Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas
A scuba diver exploring the deep ocean with a flashlight, surrounded by bubbles and marine life.
📷 Maël BALLAND · Pexels

G.M.A.P.

3.9 — based on 16 community signals
4.3 12 species 35 contributors

G.M.A.P. is a French dive site with historical significance tied to World War II. A year-round destination with documented marine life observations.

⭐ Best for advanced divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Advanced
WreckAdvancedOnlyPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
advanced

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
G.M.A.P. location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
12.4 kn
Wave
0.98 m
Water
18.4°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SW (30%)
Now: SW (228°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 5.1m

Next: Low at 04:00 (-1.44m)

+2.1 m0 m-3.0 m
▼ 04:00 · -1.44m ▲ 10:00 · +0.62m ▼ 17:00 · -1.34m ▲ 23:00 · +0.33m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5 · mod Air PM2.56 · good 08:00 20:22
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 13.1 0.98 5 0mm
09-20 6.1 0.9 5 0mm
09-21 8.1 0.74 5 0mm
09-22 6.6 0.54 5 0mm
09-23 8.2 0.9 4 0mm
09-24 4.7 0.86 4 0mm
09-25 7.4 1.66 4 0mm

About this spot

G.M.A.P. in France offers divers a unique blend of history and marine exploration. The site connects to the Battle for Brest, a major 1944 World War II engagement on the Western Front, giving the location deeper cultural and historical context. While specific depth and difficulty ratings aren't formally documented, the site attracts experienced divers interested in wreck diving and historical sites. The area supports marine life year-round, making it accessible to divers throughout the calendar. Community observations have recorded 12 distinct species at the site, providing naturalists and marine enthusiasts with consistent wildlife encounters. Three community-submitted videos offer insight into conditions and what to expect underwater. G.M.A.P. sits outside protected marine areas, which may affect access and regulations depending on local French maritime law. Divers planning trips should verify current conditions and any required permits with local dive operators or maritime authorities before booking. The site's historical dimension makes it particularly rewarding for those seeking both adventure and education beneath the surface.

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

Dive types

Wreck

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 ↔ 448km · ~103kg · €2

FAQ

What's the best time to dive G.M.A.P.?

G.M.A.P. is diveable year-round, so plan based on your schedule and travel preferences rather than seasonal closures. Check local conditions with French maritime authorities before your trip.

What marine life will I see at G.M.A.P.?

Twelve species have been documented by the diving community at G.M.A.P. Check community videos and local operator reports for the most current observations of what's active.

Do I need permits or special access to dive G.M.A.P.?

G.M.A.P. is not inside a protected marine area, but French coastal regulations still apply. Contact local authorities or dive operators to confirm current access requirements and any mandatory permits.

What's the historical significance of G.M.A.P.?

The site is connected to the Battle for Brest, a 1944 World War II battle on the Western Front. This history adds cultural depth to your dive and appeals to history-minded explorers.

Operators near this spot

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

Arimair Plongée

9.8 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

17 records · 14 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Halichoerus grypus

Mammalia · Phocidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Jan 2026
×1records

Marthasterias glacialis

Asteroidea · Asteriidae
GBIF
Last seen:
19 Jan 2026
×2records

Asterias rubens

Asteroidea · Asteriidae
GBIF
Last seen:
19 Jan 2026
×1records

Necora puber

Malacostraca · Polybiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
19 Jan 2026
×1records

Pagurus bernhardus

Malacostraca · Paguridae
GBIF
Last seen:
19 Jan 2026
×1records

Clibanarius erythropus

Malacostraca · Diogenidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×1records

Pachygrapsus marmoratus

Malacostraca · Grapsidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×1records

Eriphia verrucosa

Malacostraca · Eriphiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×1records

Ophiocomina nigra

Ophiuroidea · Ophiotomidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Nucella lapillus

Gastropoda · Muricidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Raja clavata

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
GBIF
Last seen:
13 Jan 2026
×3records

Gibbula magus

Turban top shell
Gastropoda · Trochidae
GBIF
Last seen:
7 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

GMAP Plongée - Cormorandière Ouest

GMAP Brest

Plongée GMAP - Pennou Pell

GMAP Brest

Plongée de Nuit GMAP - Faille Saint Pierre

GMAP Brest

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "À vérifier sur place si ce que j'ai cartographié est correct: https://echanges.brest-metropole.fr/VIPOD03/actes/2026/Ville%20de%20Brest_A%202026-04-1277_Acte.pdf Articles 1, 2, 3"

    XioNoX · 2026-05-10
  • "Est-ce que la dentiste Catherine Saout n'exerce plus ici (25 rue de Lyon) ? Je cherchais le SIRET et je tombe sur ça https://annuaire-entreprises.data.gouv.fr/entreprise/catherine-hubert-saout-332458553 C'est indiqué comme fermé depuis le 31/12/2024, soit avant la création du POI, mais peut-être que sa plaque était toujours affichée dans la rue en février dernier...? En tout cas la page Doctolib fait une erreur 404."

    circle61815971 · 2026-01-03

Nearby spots

Plage du Minou France Surfing
🇫🇷 France

Plage du Minou

Plage du Minou is a year-round French Atlantic surf break near the iconic Petit Minou Lighthouse in Brittany's Finistère region.

Beginner
Pen Hat break France Surfing
🇫🇷 France

Pen Hat break

Pen Hat is a year-round French surf break in the Parc naturel marin d'Iroise marine protected area, near the historic Alignement de Lagatjar stone row in Camaret-sur-Mer.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

D1 United Kingdom Diving
🇬🇧 United Kingdom

D1

HMS D1 is a historic 1909 submarine wreck in UK waters, protected within a Special Area of Conservation and home to marine life observations.

Advanced
Épave John G. Mac Cullough France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Épave John G. Mac Cullough

Épave John G. Mac Cullough is a wreck dive off the French coast, accessible year-round for explorers seeking historical underwater sites.

Advanced Jan·Feb·Mar+
Épave Afrique France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Épave Afrique

Épave Afrique is a shipwreck dive site in France accessible year-round with documented community video content.

Advanced Jan·Feb·Mar+
Épave Sauerland France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Épave Sauerland

Épave Sauerland is a shipwreck dive site in France's protected Gironde estuary, accessible year-round within a marine natural park.

Advanced

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 →