ETANDART 4 (POSSIBLY) - Marseille & Calanques

The *Etandart 4* wreck isn't just a dive, it’s a tangible piece of history sitting upright on the seabed at 44 metres. We love dropping down onto her, seeing the bow emerge from the deep blue first, still remarkably intact. She’s a tugboat, scuttled during WWII, and you can practically feel the past as you glide along her decks. The wheelhouse is our favourite part to explore, the navigation equipment still visible through the gloom, feeling like it was only just abandoned. Schools of barracuda often circle above the mast, their silver scales catching the light filtering down. Inside, the holds are open, a dark contrast to the bright Mediterranean outside, offering glimpses into the machinery spaces. The wreck's structure provides shelter for various critters, from lobsters tucked into crevices to nudibranchs grazing on the metal. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, offering an evocative glimpse into wartime Marseille. Just remember, 44 metres means proper planning and gas management are key.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.044180, 6.279850
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Marine Protected Area: Port-Cros [Aire D\'Adhésion]

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 ETANDART 4 (POSSIBLY)

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 ETANDART 4 (POSSIBLY)

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