Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas
Scuba divers exploring underwater terrain in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
📷 Harvey Clements · Pexels

Amphores du frioul

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.2 12 species 22 contributors

Amphores du Frioul is a protected dive site near Marseille featuring ancient amphora wrecks within the Calanques National Park.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Parc national des Calanques (a… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAArchaeologicalSiteShore entry

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Amphores du frioul location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
9.4 kn
Wave
0.6 m
Water
22.1°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (26%)
Now: NW (326°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.24m

Next: Low at 07:00 (-0.58m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▼ 07:00 · -0.58m ▲ 15:00 · -0.49m ▼ 17:00 · -0.5m ▼ 23:00 · -0.59m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.35 · mod Air PM2.53 · good 07:22 19:41
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 10.8 0.62 5 0mm
09-20 6.5 0.18 5 0mm
09-21 6.1 0.34 6 0mm
09-22 6.4 0.14 6 0mm
09-23 10.7 0.04 6 0mm
09-24 5.8 0.06 5 0mm
09-25 7.1 0.24 5 0mm

About this spot

Amphores du Frioul sits in the waters around Pomègues island off Marseille, France. This dive site is protected as part of the Parc national des Calanques, an area of strict marine conservation. The site is known for its historical significance—divers explore ancient amphora remnants scattered on the seabed, a window into Roman maritime trade. The protected status means access is regulated, but this protection also preserves both the archaeological artifacts and the surrounding marine ecosystem. The site attracts divers interested in history, archaeology, and Mediterranean diving. Community footage and species observations confirm active diving interest here. Because the site lies within a national park's adhesion zone, respect for the marine environment is essential. Before planning a dive, check current access rules with local authorities or dive operators familiar with the Calanques regulations.

📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs

Dive types

WreckShore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1009km · ~232kg · €4

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Amphores du Frioul?

The site is accessible year-round, though Mediterranean conditions vary seasonally. Spring through autumn typically offer calmer seas and better conditions. Always check local forecasts and park regulations before booking.

What depths and difficulty level should I expect?

Specific depth and difficulty data for this site are not documented in available sources. Contact local Marseille dive operators or the Calanques National Park office for current site specifications and requirements.

What marine life will I see?

The site hosts Mediterranean marine species typical of the Calanques region. Community observations confirm active marine life presence. Specific species lists are best obtained from recent diver reports or local operators.

How do I access the site and what permits do I need?

Amphores du Frioul is within the Parc national des Calanques adhesion zone, meaning access is regulated. You must dive with authorized operators or obtain permits through the park. Contact the Calanques National Park or established dive centers in Marseille for current access procedures.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Marseille Côté Mer Plongée (MCMP)

6.1 km
Dive centre

Atoll Plongée

6.6 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-20:00

UCPA Cap Croisette

6.6 km
Dive centre

Centre UCPA - Niolon

8.6 km
Dive centre

GRASM - CEFERAS Centre de plongée

5.7 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

CDM - Tombant Tiboulen de Frioul - 25/10/2020 - HD

guadeira

Plongée à la recherche des amphores de l'archipel du Frioul

Aurelien

Mémoire engloutie : l'histoire des amphores du Frioul

Florian Launette
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Mar (0/100) Now: Sep (95/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

Nearby spots

Cavau France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Cavau

Cavau is a year-round dive site in France's Calanques National Park, with 12 species observations and 3 community videos documenting marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Pierre fendue France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Pierre fendue

Pierre Fendue is a year-round dive site in France's Parc national des Calanques, protected and rich in marine life.

Beginner
Junker 88 France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Junker 88

Junker 88 is a historic wreck dive in France's Frioul archipelago, accessible year-round within the Calanques National Park.

Advanced Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

Punta Chiappa Levante Italy Diving
🇮🇹 Italy

Punta Chiappa Levante

Punta Chiappa Levante is a year-round dive site off Italy's coast, featuring a historic defensive battery within a marine protected area.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Fort Pickens Jetties United States Diving
🇺🇸 United States

Fort Pickens Jetties

Fort Pickens Jetties is a year-round dive destination near a historic Civil War fort in Florida's Panhandle, offering accessible wreck and structure diving.

Beginner 6m Jan·Feb·Mar+
Diving
🇮🇩 Indonesia

Tulamben — USAT Liberty Wreck

Dive the USAT Liberty, a 120m cargo ship sunk in 1942, in Tulamben's shallow, beginner-friendly waters off Bali's northeast coast.

Beginner 5–30m
Avalon Dive Park United States Diving
🇺🇸 United States

Avalon Dive Park

Avalon Dive Park is a year-round California dive site inside a state marine conservation area with accessible wreck and reef diving.

Beginner

Suggest an operator

Know a great dive shop, kite school, or local guide at this spot? Tell us — we'll review and add it.

Up to 500 characters
Plan
View →