Top 10 wreck diving spots in the Mediterranean

The 10 Must-See Wrecks of the Mediterranean: The Ultimate Diver's Guide

The Mediterranean is a true underwater museum — a graveyard of wrecks where history intertwines with vibrant marine life. From the shattered hull of a World War II cargo ship to the remains of a deliberately sunk submarine, each wreck tells a unique story and offers an unforgettable diving experience.

This article aims to guide you through the 10 most iconic wrecks of the Mediterranean. It's not just a list, but a comprehensive guide combining historical narratives, practical tips, and essential safety advice.

Diving Deep: Choosing Your Wreck Based on Experience Level

The wrecks are categorized by difficulty level — from beginner to advanced — ensuring that every diver finds a site suited to their certification and experience, while maintaining both safety and enjoyment.

For shallow wrecks, Level 1 (N1) or Open Water Diver (OWD) certification is sufficient. For deeper or more technical sites, a higher certification like Level 3 (N3) or Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) is required.

1. French Riviera & Var: Provence’s Submerged Treasures

For Beginners and Level 1 Divers (OWD)

Le Cimentier (Hyères)

Located off Porquerolles Island, Le Cimentier is an accessible wreck for all levels. Sunk during World War II, the concrete wreck lies between 3 and 15 meters deep. Its broken holds are a haven for wrasse, damselfish, and large schools of squid in spring, making it perfect for buoyancy control practice and marine observation.

Le Chaouen (Marseille)

Le Chaouen is a cargo ship that sank in 1970, remembered locally for the "sea of oranges" that floated to the surface. Its upper deck starts at just 6 meters, ideal for Level 1 divers. However, its stern and propeller rest at 35 meters, attracting more experienced divers with Level 3 certification. The wreck is home to conger eels, sea bream, and sardines, forming a vibrant marine ecosystem.

For Advanced Divers and Level 3 (N3)

Le Donator (Hyères)

Le Donator is one of the most iconic wreck dives in France. This 78-meter cargo ship was sunk by a mine in 1945 and now rests at 50 meters, accessible only to Level 3 divers. Its massive structure means you can't explore it all in one dive — from the rudder to the engine room, it's packed with life: groupers, moray eels, amberjacks, and more.

Le Rubis (Fréjus)

The submarine Le Rubis was scuttled in 1957 off Ramatuelle. It lies intact at 40 meters on a sandy seabed. The site is impressive and reserved for experienced divers. The main challenge is a sometimes strong current, categorizing it as an intermediate-to-difficult dive.

2. Occitanie & Corsica: From Languedoc to Crystal Waters

Le Remorqueur (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Off the coast of Espiguette, this port work tug was intentionally sunk and lies at a beginner-accessible depth. The wreck is in excellent condition and teems with life: colorful sponges, anemones, octopuses, and conger eels call it home.

Le Cimentier de Pacorella (Corsica)

This 45-meter-long wreck is visible from the surface and lies between 6 and 13 meters deep — ideal for Level 1 divers. Its holds shelter schools of sars and amberjacks, with nudibranchs and moray eels often spotted as well.

3. Iconic International Wrecks

MS Zenobia (Cyprus)

The MS Zenobia, a ferry that sank in 1980 near Larnaca, is one of the world’s most famous wrecks. At 178 meters long and reaching depths of 42 meters, it offers a vast exploration space for divers of all levels. Cars and trucks still lie within, and marine life abounds — especially moray eels.

P29 and Blenheim (Malta)

Malta is a wreck diver’s paradise with over 60 wrecks. The German P29 patrol boat and British Blenheim bomber from World War II are among the highlights. Visibility ranges from 30 to 40 meters, revealing barracudas, octopuses, and sea turtles.

SS Thistlegorm (Red Sea, Egypt)

The SS Thistlegorm, sunk in 1941, is one of the most famous wrecks in the Red Sea — and the world. It’s a time capsule of World War II, still holding motorcycles, jeeps, and train cars inside its holds.

Black Pearl (Ustica, Italy)

Ustica Island in Italy is a protected marine reserve offering stunning visibility and biodiversity. The wreck of a cargo ship nicknamed the "Black Pearl" lies at 20 meters, ideal for AOWD divers. Underwater caves and light effects make it especially appealing to underwater photographers.

4. Gear & Safety: What You Need to Know

Wreck diving requires careful preparation and strict safety protocols that go beyond basic diving skills.

Wreck Diving Safety Guidelines

• Buoyancy Control: Perfect control is crucial. Poor buoyancy can stir up sediment, reducing visibility to zero and endangering your group.
• Air Management: Follow the "rule of thirds": one-third of your air for the descent, one-third for the return, and one-third as a safety reserve.
• Wreck Penetration: Never enter a wreck without proper training and equipment. Structures can be unstable. A reel and backup light are essential.
• Respect the Site: Wrecks are historical and ecological treasures. Do not remove artifacts or disturb marine life — preserve them for future generations.

Essential Equipment

Some gear is particularly recommended for wreck diving:

• Dive Light: Even during the day, a dive light helps explore tight spaces. A backup light is a smart safety addition.
• Dive Computer: Vital for tracking air consumption, dive time, and no-decompression limits — letting you focus on the wreck itself.
• Prescription Lenses: If you wear glasses, some dual-lens masks support corrective lenses — essential for reading gauges and admiring wrecks.
• Prepare well, choose your wreck wisely, and follow the rules — each wreck dive is a journey through time that can create unforgettable memories.