Lockheed P38 - Marseille & Calanques

Dropping onto the Lockheed P38 in Marseille, you feel a real sense of history. This isn't just a pile of metal; it’s a beautifully preserved war relic, lying perfectly flat on the seabed. We love how the cockpit is still so intact, with the controls and gauges visible if you peer inside. It’s an almost eerie sight, imagining the pilot’s last moments here. The twin booms stretch out behind the main fuselage, creating fantastic swim-throughs, though some are tight. Schools of damselfish flutter around the wings, and occasionally we’ve spotted an octopus tucked into one of the engines. The light filtering down through the Mediterranean blue makes the whole scene feel quite dramatic, especially on a sunny day. We'd suggest going in the late morning when the sun hits the wreck just right. While it's a relatively deep dive, its calm conditions and clear visibility make it accessible for advanced open water divers comfortable with depth. Just keep an eye on your bottom time; it's easy to get lost in the details here.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.167667, 5.669667
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 Lockheed P38

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 Lockheed P38

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