The best dive sites of Marseille

Marseille and its surroundings are full of wonderful dive sites. The Rioux archipelago has some of the best dive sites in France. Marseille is exceptional thanks to the wide diversity of dives types that the region offers. You will have the opportunity to discover some of the best wrecks in France but also magnificent dives in cave and tunnels. Its region is inhabited by most of the Mediterranean marine species.

The Chaouen, one the finest wreck of France

Type: Wreck dive

This impressive ship, 85 meters long, stranded in 1970 on the “sec de la pierre à la bague”, is one of the finest wrecks in France. The boat lies about 33 meters deep and is accessible at all levels since the upper part of the ship is only about ten meters deep. The wreck is highly prized by the diving clubs of Marseille. Although local fauna and flora has not yet truly appropriated the site, the imposing carcass deserves by itself several exciting dives to be fully visited.

Les Farillons, one of the most beautiful diving in Marseille

Type: Drop Off

“Les Farillons”, also known as “Les Pharillons”, is located south of the island of Marie. The site is one of the most famous and certainly the most impressive dive in Marseille. The two large rocky peaks that emerge are called “The Farillons of land” and “The Farillon of sea”. The architecture of the drop off is impressive, and it is very close to the famous dive site called the ark of the Pharillons that is worth the detour. Note that the dive can be coupled with the wreck “Le Liban”.

Le Liban, the terrible history of an impressive wreck.

Type: Wreck dive

Some people consider it to be the best dive site in Marseille. It is a 90-meter steamer which, in 1903, was the victim of a collision with another boat, the islander. During the sinking, the boilers exploded, causing the death of more than 100 passengers. This extraordinary wreck to the macabre history is today very acclaimed by the diving centers of Marseilles for three reasons of importance. First of all, it is accessible at all levels because it rests only 36 meters deep. Moreover, the wreck despite a centenary under the waters, is very well preserved. Finally, it is a particularly living wreck since many species have chosen to live there.

Le Grand Congloue, a dive site full of history

Type: Drop Off

The site Le Grand Congloue is very particular and has a great and rich history. Indeed, the archaeological excavations carried out in 1952 by the ship La Calypso and its captain, the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau were highly publicized at the time. It is on this site that hundreds of amphorae and thousands of dishes dating back several thousand years were found by the team of underwater explorer.
Some of the amphorae recovered were relocated around 2010 at 14 meters depth to create an original and meaningful dive site. Accessible to all levels of diving, the site and its amphorae now constitute a habitat for the local fauna and flora. Moreover, it is very close to this site that was discovered in 2000 the wreck of the plane of Antoine de Saint Exupéry, author of the famous book, the small prince.

L’Impérial du large and its two little sisters.

Type: Drop off

Certainly one of the best dive sites in Marseille with the Farillons and the Grand Congloue, the Imperials, consisting of the “Imperial du large”, the “Imperial de terre” and the “Imperial de mer” constitutes an exceptional ensemble of dive sites. The Imperial offshore in particular is a 70 meter deep drop off. This site is suitable for level 2 divers due to the significant currents flowing through it. Its interest lies mainly in its impressive rocky structure covered with beautiful red gorgonians and large pelagic which are legions; in particular barracudas, sea breams and bass fish.

Le Tiboulen du Frioul

Type: Drop Off

The Frioul, in the area of Marseille is protected from the winds and offers an interesting diversity of depths. Moreover, this Drop Off clearly compete with the Imperials or the Farillons. The diving, from 26 to 40 meters deep, allows you to move in the middle of big Dentex fish and magnificent blue gorgonians and yellow anemone.

Le Dalton, victim of the mists

Type: Wreck dive

The Dalton is a magnificent wreck of a cargo ship of nearly 71 meters which sunk near Marseilles in 1928 because of a very poor visibility. The freighter then carried 1500 tons of lead which still rests at the bottom of the waters.

Le Junker 88, the German bomber of the Second World War

Type: Wreck dive

This Junker was a German bomber who was forced into a violent landing near Marseilles in 1943 due to damage on board. The crash caused the death of at least one of the German soldiers. The impressive wreck is relatively well preserved and still lies at 53 meters depth.

La grotte des Capelans, prism to the thousand lights

Type: Cave Diving

The interest of this cave dive relies, above all, in the magnificent architectural structure of the rocks that composes it. The play of lights through its imposing arch is worth the detour. This is a relatively easy dive suitable for any level.

Les Grottes de l’Aiguille de l’Eissadon

Type: Cave Diving

It is a very popular site of the “Calanques de Cassis”. Particularly thanks to its beautiful and easy to explore natural tunnels. Its geological structure creates impressive rays of lights, crossing the blue waters in a magical show. It is also a well-known by the climbing enthusiasts for its immersed part.