6m
    Marseille & Calanques, France
    Corniche Varoise

    VILLA DE SOLER

    Best months: Aug

    Protected Area

    Corniche Varoise

    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) - VILLA DE SOLER offers some of Marseille & Calanques's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-25°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeAug
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 157+ species recorded
    Water14-25°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 6m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Villa de Soler is a tricky one, and we wouldn't send a complete novice here, despite the shallow depth. It's listed as a dangerous wreck for good reason; this isn't a picture-perfect ship in perfect condition. What you get instead is a crumpled, contorted mess of metal, scattered across the seabed at a mere 6 meters. We think that's precisely what makes it fascinating. The wreck itself isn't huge, but its fragmented state creates dozens of nooks and crannies. Light filters through the broken plates, revealing small shoals of damselfish darting between the rusted ribs. Moray eels are practically guaranteed here, peering out from beneath collapsed sections of the hull. We love hovering over the larger pieces, watching them sway slightly with the surge, feeling the cooler water wash over us. This site is brilliant for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the raw, historical aspect of a broken ship, rather than just its form. It’s also perfect for photographers looking for interesting light and texture, or for a long, relaxed second dive after exploring deeper sites in the Calanques.

    Typical VILLA DE SOLER Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m6m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today05:4316:5911h 17m daylightGolden hour 16:21

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for VILLA DE SOLER

    VILLA DE SOLER Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for VILLA DE SOLER, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (43.11, 5.89) (32km away)

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    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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