Diving in Marseille & Calanques

Explore 422 dive sites in Marseille & Calanques, France. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Marseille & Calanques

The warmest water temperatures in Marseille & Calanques 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: 8.8°C)
  • February: 13.9°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • March: 13.9°C (air: 11.6°C)
  • April: 13.9°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • May: 13.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • June: 13.9°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • July: 13.9°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • August: 13.9°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • September: 13.9°C (air: 21.3°C)
  • October: 13.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • November: 13.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • December: 13.9°C (air: 9.9°C)

Marine Life in Marseille & Calanques

Home to 163 recorded species including 101 reef fish, 17 sharks & rays, 10 whales & dolphins, 6 crabs & lobsters, 6 octopus & squid, 5 hard corals.

Dive Site Difficulty in Marseille & Calanques

Marseille & Calanques has 30 beginner, 16 intermediate, 1 advanced, 2 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Marseille & Calanques

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

Marine Protected Areas in Marseille & Calanques

  • Port-Cros - National Park - Core Area (IUCN Category II)
  • Cap taillat – cap camarat - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Domaine du rayol - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Massif de l\'esterel - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Port d\'alon - nartette - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Port-Cros - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Theys de l’embouchure du rhone - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Côte languedocienne - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Camargue - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Iles d'Hyères - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Iles Marseillaises - Cassidaigne - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Archipel des Embiez - Six Fours - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Cote Bleue - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Port-Cros [Aire D\'Adhésion] - National Park - Buffer zone/Area of adhesion (IUCN Category V)
  • Calanques [Aire D\'Adhésion] - National Park - Buffer zone/Area of adhesion (IUCN Category V)
  • Calanques - National Park - Core Area (IUCN Category II)
  • Pointe De Beauduc - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Iles du frioul - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Batterie du graillon - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Brasinvert - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pointe du bon renaud - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ile du grand rouveau - les embiez - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Récifs du banc de l'Ichtys et du canyon de Sète - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Grands dauphins du golfe du Lion - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Récifs des canyons Lacaze-Duthiers, Pruvot et Bourcart - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Embouchure du fleuve Var (Partie marine) - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Oiseaux marins sud golfe du Lion - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sormiou - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Calanques et îles marseillaises - Cap Canaille et massif du Grand Caunet - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Baie de la Ciotat - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Côte Bleue Marine - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lagune du Brusc - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Le Petit Rhône - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Posidonies du cap d'Agde - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Posidonies de la côte palavasienne - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cours inférieur de l'Hérault - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bancs sableux de l'Espiguette - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Le Rhône aval - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Camargue - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Baie et cap d'Antibes - îles de Lerins - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • La Pointe Fauconnière - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Rade d'Hyères - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Corniche Varoise - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Esterel - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cap Martin - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cap Ferrat - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cap Sicie - Six Fours - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Embouchure de l'Argens - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Embiez - cap Sicie - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Marseille & Calanques - Nearest Airports

  • Le Castellet Airport (CTT), Le Castellet, Var - 11 km away, approx 27 min travel time
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Marignane, Bouches-du-Rhône - 58 km away, approx 79 min travel time
  • Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), Nice, Alpes-Maritimes - 113 km away, approx 138 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Marseille and the Calanques?
The best time to go scuba diving in Marseille and the Calanques, based on water temperature, is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. During these months, the water temperature averages 13.86°C, providing optimal conditions for exploring the region's underwater wonders. For more general information on dive seasons, visit our When to Dive guide.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Calanques National Park?
Divers exploring Marseille and the Calanques can expect to encounter a rich biodiversity within the National Park coastline. While specific species are not detailed in our data, the area is known for its vibrant marine ecosystem. To learn more about general marine life, you can visit our Wildlife Database.
What are the top dive sites in the Marseille and Calanques region, especially for experienced divers?
For experienced divers seeking challenging underwater adventures in Marseille and the Calanques, a standout site is la source. This expert-level reef dive offers unique exploration opportunities. The region boasts 425 dive sites in total, with many options for various skill levels.
What diving certification level is typically required to explore the dive sites in the Marseille Calanques?
The dive sites in Marseille and the Calanques cater to a wide range of certification levels, from Beginner to Expert. For instance, beginner divers can explore sites like La Rourre or Le mur, while intermediate divers might enjoy L Arche du Dramont. Expert divers can challenge themselves at sites such as la source.
How can I get to the Calanques National Park for diving from Marseille city center?
Information regarding specific transportation routes from Marseille city center to the Calanques National Park for diving is not available in our current data. We recommend checking local transport options or contacting one of the 43 dive centres in the region for guidance.
What are the typical water visibility and temperature conditions for diving in the Marseille Calanques?
For diving in Marseille and the Calanques, the best water temperatures are observed during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, averaging 13.86°C. Specific data on typical water visibility conditions for the region is not currently available. Divers should consult local dive centres for up-to-date visibility reports.
Are there any notable wrecks, caves, or unique underwater landscapes to explore in the Calanques dive region?
Yes, the Marseille and Calanques region is renowned for its diverse underwater landscapes, including notable wrecks and caves. Divers can explore sites such as Maire s coral cave, or discover wrecks like L'hélicoptère, Le Grec partie Avant, and L Alice-Robert. The area also features walls, pinnacles, and numerous reefs, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
Are there strong currents or particularly challenging conditions for diving in the Calanques National Park?
While specific details on strong currents are not provided, the Marseille and Calanques region does offer dive sites categorized as "Expert," indicating challenging conditions. For example, la source is an Expert-level reef dive. Divers should always assess their skill level and consult local dive centers for current conditions before planning their dives.