Do you want to experience an unprecedented and exciting experience? Discover the best places to scuba diving in the Pyrenees!
The Pyrenees chain houses a wide variety of lakes and ponds. In winter, an ice film covers them, offering a landscape of captivating purity. Would you like to enjoy it? The best experiences are often those that appeal to your senses... Try the ice diving! A true sensory show, it promises a unique and stimulating adventure. Go to discover this mysterious universe, populated with light miroitements, ice sculptures and transiated with a striking cold. Perhaps the most careful ones will be cooled by the idea of diving with an ice roof above the head. But no worries! During this experience, you are supervised by a professional. You just have to let magic work...
In this article we present you the best places to scuba diving in the Pyrenees. In France, Spain or Andorra, the Pyrenean lakes are waiting for you!
1. Lake Balcera
Photo credit: Instagram – jaumira18
Do you want to experience the ice diving without leaving the Hexagon? Meet in Occitania, in the French Pyrenees. Winter sports resort Les Angles is surrounded by lakes that lend themselves perfectly to ice diving.
Located close to 1,800 metres above sea level, Lake Balcère extends over a sumptuous landscape. In the summer, it is a place for family walks and pics. But in winter, few tourists come to visit him. Yet the show is worth a visit. The snowy pines and the ice that forms on the lake offer a real postcard decor. An opportunity for the bravest of you! Indeed, several clubs allow you to discover what is hidden under the crystalline surface. In particular, the Cap Cerbère and Rederis diving centres. So, ready to try the experiment?
2. Lake Matemale (Cerdagne-Capcir)
Photo credit: Shutterstock / arenysam
Do you spend your holidays at Les Angles station? Between your ski session and your stay at the spa, why not initiate you to the ice diving? Balcère is not the only lake you can explore in winter. Indeed, the lakes of Cerdagne-Capcir, and in particular the vast Lake of Matemale, also lend themselves to experience. The latter is an artificial lake, located more than 1,500 metres above sea level and measuring 223 hectares. In short, if the decor is less picturesque than that of Lake Balcera, the playground is wider!
Discover this submerged world and let yourself be invaded by the impressive silence that reigns there. It is a real show that awaits you, mixing bubble and light games! As a bonus: a hot drink and a snack await you once back on the farmland.
3. Lake Quillan
Photo credit: Instagram – stefperdaens
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, La Quillane is a family ski resort. On site, you can experience different unusual activities: baptizing the air in helicopters, snake-gliss, night skiing, Ice motor circuit... and ice diving! To experience this exceptional experience, you can contact Le Poulpe or Alpha Marine Centres. It is at Quillan Lake that you will have the opportunity to pass from the other side of the mirror.
Close to the ski slopes, the lake is surrounded by a snow-covered landscape. The majestic Pyrenees chain stands in front of you. However, it is well under frozen water that the adventure takes place. Accompanied by diving professionals, you are immersed in glacial water. At the end of the activity, you get an ice diving degree.
4. Lacquettes
Photo credit: Instagram – location_saint_lary_soulan
Do you know Piau-Engaly? Nestled at 2,000 metres above sea level, its ski area is the highest in the French Pyrenees. This ski resort is located in the Aure valley, near the Spanish border. It is suitable for all levels, making it an ideal destination for families and experienced skiers. And for those who want to test the scuba diving, it is in Les Lacquettes that it is happening!
This series of small lakes has an exceptional setting in the heart of the Neouvielle Nature Reserve. After joining the lakes, snowmobiling or snowshoeing, you start the activity. And it is important to admit that the clear water of the Lacquettes lends itself perfectly. Close to the light wells, a real blue and green cameo scrolls under your eyes. If you're lucky, maybe you'll cross a trout bench!
5. Lake Vall de Nuria
Photo credit: Shutterstock / A.S.Floro
Now that we have toured the French lakes that can be explored in winter, go to Spain. The Nuria valley is located in the Catalan Pyrenees. For the anecdote, the first status of independence of Catalonia was drafted in 1931. The valley houses a high mountain resort, Vall de Núria, which offers all kinds of fun activities.
Between the horse rides and the orientation races, you will have guessed, the ice diving! An original way to enjoy the lake in winter... that will remain engraved in your memory! Indeed, the experience is unforgettable. The bubbles stuck under the surface, ice layers and light rays offer a unique show. Please note that access to the lake thanks to the famous cremail train in the valley.
6. Lake Ibon de los baños
Photo credit: Instagram – balneariodepanticosa
Visit the Aragonese Pyrenees, in the commune of Panticosa. It houses two ski resorts and a spa, making it an ideal destination for the winter holidays. Since ancient times, Ibon de los baños Lake is famous for its mineral water properties. Its climatic and environmental features make it an ideal spot to try to scuba diving. When the ambient temperature frosts the surface of the lake, approach the diving centers. Many of them offer this unique experience. If you’re ready to travel to Aragon, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn about ice diving!
7. The estany of Tristaina
Photo credit: Shutterstock / annajimenez
Meet in the Principality of Andorra. In this small country nestled on the Pyrenees chain, you benefit from tax benefits. This is where you will do the best things! The estanys of Tristaina are a group of three small lakes located west of the country, in the glacial circus of Tristaina. They culminate at 2,306 meters above sea level and offer a simply stunning wild landscape! Perhaps the most beautiful site where to scuba diving in the Pyrenees. Want to know more? Contact Diving diving center. They will take you to the estany of Tristaina from the Vallnord ski resort. By diving into these majestic mountain lakes, you discover a world of diaphanous ice and silence.
8. L’Estany de Cabana Sorda
Photo credit: Flickr – Ferran Llorens
The last lake of this top of the best places to scuba diving in the Pyrenees is also in Andorra. Only, you have to go to the east of the country, only a kilometre from the French border.
The Estany de Cabana Sorda is 2 296 metres above sea level and has an area of 4.8 hectares. He also enjoys a very wild setting that will charm nature lovers. Bathed with waterfalls, it sometimes takes Icelandic lake air. In short, the perfect place to experience the ice diving! The departure is usually from Granvalira, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees and southern Europe.
BON TO LEARN ANYTHING
- How much does the ice diving cost?
Rates are generally located between 80 and 100 euros for 15 to 20 minutes of diving. However, prices may vary depending on the nature of the benefit.
- Is the ice diving dangerous?
Despite the fear that the idea of immersing under the ice, the activity is very framed and does not pose any danger. Whether you are a beginner or experienced diver, you will always dive with professionals.
- Can we get lost?
It’s impossible to lose: you’re tied to a rope, which is called Ariane’s yarn. You usually have to push the ice with your arms to evolve.
- Does ice diving require a good physical condition?
No need to have an irreproachable physical condition! Simply avoid activity if you are claustrophobic or if you are too afraid of the cold. In fact, the water temperature is usually between two and four degrees. But don't panic! You dive with suitable equipment.
- Do you have to bring spare clothing?
Your face is discovered and the cold bite is well present. You wear your own underwear under the combination. So always plan replacement clothes and warm socks to warm you at the end of the experience.
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