Le Chalutier et les Ancres - Marseille & Calanques

Le Chalutier et les Ancres is a bit of a local secret, tucked away just enough from the more famous wrecks to feel less crowded. We love it because it’s a proper French trawler, slumped on its side, feeling very much like something you’d stumble upon accidentally. The hull is still largely intact, and you can swim through the holds – a bit dark in spots, so bring a good torch, but it’s an immersive experience. What makes it special for us are the two huge anchors lying nearby, not part of the trawler itself, but adding to the slightly melancholic, forgotten feel of the place. Groupers hang out in the shadowy recesses of the wreck, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from crevices. It’s a medium-depth dive, ideal for those comfortable with wrecks but not looking for deep penetration. Our favourite time to dive it is late morning; the light filters beautifully through the surface and plays across the deck. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the coral growth.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.169850, 5.636734
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Baie de la Ciotat

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 Le Chalutier et les Ancres

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 Le Chalutier et les Ancres

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