BALEINIERE - Marseille & Calanques

The Baleinière, a small trawler resting on its side, is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Calanques. It’s not enormous, dropping to 60 metres, but the way it’s settled makes for some interesting navigation. You’ll find it mostly intact, the bow pointing west, with the stern section having collapsed a bit. We love how the light plays on the metal, especially if you hit it mid-morning. Look for conger eels poking out from the engine room, and the resident groupers aren't shy about checking you out. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into the nooks and crannies that have become home to so many colourful nudibranchs. Definitely one for divers comfortable with depth and who appreciate a wreck with a bit of character.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.532500, 7.063917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Wreck History - BALEINIERE

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Resting in the deep blue off the coast of Marseille, the 'Baleinière'-French for 'whaleboat'-is a wreck shrouded in mystery. Its history, name, and the story of its sinking have been lost to time, leaving only its ghostly form for technical divers to explore. Given its name, it was almost certainly a vessel involved in the whaling industry, a tough and sturdy boat built to pursue the largest creatures in the sea.

At a depth of 60 meters, this is a dive reserved for experienced technical and trimix divers. The journey down through the water column reveals a small, intriguing wreck site. While its wooden structures have long since decayed, remaining metallic components offer clues to its past. The depth ensures the site is often quiet and serene, visited only by deep-water fauna. For those qualified to reach it, the Baleinière offers a peaceful and contemplative dive into the forgotten maritime history of the Mediterranean.

Marine Protected Area: Baie et cap d'Antibes - îles de Lerins

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 BALEINIERE

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 BALEINIERE

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