Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas
A diver explores underwater depths with bubbles rising in the turquoise ocean water.
📷 Kindel Media · Pexels

Gouffre de Cabouy

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.1 6 species 10 contributors

Gouffre de Cabouy is a natural sinkhole dive in France's Causses du Quercy protected park, offering year-round exploration in a unique geological setting.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

🐢 MPA · Parc naturel régional des Caus… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
MPAShore entryFreshwaterDive

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Gouffre de Cabouy location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
1.4 kn
Wave
m
Water
—°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NNW (28%)
Now: SE (124°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0m
+0.0 m0 m+0.0 m
Now +0.0m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.45 · mod Air PM2.54 · good 07:37 19:57
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 5.3 5 0mm
09-20 7.4 5 0mm
09-21 8.5 5 0mm
09-22 4.7 5 0mm
09-23 10.3 5 0mm
09-24 7.4 5 0mm
09-25 9.8 5 0mm

About this spot

Gouffre de Cabouy is a sinkhole dive located in the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy in France. This distinctive site sits within a protected natural area known for its limestone karst landscape and geological significance. The site offers divers access to a unique freshwater environment shaped by natural subsidence and water erosion over centuries. The dive takes place in a protected marine area (MPA), which means the site is managed to preserve its ecological and geological character. Local documentation includes species observations from the area, giving divers insight into the wildlife present. Community videos from the location provide visual reference for planning a visit and understanding dive conditions on-site. Divers interested in geological formations and freshwater sinkhole diving will find this location distinct from typical reef or wreck dives. The setting reflects the dramatic natural topography of the Causses plateau region. Access and specific depth or visibility data should be confirmed with local dive operators familiar with current conditions at the site. The year-round accessibility makes Gouffre de Cabouy a reliable destination for those exploring France's inland diving opportunities. Its protected status underscores the ecological importance of the location and the need to respect guidelines during visits.

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

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

Cave

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 ↔ 758km · ~174kg · €3

FAQ

Can I dive Gouffre de Cabouy year-round?

Yes, the site is accessible year-round. Check with local operators for seasonal variations in water conditions and visibility before planning your trip.

What depth and difficulty level is this dive?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not documented. Contact local dive operators in the Causses du Quercy area for current site conditions and recommended experience levels.

What marine life will I see?

Six species observations are documented at the site. Local guides and community videos can provide details on typical fauna. Conditions vary seasonally.

Do I need permits to dive here?

The site lies within the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy, a protected area. Check with park authorities and local operators about any access restrictions or permits required.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Gouffre de Cabouy. Lot, France: Full-Cave Training Day 1 Long Ver. -19.09.2022

Kazushi Noiri

Diving Gouffre de Cabouy | Lot France | 09-06-2023

Willem Takens
💬 1 top comments
  • nice viz...

    @bjv3156 · 👍 0

We Had One Shot to Film This 3.2km CAVE DIVE into France’s Hidden River | Gouffre de Cabouy

Dive SAGA - Scuba diving
💬 3 top comments
  • You can get your own Insta360 X5 here, and it supports the DiveSAGA channel: 👉 www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_term=INRGIFZ 💬 What's your longest dive or furthest distance? It's not a contest but it's fun to discuss! Let me know in the comments! 😱 Diving Marchepied Cave in Lot, France https://youtu.be/LYGOi0yGn_I 👨‍🚀 Trimix dive to 120m/400ft https://youtu.be/mFjiWn1EhO8 🦈 Finding Snoo

    @DiveSAGA · 👍 1
  • What? Another Dive Saga video in a new cave? Man, what you manage to dive in a year is what others dream of for a lifetime. I’m really happy for you that you get to experience all this—and for us that we get to be along for the ride. Dive safe.

    @Homie111092 · 👍 8
  • That cruise is nuts!!! Thank you so mich to have share it ❤

    @Powerlifter888 · 👍 2

Nearby spots

Gouffre de Poumayssen France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Gouffre de Poumayssen

Gouffre de Poumayssen is a protected sinkhole dive in France's Causses du Quercy regional park, offering year-round access to a unique freshwater system.

Advanced
Diving
🇫🇷 France

Font del Truffe

Font del Truffe is a year-round freshwater dive in France's Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy, protected and rich with local aquatic life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

Diving
🇫🇷 France

Goule de Marcenac

Goule de Marcenac is a protected dive site in France's Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy, offering year-round access to a unique karst environment.

Intermediate
Diving
🇫🇷 France

Résurgence de la Landenouse

Freshwater spring dive in northern France with unique geological formations and year-round access for experienced divers.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+
Carrière d'Éguzon France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Carrière d'Éguzon

Carrière d'Éguzon is a freshwater dive site in France with a unique submerged castle structure and year-round access.

Intermediate
Grotte à corail France Diving
🇫🇷 France

Grotte à corail

Grotte à corail is a protected dive site in Marseille's Calanques National Park, offering year-round diving with coral formations and diverse marine life.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+

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 →