AFRICHELLE - Corsica

The Africhelle, off the coast of Corsica, is an interesting dive, and one we always enjoy for its accessibility and history. She’s a motor vessel, intentionally scuttled back in 1989 to create a fish haven. This means she’s sitting upright and relatively intact at around 45 metres, an inviting profile for advanced divers. Dropping down, the ship’s structure slowly resolves from the blue. You can navigate her deck and superstructure, which are now completely colonised by sponges and anemones. We’ve often found scorpionfish tucked into crevices and moray eels peeking from the darker recesses. The penetration isn’t extensive, but there are plenty of nooks to explore externally, and schools of damselfish often hover above the deck. It’s a peaceful dive, often with good visibility, making it a solid choice for those keen on wreck photography or just wanting to spend some quality time exploring a purpose-sunk artificial reef. Keep an eye on your bottom time; 45 metres comes quickly.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.484980, 11.125492
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Wreck History - AFRICHELLE

Year Sunk
1989
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled

Unlike wrecks claimed by storm or accident, the Africhelle met its end by design. In September 1989, this motor vessel was purposefully scuttled off the coast of Corsica, France. Its sinking was not a tragedy but a gift to the sea, a deliberate act to create a new underwater habitat. The ship was carefully prepared and sent to the seabed to begin a new life as an artificial reef and fish haven, a project intended to bolster local marine ecosystems.

Resting at a depth of 45 meters, the Africhelle is now a thriving metropolis for marine life. Divers exploring the wreck will find that its original purpose has been a stunning success. The ship's superstructure, holds, and decks are now encrusted with corals and sponges, providing shelter for a dense population of fish, including groupers, conger eels, and scorpionfish. It's a dive that beautifully illustrates the transformation from a man-made object to a flourishing natural habitat.

Best Time to Dive in Corsica

The warmest water temperatures in Corsica occur in January, averaging 13.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 13.9°C (air: 9.4°C)
  • February: 13.9°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • March: 13.9°C (air: 11.2°C)
  • April: 13.9°C (air: 13.4°C)
  • May: 13.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • June: 13.9°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • July: 13.9°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • August: 13.9°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • September: 13.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • October: 13.9°C (air: 17.9°C)
  • November: 13.9°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • December: 13.9°C (air: 10.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Corsica

Nearest Dive Centres to AFRICHELLE

Marine Life in Corsica

Home to 225 recorded species including 146 reef fish, 35 sharks & rays, 9 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 other, 5 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AFRICHELLE

Based on average water temperature of 13.9°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 14°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories