ELVISCOT - Corsica

The Elviscot, sitting upright at 20 metres, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Corsica. She’s a moody, photogenic girl, a 68-metre cargo ship that went down in '72. You can still make out the superstructure, the bow pointing seaward, and the stern facing the coast. We love dropping onto her deck, the light filtering through the Mediterranean blue, illuminating the ghostly holds. Down here, it’s not just about the wreck itself. The Elviscot has become a thriving artificial reef. Schools of barracuda often circle above the mast, and we’ve seen some seriously chunky groupers lurking in the shadows of the engine room. Our favourite trick is to explore the cavernous cargo holds, where moray eels peer out from nooks and crannies, and nudibranchs add splashes of colour to the metal. It’s a site that really rewards a slow, observant dive; every time we visit, we spot something new. It’s perfect for intermediate divers looking for a substantial wreck without extreme depth or current.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.742220, 10.120277
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

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 ELVISCOT

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 ELVISCOT

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Elviscot shipwreck dive site?
The Elviscot shipwreck dive site has a maximum depth of 20 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certified divers exploring the waters off Corsica.
What marine life and features can divers expect to see when exploring the Elviscot wreck?
The primary feature divers can expect to explore at the Elviscot dive site is the wreck itself, a motor vessel measuring 68.6m x 10.4m. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time. Divers can anticipate observing the structure of this vessel, which sank in 1972.
How difficult is the Elviscot shipwreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers or snorkelers?
The Elviscot shipwreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and intermediate difficulty, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers or snorkelers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training to safely explore this site off Corsica.
What is the best time of year to dive or snorkel the Elviscot shipwreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive or snorkel the Elviscot shipwreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Mediterranean Europe region, you might consult our When to Dive resource. We recommend checking local dive operators in Corsica for up-to-date seasonal advice.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Elviscot shipwreck, especially if I want to penetrate the wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, the Elviscot shipwreck is an intermediate difficulty dive with a maximum depth of 20 meters. For wreck penetration, divers typically need advanced certifications such as Wreck Diver Specialty, which provides specialized training for safe overhead environment diving. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," additional caution and experience are highly recommended.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Elviscot dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Elviscot dive site. These conditions can vary greatly depending on local weather and tides in Corsica. It's always best to consult with local dive centers for the most current conditions before planning your dive.