L Eperlan - Marseille & Calanques

L’Eperlan, out in the Bay of Marseille, isn't just another wreck. It’s a proper time capsule, a patrol boat scuttled in the war that now lies upright on a sandy bottom, about 30 metres down. When you descend, the visibility often drops off a bit until you hit the thermocline, then it opens up, and suddenly you’re looking at this remarkably intact vessel. We love exploring the wheelhouse, the navigation gear still somewhat discernible, and the deck guns are always a focal point. You can swim right into some of the open holds, which we find thrilling. Inside, it’s often darker, a bit silty, but the light plays beautifully through the openings. Groupers lurk in the shadowed corners, and big schools of damselfish flit around the superstructure. It’s not a site for absolute beginners, especially if there’s a bit of current, but for anyone comfortable with deep dives and wreck penetration, it’s a brilliant experience. Our favourite part is always the bow, where the anchor chain still drapes down, covered in sponges and anemones. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat the boat traffic and get the best light.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.173880, 6.543533
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Domaine du rayol

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 Eperlan

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 Eperlan

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