33m
    Marseille & Calanques, France
    Cap Sicie - Six Fours

    ARROYO (CIT)

    Best months: Aug

    Protected Area

    Cap Sicie - Six Fours

    Why dive here

    With 157+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and mobula rays (devil rays) - ARROYO (CIT) offers some of Marseille & Calanques's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-25°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeAug
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 157+ species recorded
    Water14-25°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 33m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Arroyo, or CIT as many divers call it, is one of our absolute favourite wrecks in the Calanques. It’s not a natural sinking; the French Navy scuttled this tanker in 1953 as a training ground for their early dive groups. That history just adds a layer of intrigue, knowing it was deliberately placed for exploration. You’ll find the 55-meter wreck sitting upright at 33 meters, making it a solid deep dive for advanced recreational divers. We love dropping down onto the deck, the light filtering through the clear Mediterranean water, illuminating the superstructure. Penetrating the engine room is a highlight, though it’s silty, so good buoyancy is key. Inside, you’ll likely spook conger eels out of their hiding spots, and we often spot lobsters tucked into crevices in the cargo holds. The wreck itself has become a busy apartment block for marine life, with schools of glasseyes darting through the darker sections and vibrant jewel anemonies clinging to the metalwork. It’s a proper historical playground, a dive that feels like uncovering a secret every time.

    Typical ARROYO (CIT) Dive Profile

    15m30mSafety Stop0m33m max~20 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (33m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:4617:0211h 17m daylightGolden hour 16:24

    ARROYO (CIT) Wreck History

    Year Sunk

    1953

    Vessel Type

    tanker

    Cause

    scuttled

    Unlike wrecks born of tragedy, the tanker Arroyo was sunk with a clear purpose. In August 1953, this 55-meter vessel was intentionally sent to the seabed by the GERS (Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherches Sous-Marines), a pioneering French Navy group once associated with Jacques Cousteau. Its new mission: to serve as a realistic training ground for navy divers, creating a challenging and accessible environment to hone critical underwater skills.

    Today, the Arroyo rests upright at a depth of 33 meters, offering a fantastic dive into maritime history. Its deck is at about 28 meters, making it accessible to advanced recreational divers. The wreck is largely intact, allowing for exploration of its superstructure and deck features. While its 'Dangerous Wreck' classification serves as a reminder to be cautious of sharp metal and potential entanglement points, for the prepared diver, the Arroyo is a purpose-built underwater playground and a direct link to the golden age of scuba diving exploration.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARROYO (CIT)

    ARROYO (CIT) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for ARROYO (CIT), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (43.11, 5.89) (32km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    21°C

    69°F · Range: 15.7–23.1°C

    Air Temperature

    18°C

    64°F

    Wind Speed

    6.69 m/s

    13.0 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1016.9 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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