divingaway.com · Destination Guide
Border-area access and advanced-diver context.
Dive Spot Guide•
L'hélicoptère
Boat-access Gazelle helicopter wreck off Ventimiglia.
Scuba DivingFreedivingBoatAdvanced
DeepWreck
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Local operator required
The wreck is normally staged by local dive centers from the Menton/Ventimiglia side, where operator timing and sea state matter.
Boat access from the Menton/Ventimiglia coast, a technical wreck profile, and strong marine growth make this a guided advanced dive rather than a casual shore site.
About L'hélicoptère
L'hélicoptère is a historic Gazelle helicopter wreck off the Ventimiglia border zone, where a boat-handled approach drops you into clear Mediterranean water and onto a technical wreck profile. The dive is memorable for the rotor blades, the dogfish eggs, and the gorgonian-covered habitat around the site, which makes it more than a simple wreck photo stop. It is an advanced outing that rewards calm sea windows, careful buoyancy, and respect for the protected marine setting.
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Research Estimate At L'hélicoptère
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 12m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityFew visitors
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is L'hélicoptère?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
L'hélicoptère Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
30m - 35m
Depth Note
The wreck is described at roughly 31 to 35 m, with some guides framing it as a 30 m descent to the site.
Best Season
Winter and early spring.
Typical Conditions
Clear Mediterranean water, mild to moderate current, and calm-window boat staging when the sea state cooperates.
Safety & Access At L'hélicoptère
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Entanglement risk
Safety Notes
Manage depth and gas, and stay clear of the rotor and cabin structure where the wreck concentrates interesting life. This is not a casual recreational wreck.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only, with local operator control and calm sea windows.
Legal Notes
The Capo Mortola stretch is a protected marine area, so follow local authorization and mooring rules where applicable.
Local Intel For L'hélicoptère
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as a guided wreck dive with good buoyancy and controlled gas planning. The wreck and surrounding growth reward slow, deliberate exploration.
Freediving
Only expert freedivers would consider the shallowest approach; the site is primarily a boat-access scuba wreck.
Snorkeling
Not a practical snorkeling site.
L'hélicoptère Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at L'hélicoptère.
Current Snapshot
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🌥️Variable
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Sunset
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Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
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Swell
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Exposure Profile at L'hélicoptère
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at L'hélicoptère
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At L'hélicoptère
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Dive Spot Log Averages At L'hélicoptère
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility12m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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L'hélicoptère Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
L'hélicoptère Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
giardinihanbury.com · Mpa Official
Protected-area rules and biodiversity context.
www.scubaportal.it · Technical Article
Wreck life and Capo Mortola habitat context.
www.scubazone.it · Dive Center Pdf
Boat staging and Menton Garavan facilities.
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