Diving atIle du Planier - Epave du Dalton (France)
Experiencing the Epave du Dalton offers a compelling journey into maritime history beneath the waves. This 70.5-meter cargo ship, which sank in 1928, provides a rich opportunity for certified divers to explore a historical shipwreck. It's a challenging yet rewarding dive, allowing you to trace the vessel's past as you navigate its various sections. A dive truly connects adventurers with the legacy of a bygone era.
As evening covers Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton, the local air temperature is measured at 18.5°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.1 m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Epave du Dalton, a 70.5-meter (231 ft) cargo ship built in 1877, rests on its port side off Ile du Planier. Its bow, heavily damaged and largely scattered, starts at approximately 15 m (49 ft) deep in rocky scree, showing little resemblance to its original form.
Moving towards the stern, the structure becomes more recognizable, revealing more of its original contours. A central section displays remnants of machines and boilers, although superstructures have largely collapsed over time, indicating the impact of decades underwater. Further aft, a stern remains in a considerably better state of preservation; here, its railing has endured, and sections of the bridge are still intact.
An aft hold is accessible for exploration, offering intriguing swim-throughs for trained divers. Most striking features of the wreck, the propeller and rudder, are situated at its deepest point, around 33 m (108 ft).
This historical site served as a lead ingot transporter, having sunk on February 19, 1928, after striking a reef and being abandoned near the island. Such a significant event left a well-preserved monument for divers to explore today.
Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton show 19° air, 18° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 30 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Opting for the best time to dive the Epave du Dalton involves considering both comfort and sea conditions. A period from May through October generally offers the most favorable circumstances, marked by "good" to "excellent" dive scores. During these months, average air temperatures are considerably warmer, ranging from 18°C (64°F) in May to highs of 25°C (77°F) in July and August. Rainfall is minimal, with July averaging only 0.49mm and June and August also experiencing very low precipitation. Conditions contribute to the "calm seas and light winds" crucial for accessing and enjoying this wreck site. In contrast, months like January and March present "moderate" dive scores, with cooler average air temperatures around 9-12°C (48-54°F) and higher chances of rain, making conditions less ideal for wreck exploration. February, despite cooler air temps, can still offer good diving, but overall, warmer, drier months provide a more consistent and pleasant experience.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Diving the Epave du Dalton involves navigating a progressive depth profile, beginning at the more deteriorated bow section around 15 m (49 ft) and descending to the intact stern at 33 m (108 ft). This depth range necessitates at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, with PADI Deep Diver training being beneficial for comfortable exploration of the deeper sections. The wreck lies in saltwater, and while general conditions for diving the Dalton are typically described as possible in "calm seas and light winds," divers should be aware that currents in the broader Planier area can sometimes be strong. Visibility at nearby sites is often excellent, suggesting similar conditions can be expected here, enhancing the exploration of the ship's structure. Exploring the stern, with its preserved railing, bridge, and accessible aft hold, offers a rewarding experience, culminating at the rudder and propeller.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching the Epave du Dalton requires careful consideration of wreck diving protocols and personal skill levels. As a "Confirmé" level dive, it is best suited for experienced divers, with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver certifications highly recommended due to the depth range. Entry to the site is exclusively by boat, as Ile du Planier itself is not publicly accessible. While the immediate conditions for diving the Dalton are advised to be "calm seas and light winds," divers should be prepared for potential stronger currents in the wider Planier archipelago. Thorough dive planning, including monitoring weather and sea conditions, is paramount. Always ensure you are diving with appropriate redundant equipment and a qualified guide, especially when considering any internal penetration of the wreck's accessible holds.
Recommended Equipment
Deep dive hazard. Increased narcosis and gas consumption risk.
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton, France. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Some divers prefer slightly warmer exposure protection simply for additional comfort.
5-7mm wetsuit usually works well for maintaining comfort during standard dive profiles in these conditions. Surface intervals may feel cooler. The surrounding waters at Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton are currently registering temperatures of roughly 18°C (64°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 19°C (66°F).
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
service de médecine hyperbare
24/7 ListedICU CapableMarseille, France•Approx. 16 km straight-line
service de médecine hyperbare
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
service de medecine hyperbare
Marseille, France•Approx. 17 km straight-line
service de medecine hyperbare
Facility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Service de médecine Hyperbare et d'Expertise Plongée
24/7 ListedICU CapableToulon, France•Approx. 57 km straight-line
Service de médecine Hyperbare et d'Expertise Plongée
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton
Seabed surrounding Ile du Planier is known for its "exceptional seabed," and the Epave du Dalton wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting local marine fauna. While specific inhabitants of the Dalton itself are not consistently reported, nearby dive sites in the Planier archipelago are described as having "abundant fauna" and "many schools of fish." You might encounter various reef fish congregating around the wreck's structure. Walls of other sites in the area are noted to be covered in anemones and coral, suggesting that similar sessile life could be colonizing the more stable parts of the Dalton. Look for crustaceans sheltering within crevices and the occasional larger pelagic passing by.
Dive Sites Near Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton
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Dive Centers Near Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton
Working Hours
Today: Closed
Born To Dive Diving Center
Divecenter Ile D'Or
Nearest Airports
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What type of wreck is the Dalton?
The Dalton is a 70.5-meter (231 ft) cargo ship, built in 1877, that was transporting lead ingots when it sank. It now rests on its port side.
What is the maximum depth for diving the Epave du Dalton?
The wreck's maximum depth is approximately 33 meters (108 feet) at the stern, where the propeller and rudder are located. The bow section starts shallower, around 15 meters (49 feet).
What level of diving experience is required for this site?
This site is accessible to intermediate to advanced divers, classified as "Confirmé." PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver certifications are recommended due to the depth.
When did the Dalton sink?
The Dalton sank on February 19, 1928, after striking the reef of La Pierre à la Bague and being abandoned near Ile du Planier.
Can divers enter the wreck?
The aft hold of the Dalton is described as accessible, allowing for some penetration. Divers should only attempt this with appropriate training, equipment, and experience.
What marine life can be expected at the wreck?
While specific sightings vary, the wreck generally attracts abundant local fauna and schools of fish. Nearby sites also feature anemones and coral, suggesting similar life may colonize the Dalton.
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Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton show 19° air, 18° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 30 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.