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.
Tonight's objective overview for Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton shows an air temperature of 15.6°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.26m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
43.1988, 5.2298
Key Dive Site Facts
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.
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.
Climate Historical Averages
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
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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers who spend more time observing marine life often prefer slightly warmer gear.
Divers exploring Ile du Planier - Epave du Dalton today will likely encounter water temperatures close to 17°C (63°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 16°C (60°F). Water temperatures in this range are often well suited to diving with 5-7mm wetsuit. A thermal robe or jacket is recommended between dives.
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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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.
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Frequently 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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