wreck

Log This Dive

L Ariane

L'Ariane, near La Ciotat, often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbours, but we think it's a quiet star, especially for those who appreciate a wreck with a story. This cargo ship, sunk in 1957, sits upright on a sandy bottom at around 30 metres, her bow still pointing proudly towards the surface. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the sheer scale; the holds are wide open, making for some fantastic, easy penetration. We love swimming through the superstructure, watching the light filter down through the deck openings, illuminating schools of sardines that sometimes flicker through the corridors. The wreck itself has become a proper artificial reef. You'll find resident conger eels peeking out from pipes, lobsters tucked deep inside crevices, and the whole structure draped in gorgonians and sponges. It’s a photographer’s dream, particularly on a sunny day when the visibility stretches to 20 metres and the blue water really pops against the rusty hulk. It’s a relatively straightforward dive, good for advanced open water divers looking to practice wreck penetration without too much current. Get there early to beat the dive club rush; it's a popular one, and for good reason.