L avion - Marseille & Calanques

L'Avion, near Marseille, isn't just another chunk of metal at the bottom. This isn't one for the purists seeking untouched coral, but if you love a good story and metal that’s slowly turning into reef, you’re in for a treat. This German Junkers JU 88, a bomber shot down in 1944, sits mostly intact at around 40 metres. You descend into a deep blue, and then the silhouette slowly emerges – the wings are still largely there, as is the fuselage, though it’s split towards the tail. We love finning along the wing, watching shoals of damselfish flicker in and out of the bomb bay doors. Moray eels poke their heads from within the crumpled cockpit, and sometimes you’ll spot a conger eel, thick as a thigh, tucked into the engine cowling. It’s a proper penetration dive for those with the training, exploring the pilot’s station, but even staying on the exterior offers plenty to see. The depth means nitrox is a sensible choice here, giving you more time to absorb the history and watch the light play on the encrusting sponges. Our favourite is the way the sun catches the leading edge of the wing, illuminating the little blennies that dart across the metal.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.266846, 5.299278
Type
wreck

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 L avion

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 avion

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