Marseille

Diving possibilities:
Cost indication:
Guide mandatory:	no
Country:	France
Sea:	Mediterranean Sea

Foto by: Alberto Ferrero
June to September is the best time to dive the Mediterranean Sea. The average temperature in this period is 25ºC (77ºF) and the wind is moderate. It is however possible to dive every day of the year. The only spoilers are rain and wind - which will decrease visibility - and spring has the most of both.

Rising tourism in a Mediterranean melting pot

For a long time the largest city in Southern France has been known only for its problem areas. Since the beginning of the 1990s the city has developed a more positive reputation. The result: Marseille has slowly come into its own.

Melting pot

Marseille is a port and the diversity of cultures is great. In the streets you will find a colourful assortment of clothing shops, small bars and restaurants. The typical resident of Marseilles is a product of Southern European culture: hard-working, stubborn and proud. This comes forth in a strong dialect. During the day Marseille is friendliness itself, in the evenings it can become boisterous in parts. Make sure, therefore, that you don’t get lost.

Mistral: Cool wind

The water can be surprisingly cold. A dive hood is definitely required when braving the waters here. The cold Mistral wind rages through this corner of the Mediterranean. Due to this meteorological phenomenon the water can become 6 to 10 degrees colder in one day. Apart from that you can quite easily go snorkelling or diving in wind intensity between 6 and 8. As the Mediterranean has virtually no currents, during the Mistral you only have to battle the large waves on the surface.

Wreck diving

Quite a lot of discoveries have been made in the last few years. In this way the wrecks of a boat and an aeroplane from WWII have been found.

Pleasure craft and jet skis

You will find all the popular leisure activities in Marseille. In recent years it has become fashionable to parasail behind a motorboat. Furthermore, kite sailing and wake boarding are popular activities. Hiring a water scooter or jet ski is no problem in Marseilles. If you’d prefer a sailboat or a motorboat, for a day out and about, these are available around the old harbour.