P 38 Lightning - Marseille & Calanques

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.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.172500, 5.623667
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 P 38 Lightning

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 P 38 Lightning

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