TRONCON (BOW) - Marseille & Calanques

The Tronçon, or “Bow” in French, is exactly what it sounds like – the separated bow section of a larger wreck, likely blown apart during wartime. It sits upright, proud on the seabed at 45 metres, a stark, dramatic sight as it emerges from the blue. We love how the bow offers a contained, yet incredibly rich, deep wreck experience without the full commitment of an entire ship. It’s a perfect dive for those comfortable with depth, perhaps looking to refine their wreck skills before tackling something bigger. The metal structure itself is a canvas for marine life; walls of jewel anemones cling to the plates, catching the light, and we’ve often found conger eels peeking out from darker recesses. Look closely for scorpionfish camouflaged against the rust. Our favourite tip? Get there early on a calm day; the visibility can be exceptional, letting you appreciate the sheer scale of the bow from a distance before you get up close. It really feels like you’re dropping into history.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.993930, 6.278517
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

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 TRONCON (BOW)

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 TRONCON (BOW)

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