Combat aerien - Corsica

For us, Combat aerien is pure theatre. This isn't just a wreck; it’s a story, frozen at 17 metres. We're talking about two American fighter planes, a P-47 Thunderbolt and a P-51 Mustang, entangled mid-air from a collision back in 1944. You descend into that clear Corsican water and there they are, noses almost touching, wings bent into impossible shapes. It’s eerie, beautiful, and quite humbling. We love that it’s shallow enough for beginners, but the historical weight and the way the planes are preserved make it fascinating for anyone. You can fin slowly around the wreckage, picking out details: a mangled propeller blade, a cockpit that’s now home to a curious tub gurnard. Schools of small fish dart in and out of the twisted metal, and the occasional chocolate-band snail inches its way across a fuselage. It’s an easy dive, often with great visibility, so you can really take your time to absorb the scene. Our advice? Go early, before the dive boats pile in, and let yourself imagine the last moments these planes shared. It’s a profoundly moving spot.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.460300, 9.595500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Rivages de casinca

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 Combat aerien

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 Combat aerien

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