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A diver with a camera explores the ocean depths beneath a boat.
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Wildcat

4.0 — based on 22 community signals
4.2 12 species 26 contributors

Wildcat is a year-round dive site in France's Sanctuaire Pelagos marine protected area, with 12 recorded species observations.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

🐢 MPA · Sanctuaire Pelagos updated 4 months ago
MPAYearRound

At a glance

Activity
dive
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

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

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
12.1 kn
Wave
0.58 m
Water
25°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (22%)
Now: NE (40°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.25m

Next: Low at 05:00 (-0.5m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▼ 05:00 · -0.5m ▼ 08:00 · -0.52m ▲ 14:00 · -0.45m ▼ 23:00 · -0.54m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.6 · mod Air PM2.55 · good 07:18 19:37
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 15.2 0.6 6 0mm
09-20 7.5 0.2 5 0mm
09-21 6.4 0.2 6 0mm
09-22 5.8 0.12 5 0mm
09-23 10.5 0.08 5 0mm
09-24 8.2 0.36 5 0mm
09-25 8 0.48 5 0mm

About this spot

Wildcat sits within the Sanctuaire Pelagos, a marine protected area spanning the waters between France, Italy, and Monaco. This protected status means the site receives conservation attention and restricted access rules. The dive site has generated 12 documented species observations from the diving community, giving divers insight into what marine life inhabits the area. Year-round diving is possible at Wildcat, making it accessible across all seasons. The site benefits from its location in a sanctuary zone, which typically supports healthy marine ecosystems. Community members have shared three videos from the site, offering visual reference for those planning a visit. Before diving Wildcat, check current access requirements within the Sanctuaire Pelagos. Protected areas enforce specific rules about entry, timing, and group size. Local dive operators familiar with sanctuary regulations can guide you through permits and best practices. The recorded species list provides a good baseline for what you might encounter underwater.

📖 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

Marine life

Common octopus

Dive types

Pelagic / blue water

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 ↔ 1064km · ~245kg · €4

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Wildcat?

Wildcat is diveable year-round, so there's no specific seasonal restriction. Check local conditions and sanctuary access rules before planning your trip, as weather and sea state vary by season.

What depth and difficulty level is Wildcat?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not currently documented for Wildcat. Contact local dive operators or check the sanctuary's dive guidelines for current site details.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Wildcat has 12 documented species observations on record. Review the species list from community reports and videos to prepare for your dive and plan your photography or observation goals.

Do I need permits or special approval to dive Wildcat?

Yes—Wildcat lies within the Sanctuaire Pelagos marine protected area, which has specific access rules and permit requirements. Verify current regulations with local dive shops or sanctuary authorities before your visit.

Operators near this spot

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

Lavandou Plongée

5.3 km
Dive centre
Hours: 08:00-12:00; 14:00-18:00

Base de Saint-Clair

5.4 km
Dive centre

CIP Le Lavandou

5.4 km
Dive centre
Hours: 08:00-12:00; 14:00-19:00

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

1 records · 1 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Zonites algirus

Gastropoda · Zonitidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 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.

08 Le Wildcat

KFran6 Dive

Scubadiving in the french riviera (Wildcat, Rubis, Grec, Espingole, Gabinière)

Maël Paufert
💬 2 top comments
  • Magique !

    @albertjean-pierre5708 · 👍 0
  • nickel

    @lionelpaufert5315 · 👍 0

Plongée sur l'épave du WILDCAT (avion) - Bormes les Mimosas - (wreck dive airplane / Epave Var)

Ocean’s globe trotter
💬 2 top comments
  • Les fameux montages des épaves visités en septembre que j’attendais avant de vous envoyer un commentaire... Les images sont sublimes, la musique est idéalement choisie ! À bientôt et bonne continuation de la part de votre ancienne coiffeuse 😊

    @messy01052012 · 👍 1
  • Salut Gilles. Encore un montage d d'enfer !!! T as le Donator ??? Elle était belle celle là aussi 😉

    @gregorylaboue6696 · 👍 1

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Merci d'Ajouter notre restaurant La Table de L'HDLP. Même adresse mais activité différente! Merci Marc"

    HDLP · 2026-05-10
  • "Station de recharge non repertorié Photo·s et/ou informations disponibles ici: https://amenagements-cyclables.fr/fr/contributions/120153 (This note has been created from Geovelo)"

    Geovelo_Notes · 2026-04-23
  • "Un signalement a été effectué par un utilisateur de l'application Cartes IGN : Titre : Parking payant / propriété privé Nom ou type de POI concerné : L'Estagnol Description : Payant pour tous les véhicules 13€ par véhicule Pour les bus 1€ par personne Également motos et vélos"

    Application Cartes IGN · 2026-04-22
  • "Erreur sur la carte route barrée, début de route privée, inaccessible Photo·s et/ou informations disponibles ici: https://amenagements-cyclables.fr/fr/contributions/118167 (This note has been created from Geovelo)"

    Geovelo_Notes · 2026-04-05
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Mar (0/100) Now: Sep (90/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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