Contact Us! +33 (0) 6-63-48-56-53

FAQs: All your questions answered

You’ll find as many answers to your questions as possible. If you are still in doubt, please contact us!

ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS

Discover scuba diving:

Not required

Scuba diving courses:

You must provide a medical certificate stating that you have no contraindications to scuba diving before you begin training.

It must be issued by :

  • Level 1
    • Between the ages of 12 and 14: sports physician / hyperbaric physician / general practitioner
    • From the age of 14: general practitioner
  • Level 2
    • Sports / hyperbaric / or federal physician
  • Level 3
    • sports / hyperbaric / or federal physician

Fun diving:

Every year you must present a medical certificate issued by

  • Between 12 and 14 years: sports / hyperbaric / federal doctor
  • Over 14: General doctor

At the time of booking we require a complete file including

  • Parental authorisation (for children’s courses and breaks)
  • a health form if the course includes at least one overnight stay (vaccinations, guardian, allergies, etc.)
  • An insurance certificate
  • the certificate of good conduct
  • identity documents (national identity card or passport)

BOOKING

All requests are subject to an estimate. A reservation will be firm on receipt of a deposit.

A booking is confirmed upon receipt of an offer confirmation and a deposit. For all services (except children’s courses and holidays), 30% of the total amount is payable to NATURE ESSENTIELLE at the time of booking and the balance on the day of the service, unless otherwise agreed. Any additional services mentioned on the final invoice will also be paid on the day of the service.

For Kids Courses, 30% of the total amount is payable to NATURE ESSENTIELLE at the time of booking and the balance 1 month before the start of the course, unless otherwise agreed. Additional orders mentioned on the final invoice must be paid on the day of the course.

You can book directly on our websites

  • French: http://www.nature-essentielle.fr
  • English: https://www.scuba-diving-cannes.com

by clicking on the course/stay of your choice.

The availability calendar will appear and you can book directly.

You can also call us directly on:

  • +33 (0) 6-63-48-56-53 on phone or Whats’App
  • or send an e-mail to n.essentielle@gmail.com.

CLOTHING & EQUIPEMENT

Your kit will depend on the course/stay you have chosen.
It will be sent to you as soon as your booking is confirmed, so that you have time to get organised.
Click on the link below to see the kits for each Nature Essentielle course:

Link to registration form

DIET & SPECIAL DIETS

Nature Essentielle adapts to all dietary requirements and plans accordingly in advance of your stay.
You will be asked for this information (allergies, vegetarian diet, etc.) when you book so that our team has all the necessary information before departure. During the holiday our supervisors will ensure that these instructions are followed.

Meals and snacks are managed and provided by Nature Essentielle:

  • all-inclusive stays

FIND US

NATURE ESSENTIELLE DIVING CENTER

CANNES – Port du Béal – Zone Fluviale

110 Bd du Midi Louise Moreau, 06150 Cannes

FIND US

By Car

  • From freeway (exits 40 or 41): 3km
  • Free parking on Mandelieu side
    • Along the seafront: 50 meters
    • Large Siagne parking lot: 1 km
    • Robinsons parking lot: 1 km

Public transport

By train:

  • Mandelieu station: 1.7 km
  • Cannes train station: 7.1 km

By bus:

  • Palm Bus « Ecole de voile » stop 200m away
  • From Cannes or Théoule: line 22 (every 2 hours)
  • From Mandelieu center: line 23 (every 20 minutes)

Walking / by bike

By bike:

  • Bicycles can be parked directly on our secure premises.

walking:

From the seafront, enter the port « riverside » and walk along the quays.

For Kids courses (Pelagos & Underwater photographer): ORGANIZED SHUTTLE

A transfer by private van is provided (subject to availability) for all KIDS courses at sea.

LIEUMATINSOIRDETAILS
SAINT JEANNET7:45am5pmpeyron – ‘FLOR’ bakery car park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdrfKSpSZV93ezop8
LA GAUDE7:55am4:50pmCoupole car park, opposite the marronier à la gaude.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Wm95SSSzMsHZSSS7
CAGNES SUR MER8:05am4:40pmcar park next to the swimming pool (opposite the Lycée Renoir)
https://goo.gl/maps/bMEuz2DT97ZyMGXy7
VILLENEUVE LOUBET8:20am4:25AMADEUS: Parking Amadeus Sport Center (Entrance on the right before the gate)

https://goo.gl/maps/LfvaQyAKqMdq8F9R8
CANNES « Port du Béal »8:45am3:55pmPark along the seafront and walk to our premises inside the port
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PQQCNM74m24wyiLfA
Timetable summary – Details and GPS points

KIDS CAMPS

Children are supervised by our guides at all times.
Nature Essentielle reserves the right to refuse to supervise a child if the child’s behaviour is incompatible with the day’s activities or if the child behaves in an anti-social manner. No refunds will be given.

Accommodation in the hostels, for example, is generally not. But we put girls and boys in separate areas.
In the tents we separate girls and boys.

During our activities, we do our best to allow the children to reconnect with nature and to disconnect from the social networks that constantly govern us.
For this reason, we recommend that you leave your cell phone behind, as the children can be reached through the WhatsApp group dedicated to the course, to which you will be invited 7 days before the course begins.

We recommend that you leave a little pocket money with your child, in case he or she wishes to buy something during the stay.

NATURE ESSENTIELLE DIVING CENTER

CANNES – Port du Béal – Zone Fluviale

110 Bd du Midi Louise Moreau, 06150 Cannes

FIND US

By Car

  • From freeway (exits 40 or 41): 3km
  • Free parking on Mandelieu side
    • Along the seafront: 50 meters
    • Large Siagne parking lot: 1 km
    • Robinsons parking lot: 1 km

Public transport

By train:

  • Mandelieu station: 1.7 km
  • Cannes train station: 7.1 km

By bus:

  • Palm Bus « Ecole de voile » stop 200m away
  • From Cannes or Théoule: line 22 (every 2 hours)
  • From Mandelieu center: line 23 (every 20 minutes)

Walking / by bike

By bike:

  • Bicycles can be parked directly on our secure premises.

walking:

From the seafront, enter the port « riverside » and walk along the quays.

For Kids courses (Pelagos & Underwater photographer): ORGANIZED SHUTTLE

A transfer by private van is provided (subject to availability) for all KIDS courses at sea.

LIEUMATINSOIRDETAILS
SAINT JEANNET7:45am5pmpeyron – ‘FLOR’ bakery car park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdrfKSpSZV93ezop8
LA GAUDE7:55am4:50pmCoupole car park, opposite the marronier à la gaude.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Wm95SSSzMsHZSSS7
CAGNES SUR MER8:05am4:40pmcar park next to the swimming pool (opposite the Lycée Renoir)
https://goo.gl/maps/bMEuz2DT97ZyMGXy7
VILLENEUVE LOUBET8:20am4:25AMADEUS: Parking Amadeus Sport Center (Entrance on the right before the gate)

https://goo.gl/maps/LfvaQyAKqMdq8F9R8
CANNES « Port du Béal »8:45am3:55pmPark along the seafront and walk to our premises inside the port
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PQQCNM74m24wyiLfA
Timetable summary – Details and GPS points

Departures depend on the type of course booked.
Departures are by minibus from the René Veyssi parking lot in the village of Saint Jeannet or from the Musée du Sport.
For courses at sea, children can go directly to Cannes, or we can arrange private van transfers from Saint Jeannet/la Gaude/ Cagnes sur Mer/Villeneuve-Loubet.

At the end of the course, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’ll send you a certificate of attendance by e-mail.

This document is sometimes required, in addition to the invoice, in order to be reimbursed by various organizations (works council, etc…).

In this case, we have to comply with legal age requirements.
However, the range of activities we offer is wide and varied and our team will be happy to listen to you and work with you to find a solution that suits everyone!
For some courses or breaks, the minimum (or maximum) age may be set arbitrarily, depending on our expertise in the activity. But every child is unique. Some children are different.
That’s why we sometimes accept younger children in consultation with their parents, who know their child’s abilities and characteristics better than anyone else.

Sur chaque stage figure une section « Prérequis » spécifique.

Pour les séjours Montagne, il existe 4 niveaux de difficulté:

For children’s courses:

For teenager stays:

LABELS & APPROVALS

NATURE ESSENTIELLE is a member of the National Association of Diving Instructors. This is a professional association which aims to:

  • Promote the diving profession
  • Work efficiently and independently
  • Create its own diving courses, which it has done since 1991
  • Award the ‘Sea Guide’ label
  • Work with Longitude 181 to protect the marine environment through the International Charter for Responsible Divers.

Nature Essentielle is a signatory to the Bienvenue à Cannes charter.


The “Bienvenue à Cannes” charter pursues the destination’s ambition to ensure a high level of service quality, for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. The charter’s DNA is based on five fundamental pillars:

  • professionalism: quality of service ;
  • trust: price transparency and predictability (professionals must not charge abusive or misleading prices);
  • Respect: by complying with current regulations;
  • sustainability: a commitment to a sustainable and more inclusive territory;
  • high standards: traceability.

In addition, this tool enables member establishments to collect their customers’ opinions via an online questionnaire accessible via a QR code.


A charter that rewards committed professionals.

We adhere to the Côte d’Azur France brand and embody the values of the Côte d’Azur. We are committed to quality and exemplary customer service.

NATURE ESSENTIELLE is registered with the DDCS as an ‘Accueil Collectif de Mineur’ (ACM) under the organiser code 006ORG0506.

As such, we organise courses and holidays for 6-18 year olds, at sea and in the mountains, with or without accommodation.

The French sports code does not limit the number of people on board a vessel or the ratio of supervisors to snorkelers.

As a single diving activity, unlike the concept of multi-activities, Nature Essentielle is not required to declare itself as an Accueil Collectif de Mineur in this case.

However, our serious commitment to the education of young people has led us to declare our courses at sea as ACM ‘Accueil de loisir’ (Leisure Activity).

As such, our constraints and commitments are as follows

  • Define an educational project
  • Declaration of each course to the DSDEN via the TAM application
  • Declaration of the instructors
  • Declaration of the number of children and their age groups
  • 1 supervisor for every 12 minors
  • Presence of a centre manager

Nature Essentielle goes beyond what is required by law and sets a ratio of 1 supervisor per 6 minors, always with a view to ensuring the quality of our service.

To this end, we are regularly inspected by the authorities.es de l’état.

NATURE ESSENTIELLE is approved by the French Ministry of Education. This is a label proving that NATURE ESSENTIELLE is capable of working in the service of education, as a partner of schools and establishments.

This accreditation is not compulsory to work with school staff and users, but it is useful and highly recommended for frequent or ongoing activities.

NATURE ESSENTIELLE was awarded the HQWW label in 2017. This label is renewed every year with an assessment visit.

The High Quality Whale-Watching® label was created to support whale-watching professionals who want their outings to be recognized as respectful of the animals and their environment.

« This is the only government certification that guarantees respectful whale and dolphin watching in the Mediterranean.

It is a registered trademark of ACCOBAMS (Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area), developed jointly with the Pelagos Sanctuary.

WHY THIS LABEL?

  • To monitor a booming tourist activity;
  • To support volunteer operators;
  • Protect whale populations near our coasts;
  • Combine respect for the environment and the local economy.

·  A naturalistic approach:
Because cetaceans live in such a vast environment, we can’t guarantee their presence on every excursion. That’s why our labelled excursions do not focus exclusively on dolphin and whale watching. Nature Essentielle is also committed to helping you discover the full range of marine biodiversity: seabirds, fish, turtles, etc.

Respect for a code of conduct:
The label guarantees you an approach to dolphins and whales that respects the code of conduct for cetacean watching in the Mediterranean, established by the Pelagos and ACCOBAMS agreements.

An educational approach:
Throughout your excursion, Nature Essentielle will provide you with educational information acquired during training sessions organised by the Souffleurs d’Ecume association, which is responsible for awarding the label in the French Mediterranean.

Waste sorting:
As part of our ethic of responsibility, we are committed to the selective collection of waste on board our boats.

DO NOT swim with whales:
This service is of particular concern to the scientific community, both for reasons of disturbance to the animals and for the safety of tourists who are put in the water close to wild predators. These marine mammals have already had the opportunity to remind dozens of over-enthusiastic swimmers that they are not cuddly toys! Out of concern for your safety and the animals’ tranquillity, approved operators will not offer you the chance to dive near a dolphin or whale.

NO aerial support:
Used to spot whales and dolphins, it is also a source of concern. The Groupement d’Intérêt Scientifique pour les Mammifères Marins de Méditerranée (GIS3M) considers this practice to be incompatible with an activity of high environmental quality, as it is likely to increase the pressure on the animals.

WHY CHOOSE A CERTIFIED OPERATOR?

The main points of the Code of Conduct for marine mammal watching:

  • The viewing distance is greater than 100m
  • Only one boat is allowed in the 100-300m zone
  • The boat must approach from the side, stern to bow.
  • The speed must be regular, limited to 5 knots, in line with the slowest animal.
  • The observation time for an individual or group is limited to 30 minutes.
  • If newborn calves are present, the observation time must be shortened.
  • It is forbidden to bathe, touch or feed cetaceans.
  • Observation must be interrupted if there is any sign of disturbance by the animals.

http://www.whale-watching-label.com/accueil

In the mountains, NATURE ESSENTIELLE has been awarded a label allowing guides and their clients access to protected archaeological sites.

We are also a partner of the Mercantour Park.

The Valley of Wonders… Why it is regulated ❓

Since the beginning of time, people have tried to leave a trace of their passage along the path of life…
The first signs of settlement in this area date from the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Early Bronze Age.

The most famous cave paintings, such as those at Lascaux, are masterful and untouched by visitors.

On the contrary, the wonders are scattered over a vast area around Mont Bégo, near the commune of Tende and the border with Italy.

We’re talking about more than 40,000 engravings, in a wild area at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres and covering an area of more than 4,000 hectares!
It’s a real open-air museum in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

It is possible to cross the site on the GR51, but only a few of the engravings can be seen.

To protect this heritage, the Ministry of Culture has restricted access and even had the famous Roche du chef de tribu (Chief’s Rock) removed by helicopter (it is now on display at the Tende Museum).

⛔️L Access to the archaeological zone is therefore guarded and forbidden to anyone not accompanied by a sworn guide.

It takes a trained eye to make out the first engravings, but you’ll soon be hooked on the game of searching and discovering these ancient signs.

Today, these petroglyphs are considered to be symbols or even pictograms: each engraving or deliberate combination of engravings is considered to be a symbol.

PAIEMENT

All our prices are calculated to enable us to provide a quality service and to reward our staff according to their skills.

A policy of discounting would be tantamount to undermining quality and devaluing our sporting credentials, which is contrary to our values.

We accept holiday vouchers, which you can use to pay for your courses and holidays.

A pro forma invoice will be sent to the client upon acceptance of the quotation and payment terms.

For children’s courses and breaks, a statement of services will be sent to the client at the time of booking.

The final invoice will be sent the day after the event and will include any extras ordered during the event.

Invoices for Kids Stays are sent automatically at the end of August.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to receive an invoice before then. It will then be sent to you immediately.

Notre structure accepte les Coupons Sport ANCV et vous pourrez les utiliser afin de régler vos stages et séjours.

Bonne nouvelle! 3 de nos séjours sont éligibles au dispositif Pass Colo!

Plus d’infos sur le site https://www.jeunes.gouv.fr/decouvrez-les-colos-eligibles-au-pass-colo-2205

Qu’est-ce que le Pass colo ?

Le Pass colo est un dispositif de l’Etat permettant de rendre accessibles les départs en colonies de vacances des enfants l’année de leurs 11 ans, grâce à une aide financière allant de 200€ à 350€. Cette aide, attribuée sous condition de ressources et déduite directement du prix du séjour.

Quand le Pass colo sera-t-il opérationnel ?

Le Pass colo est utilisable pour les séjours se déroulant pendant les vacances scolaires.

En 2024, le Pass colo permettra aux enfants nés en 2013 de partir en colonie de vacances. Il sera possible d’utiliser le Pass colo en 2025 pour les enfants nés en 2013 qui n’auront pas pu l’utiliser en 2024.

Quelles sont les conditions pour bénéficier du Pass colo en 2024 ?

Tous les enfants nés en 2013, qui peuvent être âgés de 10 ou 11 ans au cours de leur séjour 2024, et dont le représentant légal peut justifier d’un quotient familial inférieur ou égal à 1500 € par mois, sont éligibles au Pass colo.

Un quotient familial de 1500 € correspond à environ 4000 € par mois de revenu pour un foyer comptant 2 enfants à charge au sens de la CAF.

J’ai un enfant né en 2013, comment puis-je savoir si j’ai le droit au Pass colo ?

Deux situations peuvent se présenter :

  • Si vous remplissez les critères d’éligibilité et si vous percevez des allocations de votre CAF ou si vous êtes adhérent de la MSA, vous recevrez prochainement une notification de votre Caf ou de la MSA par courriel ou courrier officialisant votre droit au Pass colo.
  • Si vous justifiez d’un quotient familial inférieur ou égal à 1500 € mais que vous n’êtes pas allocataire de la CAF ni adhérent de la MSA, vous devrez vous adresser à la Jeunesse au Plein Air qui pourra, le cas échéant, vous fournir une attestation de droit au Pass colo.  https://jpa.asso.fr/passcolo/
     

Le montant du Pass colo est-il le même pour toutes les familles éligibles, quelle que soient leurs revenus ?

Non, le montant du Pass colo varie en fonction des tranches de quotient familial (QF) :

  • QF de moins de 200€ : vous recevrez 350€ d’aide financière
  • QF entre 201 et 700€ : vous recevrez 300€ d’aide financière
  • QF entre 701 et 1200€ : vous recevrez 250€ d’aide financière
  • QF entre 1201 et 1500€ : vous recevrez 200€ d’aide financière

Est-ce que je reçois directement le montant du Pass colo sur mon compte ?

Non, le Pass colo est attribué selon le principe du « tiers payant ». Cela signifie que c’est l’organisateur du séjour auprès duquel vous inscrivez votre enfant qui va déduire le montant de votre Pass colo du prix du séjour. Vous n’aurez donc plus qu’à payer le montant du séjour restant à votre charge s’il y en a un.

SUPERVISION

Children are supervised by our guides at all times.
Nature Essentielle reserves the right to refuse to supervise a child if the child’s behaviour is incompatible with the day’s activities or if the child behaves in an anti-social manner. No refunds will be given.

You do sports with us

You entrust us with your children

This is a legitimate question.

Did you know that in France, the supervision of sports activities is strictly regulated?

You’re either in a voluntary federal framework and your unpaid supervisors have federal diplomas such as initiator or instructor. These qualifications are relatively easy to obtain

Or you can use our professional NATURE ESSENTIELLE structure, where all instructors have a state diploma.

It’s easy for you, the customer, the parent, etc… to check with just one click that the person who is going to teach you has the necessary qualifications.

https://eapspublic.sports.gouv.fr/…/RechercherEducateur…

Your advantage here:

  • Make sure the supervisor is competent
  • A Pro Card means a clean record
  • Safety first

All Nature Essentielle instructors are professionals in the world of sport and specialists in their discipline.

As sports professionals, the law does not oblige us to go further…

However, at Nature Essentielle, we’ve taken on a new role when it comes to looking after your children: that of Accueil Collectif de Mineur (ACM).

This is a structure

  • regulated
  • registered with
  • controle by the DSDEN (Directions des Services Départementaux de l’Éducation Nationale).

We work hand in hand with the public services and maintain high standards in the selection of our staff.

No professional should refuse to show you their legal documents:

  • professional card
  • Insurance certificate
  • Declaration of training course / Stay for the reception of minors with overnight stay

You now know eveything ! 💡