ARROYO (CIT) - Marseille & Calanques

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.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.047535, 5.870500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Wreck History - ARROYO (CIT)

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.

Marine Protected Area: Cap Sicie - Six Fours

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Marseille & Calanques

Nearest Dive Centres to ARROYO (CIT)

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARROYO (CIT)

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