Evasion Plongee
Google 5/5 (690 reviews)
5.4 km away as the crow flies
Six-Fours · France · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 36 mL'Arroyo, Six-Fours-Les-Plages: Deep Wreck Exploration
Descend to the stern of a 55-meter tanker resting at 36 meters, where conger eels find shelter in its structure.
What makes this site special
- Wreck of a 55-meter tanker
- Stern section at 36 meters with visible rudder and propeller
- Numerous passages for wreck penetration
- Conger eels and octopuses in the wreck's structure
- Schools of Castagnoles and Apogons around the hull
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
L'Arroyo about the site
L'Arroyo is the wreck of a tanker, launched in 1921, which now lies off Six-Fours-Les-Plages. Measuring 55 meters in its operating life, the vessel was scuttled in 1953. Today, the wreck is broken into two main sections, providing a complex structure for exploration. Your descent will bring you towards the deeper stern section, which is primarily located at 36 meters on a sand bottom.
As you approach L'Arroyo, the wreck materializes from the blue, its outline clear within reach of recreational dive limits. The stern section, in particular, offers distinct features such as the rudder and propeller, still largely intact and providing recognizable landmarks as you navigate the site. These are often the first points of interest for divers, giving a sense of the vessel's scale before you move into the main body of the wreck.
The interior of L'Arroyo holds a network of passages. These are accessible and provide opportunities to explore deeper within the structure. Divers often find themselves navigating through the former compartments, where the changing light creates a dynamic atmosphere. Pay attention to your buoyancy here; while the passages are welcoming, contact with the silty bottom should be avoided to maintain visibility.
Marine life has made this wreck its home. You'll commonly encounter conger eels (Conger conger) within the darker recesses of the wreck and octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) in smaller crevices. Chapons (Scorpaena scrofa), with their reddish camouflage, are also present, often nestled amongst the debris. Schools of Castagnoles (Chromis chromis) and Apogons (Apogon imberbis) are frequently seen schooling around the wreck, adding life to the darker metal structures.
Diving L'Arroyo: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
This is an advanced dive, with a maximum depth of 36 meters on the stern section. Due to the depth and potential for penetration, a minimum of an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and at least 50 logged dives is recommended to comfortably explore the site. While the wreck itself offers shelter, conditions can vary, so always assess the sea state and current before beginning your dive.
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Six-Fours
Dive centres in Six-Fours
Hotels in Six-Fours
Frequently asked questions about L'Arroyo
What level do you need for L'Arroyo?
L'Arroyo is an advanced dive because of its depth and potential for wreck penetration. You should hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and have at least 50 logged dives to explore the site comfortably. Good buoyancy control is also important when navigating the wreck's passages and avoiding silty areas.
How deep is L'Arroyo?
L'Arroyo lies between 20 and 36 meters deep. The stern section reaches 36 meters on a sand bottom, with the rudder and propeller providing recognizable landmarks. The depth, combined with the wreck's passages, makes this a demanding site requiring appropriate training, experience, and careful control during exploration.
What currents and conditions should you expect at L'Arroyo?
Conditions at L'Arroyo can vary, even though the wreck itself offers shelter. You should assess the sea state and current before beginning the dive. Inside the wreck, maintain careful buoyancy control and avoid touching the silty bottom, since disturbed sediment can reduce visibility while you navigate the passages.
What can you see while diving L'Arroyo?
At L'Arroyo, you can explore a 55-meter tanker wreck broken into two main sections. The stern has a visible rudder and propeller, while passages lead through former compartments. Conger eels, octopuses, and chapons live among the structure and debris, with schools of Castagnoles and Apogons around the hull.
