The Peyrefite underwater trail

in the Cerbère-Banyuls reserve

Beneath the surface of Peyrefite Bay, the fish circulate between the rocks and the Posidonia leaves. With a mask and a snorkel, you discover a landscape that you would not suspect from the beach.

Between Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère, the Peyrefite underwater trail invites you to observe several Mediterranean habitats thanks to a marked route and submerged panels. Ici, the discovery is made by swimming on the surface, with time to look and understand what is around you.

This walk in the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve is aimed at people who know how to swim and are comfortable at sea. Before you start, here are the guidelines to prepare your outing and enjoy the route in good conditions.

Where is the Peyrefite underwater trail? ?

The trail is located in the bay of Peyrefite, in the town of Cerbère, between Banyuls-sur-Mer and the village of Cerbère.

Departure is from the beach, within the perimeter of the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve. This protected setting allows you to observe several habitats of the Mediterranean coast while discovering their role in marine life.

The bay remains a natural space open to the sea. The wind, waves and visibility can change discovery conditions from one day to the next.

Before you get in the water, read the instructions displayed and the instructions given on site.

A marked route to observe the seabed

The Peyrefite underwater trail offers a route of approximately 250 meters, punctuated by five observation stations. This length corresponds to the route laid out : it should not be confused with the total distance you will swim from the beach and back.

Each station is marked by a numbered buoy and has a submerged information panel.. You can thus observe the environment and then read the explanations by looking beneath the surface.

Five habitats to discover

The stations feature different environments :

• The pebbles, where small animals can find shelter.
• Posidonia herbarium, which is home to many forms of life.
• The rock blocks, around which the fish circulate.
• The flaws, which provide shelter in the rock.
• The drop-offs, where the underwater relief changes more clearly.

The course helps to understand that the seabed does not form a uniform landscape. A few meters away, the shelters, light and vegetation may be different.

Support points to take a break

The buoys are equipped with handrails allowing you to stand and rest during the visit.

These arrangements are useful, more they do not replace the ability to swim or a suitable physical condition. Keep enough energy to reach the beach and stop the walk if you feel tired, cold or discomfort.

What can we observe during the walk ?

The interest of the Cerbère-Banyuls underwater trail lies as much in the habitats as in the animals that frequent them.

Depending on the conditions and meetings of the day, you will be able to observe fish like sars, the sauces, oblades or girelles. Their presence and visibility are never guaranteed : these are wild animals, free to move.

To better observe them, move forward slowly and avoid sudden movements. Staying away from a rock or a herbarium for a few moments sometimes allows you to notice an activity that escapes at first glance..

La posidonie, a plant to preserve

Posidonia is not an algae, more a flowering marine plant. Its seagrass beds provide shelter and living areas for many species.

They also play a role in the functioning of the coastal environment. During your outing, observe them without touching them and avoid any contact with your fins.

Look at details rather than looking for a specific species

A silhouette between two stones, a bench that changes direction or the movements of the Posidonia leaves are enough to make the discovery interesting.

Take the time to look rather than trying to go through all the stations quickly. The walk lends itself more to calm observation than to sporting performance..

What equipment to bring for the Peyrefite underwater trail ?

To follow the route on the surface, plan :

• A well-fitted mask, to observe comfortably.
• a tuba, to breathe while keeping your face in the water.
• Adapted fins, to facilitate travel.
• A towel and dry clothes for the return.
• Drinking water and protection from the sun for times on land.

If you are using equipment for the first time, familiarize yourself with how it works in a suitable area before setting out on the course.

Equipment rental on site

During the reception period, a rental point allows you to rent equipment, depending on availability and current conditions.

Of the I hear the trumpets can also be offered to accompany the discovery with comments. Check their availability and ask for explanations of use from on-site staff.

Prices, schedules and equipment offered may change. Consult the updated information from the Department of Pyrénées-Orientales before your trip.

Who is this activity for? ?

Snorkeling in Banyuls and Peyrefite Bay does not require scuba diving. However, he asks to know how to swim, to be comfortable at sea and to be able to return to the beach on your own.

The route is therefore not automatically suitable for all visitors., even when the sea seems calm.

Discover the trail with children

A family outing can be considered if the children know how to swim, are comfortable with the equipment and have suitable endurance.

Children must remain under the close supervision of a responsible adult. The possible presence of lifeguards does not replace this support.

Ask advice at reception before getting into the water. If a child is worried, tires quickly or has difficulty handling the mask and snorkel, favor a shorter discovery near the edge, in an authorized and suitable area.

Adapt the walk to your comfort

You don't have to go through all the stations. A shorter discovery may be preferable if the conditions or your fitness of the day do not allow you to go further.

Avoid going alone and pay attention to the people accompanying you.

When to discover the underwater trail ?

The trail is a seasonal layout, usually installed from June to September.

However, the installation dates of the course, reception hours, equipment rental and monitoring periods do not necessarily correspond to the same slots.

Before your exit, check the dates and times for the current year with the Department of Pyrénées-Orientales or the local tourist office.

Favor favorable conditions

Calm seas and good visibility facilitate observation. Conversely, waves and cloudy water can make the visit less pleasant or unsuitable.

On site, follow bathing instructions, attendance and protection of the environment. In case of unfavorable conditions, postpone the outing rather than trying to complete the route anyway.

How to reach Peyrefite beach ?

Access by car via the D914

From Banyuls-sur-Mer or Cerbère, borrow the D914, which runs along the Côte Vermeille. Then follow the directions to Peyrefite beach and the underwater trail.

The road runs along the coast and crosses the reliefs of the Côte Vermeille. Prepare your route before departure and allow room for traffic, especially in summer.

Parking near the beach

Parking is located near the beach. However, its presence does not guarantee that a place will be available., especially during busy days.

Respect the signage and parking conditions in force. Avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle.

Observe without disturbing the Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve

• Do not touch animals or feed them.
• Do not collect or collect organisms, nor shells, nor natural elements.
• Do not lean on submerged bottoms and rocks.
• Avoid hitting the seagrass with your fins.
• Keep your distance from animals.
• Bring all your trash ashore.
• Respect the markings and regulations of the reserve.

The objective is to observe marine life without changing its behavior or damaging its environment..

FAQ about the Peyrefite underwater trail

Do you need to know how to dive to follow the trail? ?

Non. The course can be discovered by swimming on the surface with a mask, a snorkel and fins. However, you must know how to swim and be comfortable at sea.

How long is the route? ?

The laid out route measures approximately 250 meters and includes five observation stations. Also plan for the effort required to join the route from the beach and return to the edge.

Is the Peyrefite underwater trail open all year round? ?

The marked route is seasonal, usually installed from June to September. Check the dates for the current year as well as the reception and surveillance hours before your visit.

Can we rent a mask?, a snorkel and fins ?

Equipment rental is offered during the reception period, subject to availability. Find out about schedules, prices and terms before you travel.

Do you need to book ?

Ask reception to find out the current terms and conditions., especially if you want to rent equipment or if you come in a group.

Can we do the route with children? ?

Oui, if their ease in the water, their swimming level and endurance allow it. They must remain accompanied and closely supervised by a responsible adult..

Is the route monitored? ?

Surveillance is organized over seasonal slots. Do not assume that it is insured as soon as the marking is in place : check the times displayed and the information given on site.

Can we observe the depths without going underwater? ?

Oui. The principle of the trail allows observation from the surface, face in water. It is not necessary to snorkel to enjoy the discovery.

Extend the discovery of the Côte Vermeille

After observing the seabed of Peyrefite, find the beach for a break. You can then extend the day with a walk on the seafront of Banyuls-sur-Mer or in the village of Cerbère.

This outing brings another dimension to your vacation : after the landscapes admired from the coast, room for those who hide beneath the surface.

To alternate escapades on the coast and quieter days, the cottages of the Domaine Pedra Llampada welcome you to Villelongue-dels-Monts, at the foot of the Albères.