Le Donator - Marseille & Calanques

There’s something about a deep wreck in the Med that just hits different, and Le Donator is a prime example. We often find ourselves drawn back to this one, mostly for the sheer scale and the history you can almost feel around it. Dropping down onto the deck at around 40 metres, you immediately get a sense of the wreck’s past. It’s not just a pile of metal; it’s a time capsule. What we really love about the Donator is how much of the original structure remains. You can swim through cargo holds, past the engine room, and even explore the bridge area. It’s an immersive experience. Look closely and you'll spot the resident conger eels peeking out from pipes, or schooling damselfish flitting around the mast. The light penetration at this depth can be quite dramatic on a sunny day, painting shifting patterns across the deck. Be mindful of the currents here; they can pick up, so we always suggest checking conditions with the dive centre beforehand. It’s a dive that rewards careful planning and good buoyancy, definitely one for the experienced wreck divers among us.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.993282, 6.273917
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Port-Cros

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 Donator

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 Donator

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