Le Dahlia

Best months: Dec–Apr

Protected Area

Marine Du Prêcheur - Albert Falco

Why dive here

With 314+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and nurse sharks - Le Dahlia offers some of Saint-Pierre's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeDec–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Nurse Sharks · 314+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterWreck dive · max 10-30m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Le Dahlia isn't just a wreck; it's a slice of history, frozen in time off Saint-Pierre. This steamship, sunk in the catastrophic 1902 volcanic eruption, rests upright, making it a surprisingly accessible and poignant dive. As you descend, the sheer scale becomes apparent, her hull draped in sponges and soft corals, a testament to the sea's reclamation. We particularly love the bow section, often teeming with schooling fish, while the stern offers deeper penetration opportunities for those with the right training. There's an eerie beauty to exploring the Dahlia. You can still make out the outline of the deck, the cargo holds, even the ghostly silhouette of the propeller. Look closely and you'll spot moray eels peeking from crevices and the occasional turtle gliding past. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, when the sunlight filters down, illuminating the wreck’s contours and the clouds of chromis darting above. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate both history and the subtle beauty of a well-preserved artificial reef.