POLYPHEME - Marseille & Calanques

The Polypheme is a proper treat, even if you’re not a huge wreck nut. This 55-meter military vessel sits upright in just 3 meters of water, so it's a perfect long, easy dive, or even a snorkel. We love how accessible it is, and the way the Mediterranean light plays over the bow, filtering through the water. You can really make out the ship’s structure – the davits, the hatches, even some of the deck fittings are still there, encrusted but recognisable. For a wreck so shallow, it's surprisingly atmospheric. The metalwork acts as a magnet for fish, and we’ve seen schools of juvenile barracuda shimmering just above the deck more times than we can count. You'll spot colourful nudibranchs crawling along the rusty hull, and the occasional octopus tucked into a sheltered crevice. It’s a great site for photographers, especially with the sun high overhead, highlighting the wreck’s details and the fish darting in and out. If you’re looking for a relaxing dive where you can take your time, poke around, and still feel like you're exploring history, the Polypheme is our pick.

Location: Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 43.015633, 6.433550
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 3m

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to POLYPHEME

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

Mediterranean tapeweed (Posidonia oceanica) - Seagrass & Algae
Moonfish (Mola mola) - Reef Fish
Blue-white Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) - Whales & Dolphins
hake (Merluccius merluccius) - Reef Fish
Atlantic Spotted Flounder (Citharus linguatula) - Reef Fish
grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
Capelin (Trisopterus capelanus) - Reef Fish
Thornback skate (Raja clavata) - Sharks & Rays
dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) - Sharks & Rays
Black-bellied angler (Lophius budegassa) - Reef Fish
conger (Conger conger) - Reef Fish
Soldier (Chelidonichthys cuculus) - Reef Fish
Red coral (Corallium rubrum) - Soft Corals
Mullet (Mullus barbatus) - Reef Fish
Pollock (Trachurus trachurus) - Reef Fish
Jac (Helicolenus dactylopterus) - Reef Fish
lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) - Reef Fish
Gurnard (Trigla lyra) - Reef Fish
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
Red Band-fish (Cepola macrophthalma) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for POLYPHEME

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