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📷 Leonardo Lamas · Pexels

Epave Catalina

4.0 — based on 21 community signals
4.2 12 species 24 contributors

Epave Catalina is a wreck dive off France accessible year-round. Explore a submerged aircraft with 12 species observations logged by the community.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
WreckBoatOnlyYearRoundPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Marine life
Nudibranch

Top operators here

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Map

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Epave Catalina location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
8.5 kn
Wave
2.26 m
Water
26.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: S (38%)
Now: S (177°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.31m

Today: High 11:00 (+0.6m), Low 06:00 (+0.55m)

+0.8 m+0.5 m
▼ 06:00 · +0.55m ▲ 11:00 · +0.6m ▼ 17:00 · +0.53m ▲ 23:00 · +0.63m Now +0.6m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV8.6 · very high Air PM2.510 · good 05:50 17:53
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 9.5 2.46 9 0mm
09-19 3.6 2.18 7 0mm
09-20 4.9 1.66 6 4mm
09-21 5.9 1.3 8 2mm
09-22 5.6 1.38 6 7mm
09-23 3.9 2.08 9 11mm
09-24 4 2.08 9 13mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions

About this spot

Epave Catalina is a wreck dive site located in French waters. The site centers on a submerged aircraft that attracts divers seeking wreck exploration. Year-round access means you can plan a dive trip to this spot across any season. The site sits outside a marine protected area, giving it different regulatory status than some neighboring waters. Community divers have documented 12 species observations at the wreck, suggesting solid marine life presence. Three community videos exist showing conditions and wildlife around the site, so check dive forums and video platforms before your trip to get a sense of what to expect topside and underwater.

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

Marine life

Nudibranch

Dive types

WreckBoat

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 · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 15370km · ~3535kg · €64

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Epave Catalina?

The site is diveable year-round. Check local conditions and water temperature before booking, as seasons in French waters vary. Community videos and dive forums will show recent conditions and visibility.

What is the depth and difficulty level?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not documented for this site. Contact local French dive operators before your trip to confirm current conditions, depth ranges, and skill requirements.

What marine life can I expect?

Twelve species observations have been recorded by the diving community at this wreck. Watch the three available community videos to see recent sightings and get a realistic preview of marine life around the Catalina.

Do I need permits or special access?

The site is not inside a marine protected area, but you should verify current local regulations with French authorities or a dive operator before diving. Check access conditions and any requirements for wreck diving in French waters.

Operators near this spot

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

Eleuthera Plongée

4.7 km
Dive centre
Hours: 07:00-17:30

Ecole de plongée de Tahiti

8.3 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 07:30-17:00

Epave Catalina

0 km
Dive centre

Vallée des requins

1.1 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Tahitian Wreck Diving (including a PBY Catalina Flying Boat)

Adventures of Two Afloat
💬 3 top comments
  • I freaking love you guys!

    @afrikandsansir · 👍 2
  • Very envious of you both!!! Enjoy the ride

    @llewellyntoth5505 · 👍 1
  • 🐠🐠 I have been PADI certified for 25 years and I was never taught that surface kiss at the end of the dive

    @dh5645 · 👍 1

Catalina Wreck Point 1202 2021 #catalinawreckbiak #diving #biakpapuaindonesia

Kaffeine Diver's

épave du Catalina Faa'a

Francky de Tahiti
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Mar (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (89/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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