The Mediterranean Sea around Monaco is one of the cleanest stretches of sea in the region. Swimmers and snorkellers can see fish darting around underwater, and the rocks at the edges of the beach are home to sea urchins and little crabs. The sea is warm enough to swim in from May right through to October — a much longer season than most European beaches.
Larvotto is a protected marine zone, which means fishing and boating close to the beach are carefully controlled so that sea life can thrive. Scientists from the Oceanographic Museum sometimes study the wildlife in these waters. There is also an artificial reef nearby — a structure built underwater specially to give fish and other sea creatures a place to live.
Because Monaco is so small, Larvotto is never very far away from anywhere in the country. Children who grow up in Monaco can walk to the beach in just a few minutes. The beach has a playground and is a popular meeting place for families all through the warm months.