Diving

DIVING FRANCE TOP DIVE SITES - SOUTH-WEST FRANCE

TOP DIVE SITES – SOUTH-WEST FRANCE




Aroca Tiquia – this site is famous for a beautiful system of caves, canyons and holes. The rock formations there are really stunning and teeming with marine life. The maximum depth is 36 m. The only danger that may occur there is currents.
Location: between St Jean and Guethary (Basque Coast)
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Capitano Tarantini – the wreck of an 76 m long Italian submarine lies at a depth of 40 m. The submarine was torpedoed and sank in 1940.
Location: Gironde Coast (Bay of Biscay)
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: CMAS 3 stars, BSAC Advanced Diver


Gaillouneys – this spot is famous for underwater blockhouses and concrete buildings as well as for the prolific marine life. The depth ranges from 3 to 20 m. This area is exposed to the strong currents.
Location: south of the Dune
Type of dive: boat/shore dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Grand Piquey – in this area divers can observe sea horses and other marine life. This is a shallow (maximum depth: 5 m) but picturesque dive.
Location: left from Grand Piquey’s jetty, Cap Ferret (Arcachon Bay)
Type of dive: shore dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Hortense – in this spot divers will enjoy a profuse and colourful marine life. This place is exposed to strong currents and divers should be careful due to the boat traffic.
Location: Cap Ferret (Arcachon Bay)
Type of dive: shore dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


L’Anjou – this spot features not only the wreck from World War I but also colourful marine life. The wreck itself is rather difficult to find. The maximum depth in this area is 42 m.
Location: Anglet Harbour (Basque Coast)
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Le Bateau en Ciment – the wreck lies at a depth of 26 m. The 50 m long ship was broken into 3 parts and sank in the 1940s. The shipwreck is exposed to strong currents.
Location: south of the Dune de Pilat (Arcachon Bay)
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sandy
Requirements: CMAS 2 stars, BSAC Sports Diver/Dive Leader, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver/Rescue Diver


Le Chariot – the wreck with the caterpillars and pipes as well as abundant marine life make this spot an interesting dive site.
Location: 3 km from the Wharf de La Salie (Arcachon Bay)
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: CMAS 2 stars, BSAC Sports Diver/Dive Leader, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver/Rescue Diver


Le Cote Bleu – the ship sank in 1976. The site is very popular and crowded in the season despite the boat traffic. The shipwreck lies at a depth of 15 m.
Location: northeast of La Chapelle (Arcachon Bay)
Type of dive: boat/shore dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Le Frigolin – this area is famous for the wreck which lies here at a depth of 60 m. Divers who intend to dive there will have to check if there are no weapon tests at this time. If so, the area will be closed.
Location: near Biscarosse
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: CMAS 3 stars, BSAC Advanced Diver


Le Morutier – the wreck of the fish boat lies at a depth of 52 m. The Spanish boat was built in 1960 and sank in 1962. Divers should be careful due to the currents and fishing nets.
Location: 5 km north of Biarritz (Basque Coast)
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: CMAS 3 stars, BSAC Advanced Diver


Roche-Velaine – the wreck of La Roche-Velaine lies at a depth of 16 m. Divers should be careful due to the strong currents and boat traffic.
Location: Arcachon harbour
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Saint Yves – is a great spot for dive training, first dives and night diving. There are several wrecks in this area and the average depth is 15 m.
Location: right of La Chapelle (Arcachon Bay)
Type of dive: boat/shore dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water