P 38 Lightning
Protected Area
Baie de la Ciotat
Why dive here
With 157+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and mobula rays (devil rays) - P 38 Lightning offers some of Marseille & Calanques's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-25°C, warmest July, August, September.
Dropping down to the P 38 Lightning in Marseille always feels like visiting an old friend. This isn't just another wreck; it's a beautifully preserved piece of history lying on the seabed, practically begging you to explore its secrets. We love tracing the wings, feeling the smooth curve of the fuselage, and imagining the final moments of that Allied fighter plane. You’ll spot the twin engines still largely intact, and the cockpit, if you're comfortable with a brief penetration, offers a real sense of what it was like for the pilot. Schools of small damselfish flit around the control surfaces, and we’ve often found a shy conger eel peeking from a darkened crevice in the engine block. The way the Mediterranean light filters through the water and plays on the aluminium skin is just stunning, especially in the late morning. We’d suggest going then, before the afternoon boat traffic kicks up. Currents here are usually mild, making it a relaxed dive suitable for advanced open water divers keen on a gentle wreck exploration without too many challenging conditions. It’s truly one of our favourite historical dives in the region.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to P 38 Lightning
Dive shops near P 38 Lightning
Anaya Plongée
La Calanque
OMNIBLUE FREEDIVE
Cassis Calanques Plongée
UCPA Sanary-sur-Mer
Le Brusc Plongée
Reviews for P 38 Lightning
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for P 38 Lightning
P 38 Lightning Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for P 38 Lightning, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (43.11, 5.89) (32km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
21°C
69°F · Range: 15.7–23.1°C
Air Temperature
18°C
64°F
Wind Speed
6.69 m/s
13.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1016.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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