L Astree - Marseille & Calanques

L’Astree is easily one of our favourite wreck dives in the Calanques, a real standout. There's just something about it, the way it sits, broken but still proud, on the sandy bottom at around 30 metres. This isn't some perfectly preserved ghost ship; it's a genuine historical wreck, a steamship that sank back in 1944. You'll see the bow largely intact, draped in fishing nets, but the stern is a jumble of twisted metal. We love exploring the holds, pushing through the schools of glinting silversides that flicker in the shafts of sunlight. Look closely in the darker corners and you’ll often spot conger eels, thick as your arm, peering out from their hideaways. The swim-throughs are tight in places, so good buoyancy is a must, but totally worth it for the sense of discovery. For photographers, the contrast of the dark steel against the blue Mediterranean water, especially when those silversides swarm, is just magic. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light penetration is better, and the currents tend to be calmer. It’s a dive that tells a story, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of history with their marine life.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.528343, 3.133844
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Posidonies de la côte des Albères

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 L Astree

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 L Astree

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