CHELLA - Marseille & Calanques

The Chella, just off the coast near Marseille, is our kind of wreck. Not too deep, only 17 metres, which means you get plenty of bottom time to really nose around. She was a steamship, sunk during WWII, and what’s left of her tells quite a story. We particularly love how the Mediterranean has reclaimed her; those metal plates are now covered in gorgonians and sponges, a real tapestry of colour. You’ll find schools of damselfish flitting through the broken hull sections, and if you look closely, moray eels have made themselves quite at home in the nooks and crannies. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the details. We always suggest going in the late morning, after the initial rush, when the sun hits the site just right, making the water sparkle around the wreck. It's a perfect dive for those who appreciate history intertwined with vibrant marine growth, without the pressure of extreme depths or currents.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.353054, 5.292500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Iles du frioul

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 CHELLA

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 CHELLA

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