria Rue des Matelots
Aquatile Plongée: 06 16 51 31 06 - Résidence Atalaya 2 Place Magellan
Archipel Plongée: 04 68 95 71 03 / 06 25 59 35 77 - 8 Résidence les Villégiales
La Sirène Plongée : 04 68 81 60 58 – Camping la Sirène, route de Taxo
Collioure:
CIP Collioure: 04 68 82 07 16 - 24 Rue Ravin du Coma Xeric
Port-Vendres:
Paradis des bulles: 06 70 55 69 18 - Quai Fanal
Tech of Plongée: 06 58 55 41 04 -2 Quai Fanal
CAP Port-Vendres: 04 34 12 09 27 - 4 rue Jules Ferry
Scuba Passion: 06 07 56 03 73 - Plage des Tamarins Route de la Jetée
Banyuls-sur-Mer:
Rédéris Plongée: 04 68 88 31 66 - Quai A Port Parking Méditerranée
AquaBlue Plongée: 04 68 88 17 35 - 5 Quai Georges Petit
Plongée Bleue: 07 85 75 67 45- 10 quai Georges Petit
Cerbère:
Aloès Plongée: 06 33 33 18 44 - Résidence les Aloes Cap Peyrefite
Plongée Cap Cerbère: 04 68 88 41 00 - Route d'Espagne
