La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre

Type:

Scuba DivingFreediving

Entry:Unknown

Difficulty:Intermediate

Tags:

ReefWall

About This Dive Spot

On the eastern side of the Gabinière islet, this site features a clearly defined drop-off that creates dramatic relief and an enjoyable sensation of flying along the wall, especially when current is running. Marine life can be excellent, with chances for pelagic encounters on lucky days and seasonal sightings in spring. The area is also known for a notably high number of groupers of various sizes.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Best season

spring

Typical conditions

A marked drop-off with current possible, which can enhance the drift/overflight feel.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Strong current

Safety notes

Current can be present and may increase task loading along the drop-off.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Best experienced as a scuba dive along the drop-off; current may be present.

Dive Spot Log Averages

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits

No community dive data has been logged here yet. Be the first to record a dive and seed the averages.

Dive Conditions Planner

Current snapshot, today hourly conditions, and seven-day planning data.

Current snapshot

Right now

--🌥️Variable

Weekly trends

Marine rhythm

Surface outlook

Unlock the full potential of DiveJourney.

Recent Logged Visits

No Dive Logs Yet

Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!

Spots Near La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre

📍 0.2 km

La Gabinière Est tombant

⚓

This site at Île de la Gabinière, southeast of Port-Cros, features a dramatic drop-off that descends from the surface down to around 50 m. It is described as being somewhat sheltered from the Mistral but exposed to easterly winds. It’s known for drift dives along the wall, with frequent sightings of groupers and a school of barracudas often encountered in the 15–25 m range.

📍 11.7 km

Cap Benat

Not Set

A sheltered dive area at the southern end of Bormes, particularly protected when there is a strong westerly wind. Diving is mainly done around the Cristaou islet, finishing through a series of small, playful creeks. The islet features many small crevices, holes, and cracks that provide habitat for small morays and schools of apogons, along with sightings of octopus and small red scorpionfish.

📍 12.9 km

Wildcat, wreck

Not Set

This site features an aircraft wreck resting on sand at 53 m. In good conditions the silhouette of the Wildcat can be visible well above the wreck itself, and the plane lies inverted with the cockpit open into the sand. Plant life is scarce. Small crustaceans shelter around the structure, including galatheas under the tail near the propeller and small lobsters and crayfish tucked into holes in the fuselage.

📍 17.8 km

Cap des Mèdes

Not Set

This dive spot lies off the northern tip of Porquerolles, near a headland locally linked to a legend of a petrified dragon. The seabed slopes down very gradually to a maximum of about 20 m, making it well suited to training-style dives such as initiation and early autonomous diving.

📍 18.9 km

Épave le Marcel

Not Set

Late-19th-century wreck that originally combined sail and steam propulsion. The structure is now largely collapsed, creating a dive where the depth stays around 31 m and much of the marine life is found beneath the remains. It is known for abundant eels and crustaceans, with conger eels, moray eels, and lobsters commonly seen, and torpedo rays appearing regularly.

📍 21.1 km

Le Ferrando

⚓

Le Ferrando is a wreck from 1893 lying on a sandy bottom at around 25 m, located in the middle of a harbor. The cargo included coke, with small lightweight black pebbles still found around the site. The wreckage provides shelter for marine life, with eels commonly seen tucked beneath tiles and debris.

Loading nearby spots...

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre?

Entry at La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre?

Optimal conditions at La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre?

Depth and visibility information for La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre?

When diving La Gabinière la Calanque Sombre, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.