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Scuba diving in Marseille

Would you like to take to the water for your very first diving session? Marseille is the ideal city for a first dive. The city offers many magnificent sites in the Mediterranean, where you can discover the wealth of underwater flora and fauna. Enjoy a unique spectacle during your diving initiation thanks to the great diversity of marine life present. You’ll see colorful fish, coral, sponges, algae, octopus, lobsters and maybe even groupers. But it’s important to respect the marine environment and not disturb the species in order to preserve this ecosystem. Enjoy an unusual experience in Marseille, right in the heart of the Mediterranean flora and fauna.

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Preparing for your first dive

When should you try scuba diving in Marseille?

Diving in Marseille is possible all year round, but conditions can vary according to the season. Summer months generally offer better underwater visibility, but can be busier. Water temperatures vary from 13°C in winter to around 25°C in summer.

Diving safety rules

Before your first dive, make sure you’re in good physical condition. Diving can be hard on the body, so it’s important to feel fit and not have any health problems that could interfere with your safety. During your session, listen carefully to your diving instructor’s instructions. He or she will give you all the information you need on what to do, communication signals and safety rules. Following his instructions will ensure that you enjoy your diving experience in complete safety. Before diving, make sure that the diving equipment you are wearing fits properly and is comfortable.

Course of a scuba diving experience

On the day of your first dive, you’ll be greeted by your instructor, who will explain safety instructions and the basics of diving. Before diving, you’ll take part in an introductory session in the pool or in shallow water. The instructor will teach you basic gestures and techniques, as well as the use of diving equipment. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you’ll head off by boat to a dive site suited to your level. You’ll be accompanied by your instructor, who will ensure your safety and guide you as you explore the seabed. Breathing is one of the most important aspects of diving. Make sure you breathe regularly and deeply through the regulator. Avoid holding your breath, as this can lead to pressure and buoyancy problems. Slow, controlled breathing will help you feel more comfortable underwater.

The best diving spots in Marseille

Discover the best spots for a diving experience in Marseille, among many beautiful sites.

Pierre de Briançon at Ile Jarre

Dive to depths of over 25 meters to discover a unique site forming a large tooth-shaped rock. The view is well worth the detour, with a rock covered in coral and gorgonian sea fans, as well as a wide variety of fish. This pretty spot is ideal for a first dive, as access is fairly easy.

Planier lighthouse: the Dalton wreck and the Chaouen wreck

The Planier lighthouse shelters two shipwrecks in its deep waters, dating from 1928 and 1970 respectively. The first, the Dalton, is a dislocated cargo ship covering more than 160m² at a depth of between 15 and 30 meters. The Chaouen, on the other hand, is an 85-metre-long freighter. Its upper section is barely 10 meters below the surface, while its tip is 85 meters below the surface (only experienced divers should venture into this section). Both sites invite you to discover a breathtaking spectacle of rich flora and fauna, without diving too deep.

The Plane arches on Plane Island

Dive to a depth of 18 meters and discover an extraordinary diving spot. It’s made up of caves, arches and vertical shafts, home to a variety of fish and plants typical of the Mediterranean seabed: girelles, labres, sars, red mullets, rock algae and much more, for your viewing pleasure.

Grotte de la Triperie

This underwater grotto is famous for its spectacular rock formations and play of light. It’s a popular dive site for experienced divers looking for a unique experience. The grotte de la Triperie offers an impressive play of light as the sun’s rays penetrate the water through the cave’s openings. Visibility can be excellent, allowing you to admire the magnificent rock formations, sponge- and gorgonian-covered walls and marine life.

The Frioul archipelago: the Junkers Ju 88

The Frioul archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Marseille. They offer excellent scuba-diving opportunities. Accessible by boat from Marseille’s Vieux-Port, several companies offer regular crossings to the archipelago. The journey takes around 30 minutes. The Junkers Ju 88 is the wreck of a German bomber that has been on the seabed since 1943. You can observe it on your first dive. The waters around the Frioul Islands are home to an impressive biodiversity. You can observe colorful Mediterranean fish such as groupers, saups, sars and oblades, as well as octopus, lobsters and a variety of sponges and corals. In terms of diving conditions, underwater visibility is generally good, ideal for a first dive.

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