Le Bateau Jaune

What Le Bateau Jaune does

Le Bateau Jaune is a scuba diving center founded in 2000 and operated as a GIE (Groupement d'Intérêt Économique) from the Vieux-Port of Marseille, France. It runs a year-round two-session daily schedule (08:30 and 13:30) departing 1 quai Marcel Pagnol with a 5-vessel fleet to sites in the Calanques National Park, the Frioul archipelago, and Riou Island. The company serves four principal customer segments: individual recreational divers (baptisms from €55-€110, exploration dives from €45, snorkeling at €35-€40), professionals-in-training pursuing FFESSM Levels 1-4 (all-inclusive €495-€1,190, QUALIOPI-certified and OPCO-fundable), clubs and associations (via the Sensations Bleues sub-brand, including children's diving), and episodic enterprise clients in film/AV production (EuropaCorp, YOMA, Squeezie, Galatee Films, BlueArth). Differentiated specialty offerings include specialized medical-social diving for therapeutic and integration purposes (since 2023), private boat privatizations, gift vouchers, and an underwater museum of 11 sculptures functioning as artificial reef.

Name

Le Bateau Jaune

Legal name

GIE Le Bateau Jaune

Website

https://lebateaujaune.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Le Bateau Jaune is a Marseille Vieux-Port scuba diving center operating since 2000, offering recreational diving, snorkeling, FFESSM Levels 1-4 training, club services, medical-social programs, and underwater filming from a five-vessel fleet.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scuba Diving Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (487210)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications) (THAAAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Diving Experiences (Scuba Dives, Dive Trips, PADI/SSI Courses) (THAJAJAD), Snorkeling & Marine Activity Centers (THAAAKAE), Dive & Snorkel Guides / Dive Masters (Boat-Based & Shore-Based) (THAAALAC), Dive & Snorkel Equipment Rental, Retail & Boat Services (compressors, gear hire) (THAAAIAL)

Keywords

• Scuba diving center
• Snorkeling excursions
• Professional diving training
• Boat charter services
• Underwater filming services

Headquarters

HQ city

Marseille

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Diving Activities: Revenue from diving baptisms, exploration dives, and snorkeling sessions sold per person per activity
2. Professional Diving Training: Revenue from FFESSM-certified professional diving courses (Levels 1-4) and recreational certifications sold as bundled packages including equipment and certification
3. Group Privatizations: Revenue from privatizing boats for groups, associations, and events (birthdays, EVJF) at half-day or full-day rates
4. Film Production Services: Professional filming support services including boat rental, divers, and underwater equipment for cinema and media productions
5. Gift Vouchers: Digital gift certificates sold for diving experiences, valid for one year

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Le Bateau Jaune operates a scuba diving center based at Marseille's Vieux-Port, offering recreational diving experiences (baptêmes, exploration dives, snorkeling) in the Calanques National Park, Frioul archipelago, and Riou Island. The company provides FFESSM-certified professional training courses from beginner (PE12) to Niveau 4 (Guide de Palanquée), private boat charters for groups and events, professional underwater filming services for cinema and audiovisual productions, and operates an underwater museum featuring artist-created sculptures.

Product overview

Le Bateau Jaune is a scuba diving center based at Marseille's Vieux-Port, operating since 2000 as a GIE (economic interest group) under the legal name 'GIE Le Bateau Jaune'. The company offers a unified portfolio of diving and water activities organized around five core pillars: (1) Recreational diving experiences including baptême (introductory dives), exploration dives, and snorkeling; (2) FFESSM-certified training courses spanning PE12 through Niveau 4 (Guide de Palanquée), covering recreational certifications from beginner to autonomous diver, and professional pathways toward DEJEPS; (3) Group and association services through its sub-brand Sensations Bleues, including self-guided club diving, children's diving schools, and specialized medical-social diving programs; (4) Private boat charters for events and sea excursions; and (5) Professional filming services for underwater movie production. The company also operates an underwater museum exhibit and sells gift vouchers. All diving activities depart from the Vieux-Port and explore sites within the Frioul archipelago and Calanques National Park.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Baptême de plongée Introductory scuba diving experience for beginners aged 8 and above, including equipment rental and professional supervision. Offered at standard zones (€95 adults, €55 children) or premium zones within the Calanques National Park marine reserve (€110).
• Plongée d'exploration Scuba diving excursions to the Frioul archipelago and Calanques National Park for certified divers, with sessions at 08h30 or 13h30 lasting 3 hours each.
• Snorkeling (Randonnée palmée) Guided snorkeling tours departing from Vieux-Port, lasting 3 hours with equipment included. Open to all from age 8; €40 adults, €35 children, €135 family package (2 adults + 2 children).
• FFESSM Niveau 1 (PE20) Formation First scuba diving certification level (FFESSM/CMAS) enabling autonomous dives to 20m with a guide. Includes 5-6 guided dives, theory course, equipment and license; from €495.
• FFESSM Niveau 2 (PA20 + PE40) Formation Second certification level enabling autonomous dives to 20m and guided dives to 40m. Includes 10 guided dives plus theory; from €630-€840 all-inclusive.
• FFESSM Niveau 3 (PA60) Formation Third certification level enabling autonomous dives to 60m in presence of a dive director. Includes 10 guided dives plus 2 theory sessions; from €825-€1,035. Prerequisites: N2, medical certificate, and diving experience.
• FFESSM Niveau 4 - Guide de Palanquée Formation Professional-level certification for leading dive groups in exploration (0-40m). First level of professional instructor pathway toward DEJEPS. Includes 10-day intensive course; from €1,190. 97% trainee satisfaction rate.
• Privatisation de bateau Private boat hire for half-day (€450) or full-day (€900) outings for up to 12 participants, including skipper, certified instructor, underwater camera (GoPro), and underwater speaker. Suitable for birthdays, EVJF (bachelorette parties), and family events.
• Services de tournage (Underwater Filming Services) Professional underwater filming services for cinema and audiovisual productions, including boat rental, divers, and equipment towing. Notable clients include EuropaCorp (Taxi 5), YOMA Productions (DAMSO 'Macarena' clip), and Squeezie.
• Bons cadeaux (Gift Vouchers) Gift vouchers for diving, snorkeling, and other water activities. Valid for 1 year, with secure payment and e-ticket delivery via Billetweb platform.
• Sensations Bleues - Clubs & Associations Services Diving services for self-guided clubs and associations, including boat provision with pilot, equipment rental, and accommodation arrangements on Frioul islands or near Vieux-Port.
• Plongée spécialisée médico-sociale Specialized diving programs developed since 2023 for medical-social and integration purposes, addressing needs such as pathological stress, social isolation, self-esteem issues, chronic illness, and burnout.
• PE12 - Plongeur Encadré 12m Training Weekend training course enabling participants to dive to 12m depth with professional supervision. Includes 3 guided dives and equipment; €290 all-inclusive.
• RIFAP Certification (First Aid for Divers) First aid and infectious risk certification required for professional diving instructor credentials. Standalone course available; from €115-€195.
• Location de matériel de plongée Equipment rental for diving: €8 per element, €15 for 2 elements, €20 for 3+ elements. Includes air refills at €5.
• École de plongée enfants (Children's Diving School) Children's diving school operated by Sensations Bleues, offering age-appropriate diving activities including specialized 'Les Pieds dans l'eau' program for under-10s focusing on marine biodiversity discovery.

Quantifiable outcome

• 97% trainee satisfaction rate and 97% pass rate for Level 4 FFESSM professional formation

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sensations BleuescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe diving association of Le Bateau Jaune, offering self-guided or non-guided diving for groups and specializing in children's diving education. 20 years of experience welcoming beginners and certified divers. Affiliated to FFESSM with Nitrox approval.
• FFESSM (Fédération Française d'Études et de Sports Sous-Marins)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational federation for underwater activities providing certification standards (N1-N4 levels), training frameworks (MFT manuals), and regulatory oversight for recreational and professional diving education.
• Septentrion Environnement / GIS Posidonie / Planète Mer (POLARIS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPOLARIS is a citizen science platform coordinated by Septentrion Plongée where diving-collected data contributes to scientific research and knowledge of underwater flora and fauna. Le Bateau Jaune participates in the POSITIVE protocol for Posidonia meadow observation.
• Vacances Léo Lagrange (Frioul Islands)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccommodation partner on Frioul Islands providing lodging for diving clubs and groups visiting from Le Bateau Jaune. Village des Agréments offers comfortable and convivial lodging.
• Hotel Vertigo MarseilleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccommodation partner near Vieux-Port for diving groups and clubs requiring lodging in Marseille city center.
• Longitude 181minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental association focused on marine conservation, listed as a partner on Le Bateau Jaune's club page.
• CREPS PACAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional sports facility and training center (Centre de Ressources, d'Expertise et de Performance Sportive) supporting professional diving education pathways and DEJEPS certification.
• BilletwebcoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party secure ticketing and booking platform used for online sales of snorkeling and diving activity tickets. Provides payment processing and ticket management.
• Beuchat DivingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiving equipment manufacturer and brand partner providing equipment sponsorship and support.
• SuuntominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiving computer and sports watch manufacturer partner providing equipment support.
• EuropaCorpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFilm production company for whom Le Bateau Jaune provided filming support for Taxi 5 (Luc Besson), including underwater action sequences on Vieux-Port.
• BlueArth ProductionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProduction company listed as a film production client for underwater filming services.
• Galatee FilmsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProduction company listed as a film production client for underwater filming services.
• YOMA ProductionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProduction company for whom Le Bateau Jaune provided filming support for DAMSO's 'Macarena' music video featuring sailing yacht scenes.
• Regional and Local Government (AMP Métropole, Marseille, Région Sud, Département 13, Agence du Sport)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal and regional public authority partners supporting diving tourism and aquatic sports activities in the Marseille area and Calanques National Park.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• SSI (Scuba Schools International): International recreational diving certification body competing with PADI, certifying dive centers and instructors worldwide. Comparable as another governing framework for the training and instructor pathway that Le Bateau Jaune's professional formations ultimately feed.
• PADI: Global recreational diving certification body that standardizes training curricula and credentials dive centers worldwide. Comparable as the international counterpart framework to FFESSM, defining the training universe that Le Bateau Jaune's certification programs operate within.
• UCPA: Large French outdoor-adventure sports operator offering multi-activity vacation packages including scuba diving across Mediterranean and tropical destinations. Comparable through shared FFESSM-certified training and recreational dive offerings, but with much broader activity portfolio and national footprint.

Others

• Mares: Italian diving equipment maker with global distribution of regulators, BCDs, fins, and dive computers. Comparable through shared end-customer base of certified divers and a parallel equipment-sponsor relationship common to French and Mediterranean dive centers.
• Beuchat International: Historic French diving equipment manufacturer, listed as Le Bateau Jaune's diving equipment sponsor. Adjacent ecosystem participant — equipment supplier rather than direct competitor — but comparable market presence in French scuba diving.
• FFESSM: Fédération Française d'Études et de Sports Sous-Marins — the national French diving federation providing certification standards and regulatory oversight that govern Le Bateau Jaune's N1-N4 training programs. Not a competitor but a structural counterpart framing Le Bateau Jaune's qualifications.
• Suunto: Finnish manufacturer of dive computers and sports watches, listed as a Le Bateau Jaune equipment partner. Adjacent through shared professional-diver customer base rather than direct service competition.
• Aqualung: French-founded legacy diving equipment brand (regulators, BCDs, masks) with global presence. Comparable through shared diving ecosystem, partner relationships with dive schools, and overlapping FFESSM-aligned brand heritage in French recreational diving.

Emerging players

• RAID Diving: International recreational diving training agency with growing presence in Europe. Relevant as an emerging alternative certifying body whose affiliated dive centers compete for the same professional-training funnel as Le Bateau Jaune.

Direct peers

• Septentrion Plongée: Marseille-based scuba diving center named in Le Bateau Jaune's own partnership data, operating in the same Calanques/Frioul marine environment with overlapping recreational dive, snorkeling, and citizen-science offerings. Directly comparable by location, activity mix, and certification programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/lbj_plongee_marseille
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/le-bateau-jaune

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Le Bateau Jaune