P C 496
Protected Area
Lac Bizerte
Why dive here
With 156+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, great white sharks, mobula rays (devil rays), octopuses and sea turtles - P C 496 offers some of Tabarka's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 16-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
The P C 496, a patrol boat scuttled in ‘43, lies deep, making it a solid tech dive for those looking to stretch their bottom time in Tabarka. We’ve always found these wartime wrecks a little eerie, but the history here adds a real layer. Dropping down, the hull gradually resolves from the blue, surprisingly intact given its explosive end. We love the way the Mediterranean light plays on the metal, especially mid-morning. You'll spend your dive exploring the deck, imagining its last moments, and observing the resident groupers that have made it home. Their curious eyes often watch you from dark corners. It’s a site that demands respect for its past, a quiet dive best suited for experienced deep divers comfortable with deco. Our favourite part is the bow section, still pointing resolutely seaward.
Typical P C 496 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for P C 496
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for P C 496
P C 496 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for P C 496, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.3, 9.6) (20km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
24°C
76°F · Range: 23–25.7°C
Air Temperature
23°C
73°F
Wind Speed
8.01 m/s
15.6 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1017.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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