Explore Marseille: Archipel de Riou

Diving in the Archipel de Riou near Marseille offers a unique experience due to its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Situated in the heart of the Calanques National Park, this cluster of uninhabited Mediterranean islands presents divers with over 50 official dive sites, catering to all levels of expertise. The underwater landscape is a marvel, featuring craggy slopes, boulders adorned with vibrant gorgonians, and even an intriguing tunnel leading to an open cavern. These geological formations create a mesmerizing backdrop for exploring the depths, reaching a maximum of 22 meters/72 feet.

Marine life is abundant and varied, making each dive an adventure. Divers can expect to encounter octopuses, moray eels, sea stars, and crabs, all thriving in these pristine waters. The diversity of species and the clarity of the water make it a perfect spot for capturing stunning underwater photographs. Whether one prefers shore dives or boat dives, the Riou Archipelago promises an unforgettable experience, enriched by the region's seasonal changes, which bring different marine visitors throughout the year. This makes the Archipel de Riou not just a dive location, but a vibrant sanctuary of marine life and natural wonders.

Upcoming Events

    • Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This world-renowned certification program is the best way to start your adventures of a lifetime as a certified diver. Customized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to give you the skills and experience you need to be truly comfortable underwater. You'll earn your Open Water Diver SSI certification. Program à la carte, contact us other dates available

    CIP Marseille, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008, MARSEILLE, FRA
    June 7, 2026 +111 More
    $767.00
    €660.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This world-renowned certification program is the best way to start your adventures of a lifetime as a certified diver. Customized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to give you the skills and experience you need to be truly comfortable underwater. You'll be certified as an Open Water Diver SSI. CUSTOM PROGRAM >> CONTACT US OTHER AVAILABLE DATES

    ATELIER DE LA MER, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008, MARSEILLE, FRA
    June 7, 2026 +90 More
    $743.75
    €640.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This world-renowned certification program is the best way to start your adventures of a lifetime as a certified diver. Customized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to give you the skills and experience you need to be truly comfortable underwater. A la carte program, please contact us: other dates available.

    PLONGEE TEK MARSEILLE, Atmos, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008, MARSEILLE, FRA
    June 8, 2026 +66 More
    $813.48
    €700.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This world-renowned certification program is the best way to start your adventures of a lifetime as a certified diver. Customized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to give you the skills and experience you need to be truly comfortable underwater. You'll earn your Open Water Diver SSI certification.

    AQUADOMIA, 7 PORT DE LA POINTE ROUGE, 13008, MARSEILLE, FRA
    June 6, 2026 +31 More
    $714.70
    €615.00
    Freediver

    Freediver

    Introduce yourself to freediving in complete safety with Free Diver training, while developing your comfort, relaxation and confidence underwater. This course teaches you the basics of freediving: breathing, immersion techniques, effort management and respect for your limits. Above all, it aims to help you discover the pleasure of freediving, in a progressive, controlled approach that respects your body and the marine environment. At the end of the course, you'll be able to dive with a buddy in the open water to a depth of 20 meters.

    CIP Marseille, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008, MARSEILLE, FRA
    June 8, 2026 +11 More
    $441.60
    €380.00
    Scuba Diver

    Scuba Diver

    With e-learning, confined water and open water dives, the SSI Scuba Diver program is the perfect foundation for becoming a safe and confident diver. You'll learn everything you need to dive in the open water to a depth of 12 meters with an SSI Professional. In this program, you'll complete almost half of the Open Water Diver course and easily upgrade your certification. All you need to do is complete the remaining theory and confined water sessions, plus two open water training dives. À la carte program, please contact us for other available dates.

    CIP Marseille, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008, MARSEILLE, FRA
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    $464.85
    €400.00
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    Scuba Diver

    Package of 3 technical sessions + logbook + digital kit (digital manual + digital certification)

    PLONGEE PASSION CARRY, 12 BLD Lieutenant Jean Valensi, 13620, CARRY LE ROUET, FRA
    June 6, 2026 +101 More
    $453.22
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    Dive Activity

    Diving in Marseille: Archipel de Riou

    The Archipel de Riou, near Marseille, offers a diverse range of dive sites suitable for both shore and liveaboard diving enthusiasts. Among its top attractions is the "Le Chaouen," a renowned wreck dive. This sunken vessel, resting at around 20 meters/66 feet, is a haven for marine life and attracts divers eager to explore its historical remains. Shore diving is equally popular, with the coastline providing easy access to vibrant reefs teeming with groupers and sea bream. Unique experiences include night dives where bioluminescent plankton illuminate the waters, creating an enchanting underwater spectacle. The combination of wrecks, reefs, and night dives makes the Archipel de Riou a must-visit for any dive traveler.

    Dive Centers

    ATELIER DE LA MER

    ATELIER DE LA MER

    Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008 MARSEILLE, France
    CIP Marseille

    CIP Marseille

    Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008 MARSEILLE, France
    PLONGEE TEK MARSEILLE

    PLONGEE TEK MARSEILLE

    Atmos, Port de la Pointe Rouge, 13008 MARSEILLE, France
    Paradis Plongée

    Paradis Plongée

    710 Chemin du Littoral, 13016 Marseille, France

    PLONGEE PASSION CARRY

    12 BLD Lieutenant Jean Valensi, 13620 CARRY LE ROUET, France

    AQUADOMIA

    7 PORT DE LA POINTE ROUGE, 13008 MARSEILLE, France

    UCPA Cap Croisette

    chemin des Croisettes, 13008 MARSEILLE, France

    Dive Sites

    Philippe M. (#1864557)
    Les Moyades <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Les Moyades (★4.5)

    Small rocky island located south of Marseille, off the Calanques massif. It is part of the Riou archipelago, a beautiful canyon followed by a drop off. It is not uncommon to see groupers, greater forkbeards, eels, anthias, damsel fish and even barrakudas.
    Philippe M. (#1864557)
    Les Pharillons <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Les Pharillons (★4.2)

    The Pharillons are located at the southern tip of Maïre Island, they are two rocks. A beautiful drop off with two main arches and other smaller ones.
    SSI Service Center France, 38320 Eybens Cedex
    Impérial du milieu <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Impérial du milieu (★4.3)

    The Impériaux are part of the Riou Archipelago and represent 3 rocks to the north-east of the island, making them one of Marseille's best-known divesThe Impérial du milieu is located in the middle of the 3 rocks, as its name suggests.
    Philippe M. (#1864557)
    Le Messerschmitt <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Le Messerschmitt (★4.4)

    Still well preserved, the wreck lies on its back at a depth of around 44 meters to the north of the islet. Look out for its resident lobster or a grouper hidden under a wing! The Messerschmitt can easily be paired with the wrecks of the Chaouen and Dalton, for a memorable dive albeit reserved for experienced divers.
    Jeremy N. (#3839409)
    Pierre à Joseph <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Pierre à Joseph (★4.5)

    Rocky reef starting on Plane and heading towards Riou. Small drop-off with many schools of fish: on the high rocky scree transforming into a small plateau. Heading out to sea, a canyon forms between the reef and a hill below -marine. the current can be very strong.
    Philippe M. (#1864557)
    Tombant du Planier <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Tombant du Planier (★4.5)

    Off the coast of Marseilles, Planier Island is an emblematic site, visible from all around the harbor.
    Pierre D. (#2929148)
    Dalton <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Dalton (★4.6)

    The Dalton wreck, off the coast of Marseille, is a popular dive site for experienced divers. The wreck lies at a depth of between 20 and 40 metres and is only accessible to experienced divers.
    SSI Service Center France, 38320 Eybens Cedex
    épave du Liban <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    épave du Liban (★4.4)

    On 17 June 1903, less than an hour after leaving the port of Marseille for Bastia, the liner was rammed on the starboard bow by the Insular, returning from Toulon with about forty passengers on board and preparing to enter the roadstead near the Ile Maïre.
    Scubapro
    Impérial du Large <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Impérial du Large (★4.6)

    The Impériaux are part of the Riou Archipelago and represent 3 rocks to the north-east of the island, making them one of the best-known dives in Marseille.
    Scubapro
    Télévision <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Télévision (★4.7)

    “La Télévision“ dive site is located on the south side of the Riou archipelago, near Marseille. It owes its name to the bluish light that penetrates the cave, reminiscent of an old cathode-ray tube.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Impérial de Terre <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Impérial de Terre (★4.4)

    The Impériaux are part of the Riou Archipelago and represent 3 rocks to the northeast of the island, making them one of Marseille's best-known dives.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    la Grotte du CNRS <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    la Grotte du CNRS (★4.2)

    The CNRS cave is a vast diving site off the coast of Marseille. The entrance to this imposing cave, measuring around 10 meters high and 10 meters wide, lies at a depth of between 20 and 25 meters.
    Mares
    Caramassaigne <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Caramassaigne (★4.3)

    Plongée à l’aplomb de la pointe, superbe tombant, nous arrivons à une marche entre Riou et le Grand Conglué avec de multitudes trous. En revenant et remontant de gros blocs de pierres sur un plateau fourni en vie marine.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Les Pierres Tombées - Caramassaigne <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Les Pierres Tombées - Caramassaigne (★4.3)

    The Pierres Tombées dive site, located near the Pointe de Caramassaigne in Riou, is a popular spot for its spectacular rock formations. Accessible to intermediate to advanced divers, the site lies at depths of between 7 and 40 meters.
    Mares
    La Pierre de Cassis <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    La Pierre de Cassis (★4.1)

    The Pierre de Cassis, located at the Grand Conglue rock, is a popular dive site for its underwater plateau, which gradually descends towards the open sea, ending in a beak. This site is accessible to intermediate to advanced divers, with depths varying between 20 and 40 metres.

    The best Months to dive in Marseille: Archipel de Riou

    The Archipel de Riou near Marseille offers diverse diving conditions year-round. Water temperatures range from 13°C–22°C/55°F–72°F, with the warmest months being June to September. Visibility typically extends from 10 to 20 meters/33 to 66 feet, providing clear views of marine life and underwater landscapes.

    Diving is possible throughout the year, though the best conditions are from late spring to early fall. Winter months can bring stronger Mistral winds, impacting surface conditions and creating occasional strong currents, making some days less favorable for diving. Planning around weather forecasts is advisable to ensure the best experience.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Marseille: Archipel de Riou

    Located off the coast of Marseille, the Archipel de Riou is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity, thriving with colorful reef fish and fascinating seasonal visitors. Divers can expect to see common reef inhabitants such as damselfish, wrasse, and groupers. These species are abundant throughout the year, offering a vibrant display of marine life. During warmer months, the archipelago becomes a hotspot for sightings of larger marine animals. It's not uncommon to encounter rays gliding gracefully through the water, and occasionally, divers might spot loggerhead turtles. While shark sightings are rarer, they do occur, particularly in deeper waters. The likelihood of encountering such species often depends on the season and specific dive sites within the archipelago.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    1.9k Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    21
    M
    34
    A
    94
    M
    260
    J
    232
    J
    338
    A
    406
    S
    241
    O
    171
    N
    92
    D
    28

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    902 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    4
    M
    10
    A
    48
    M
    112
    J
    94
    J
    127
    A
    209
    S
    109
    O
    124
    N
    51
    D
    12

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    723 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    3
    M
    15
    A
    40
    M
    122
    J
    121
    J
    160
    A
    130
    S
    58
    O
    29
    N
    25
    D
    11

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    157 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    6
    M
    9
    A
    10
    M
    53
    J
    24
    J
    2
    A
    6
    S
    9
    O
    12
    N
    15
    D
    7

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    2.2k Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    21
    M
    39
    A
    82
    M
    305
    J
    272
    J
    369
    A
    514
    S
    294
    O
    206
    N
    106
    D
    25

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    1k Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    16
    M
    18
    A
    67
    M
    158
    J
    118
    J
    154
    A
    194
    S
    112
    O
    101
    N
    71
    D
    14

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    229 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    4
    M
    15
    A
    24
    M
    58
    J
    20
    J
    18
    A
    25
    S
    13
    O
    22
    N
    18
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 190

    Alamy-Water Frame
    Conger Eel

    Conger Eel
    137 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    5
    A
    11
    M
    5
    J
    33
    J
    19
    A
    23
    S
    9
    O
    9
    N
    17
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    80 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    6
    M
    7
    A
    6
    M
    4
    J
    13
    J
    14
    A
    5
    S
    4
    O
    10
    N
    2
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    57 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    2
    A
    8
    M
    13
    J
    4
    J
    10
    A
    4
    S
    4
    O
    6
    N
    2
    D
    2