Diving atRubis (France)
Resting at a significant depth, the Rubis submarine preserves a chapter of French naval history. This 66 m / 217 ft long vessel, originally launched in 1931, became a decorated veteran of WWII. Earning the nickname "Comrade of the Liberation" for its wartime service, the submarine's journey ended in 1958 when it was scuttled, now an extraordinary underwater monument for advanced divers.
Tonight's objective overview for Rubis shows an air temperature of 13.6°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.42m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
43.1800, 6.7000
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Exploring the Rubis presents a compelling deep wreck experience in the Mediterranean. The French Navy vessel, built in 1931, lies perfectly upright on a clear sandy bottom, its impressive length visible in good conditions.
Conning tower, periscopes, and deck gun remain largely in place, allowing divers to trace the vessel's storied past and appreciate its remarkable structural integrity. Intricate details of its military past are distinctly visible, a somber yet fascinating sight. Sheer scale and preservation create a captivating atmosphere.
Relative clarity of the surrounding sand contributes to excellent ambient light, enhancing the sense of discovery even at considerable depth. As an artificial reef, it now harbors a vibrant ecosystem.
Access typically involves a boat trip from Cavalaire, Saint-Tropez, or Le Lavandou, setting the stage for a deep and rewarding exploration of a historical monument beneath the waves. A complete submarine, rather than broken sections, provides a distinct visual journey.
Best Time to Dive
Planning your dive to the Rubis should align with the best conditions for a deep wreck exploration. Experience-wise, the period from May to October consistently provides good diving scores, with average air temperatures ranging comfortably from 18-26°C / 64-79°F. During these months, average wave heights are generally lower, typically below 0.8 meters, and rain is minimal, often less than 2 mm per month, which helps maintain visibility and comfort. Water temperatures during this prime season typically range from 16-24°C / 61-75°F, calling for appropriate exposure protection. Outside this window, particularly from November to March, conditions become more moderate, with higher average wave heights and increased rainfall. This makes diving more challenging and less predictable, impacting the overall 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 Rubis submarine requires advanced certification; the vessel rests at approximately 40 m / 130 ft, with many divers exploring around 35 m. Visibility is often exceptional, frequently extending 35-40 meters, allowing full appreciation of the submarine's imposing structure. A bright sandy seabed beneath the wreck further enhances light penetration even at depth. While usually clear, currents can sometimes be strong, necessitating careful dive planning and good buoyancy control to navigate around the vessel. Approaching the bow, then moving towards the conning tower, provides a comprehensive view of the entire vessel. The deep wreck presents a significant perspective on a preserved piece of history.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
For a safe and enjoyable dive on the Rubis, advanced wreck diving experience and meticulous planning are crucial. Given the average depth and potential for strong currents, proper gas management, including contingency planning for decompression, is essential. Always ensure your dive computer is set for appropriate deep diving limits. Staying updated on local weather forecasts and sea conditions prior to your trip is also important, as wave action and currents can dictate site accessibility. Dive with a buddy or group, maintaining communication and awareness of each other throughout the dive. Respect the wreck's integrity; do not attempt penetrations unless specifically trained and equipped for such technical dives.
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
With water temperatures around 17°C (63°F), many divers find a 5-7mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Local conditions can vary slightly across different parts of the same dive site.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming 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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Currency
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Marine Life at Rubis
Rubis has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting a diverse range of marine life. Around the wreck, you'll often encounter substantial groupers and dentex, which hunt in the structure. Inside the gaping hatches and crevices within the hull, large conger eels and moray eels have found refuge. Schools of vibrant anthias and wrasses flutter around the bow, especially near the chain cutter. White sandy bottom surrounding the submarine also contributes to its ecosystem, making for an active dive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What certification level is required for diving the Rubis?
Diving the Rubis demands an advanced open water certification or equivalent due to its maximum depth of 40 meters and potential for strong currents. Experience with deep diving and wreck environments is highly beneficial for this site.
What is the historical significance of the Rubis?
Rubis was a French Navy submarine launched in 1931, notable for its distinguished service in WWII where it earned the nickname "Comrade of the Liberation" for sinking 22 battleships. Scuttled in 1958, it now serves as an underwater historical monument.
How intact is the Rubis wreck?
The Rubis wreck is remarkably intact, lying perfectly upright on the seabed. Its conning tower, periscopes, and deck gun are still in place, making it an excellent example of a preserved submarine wreck.
What are the typical visibility and water temperatures?
Visibility at the site is generally excellent, often reaching 35-40 meters. Water temperatures during the best diving season (May-October) range from 16-24°C / 61-75°F.
What type of marine life inhabits the Rubis wreck?
The Rubis has become an active artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life. Divers frequently observe large groupers and dentex hunting around the structure. Conger eels and moray eels find shelter within the hull's openings, while schools of anthias and wrasses often gather near the bow.
Are currents a factor when diving the Rubis?
Currents can occasionally be strong at the Rubis, requiring careful dive planning and good buoyancy control. Monitoring local conditions before your dive helps manage this aspect, ensuring a smoother exploration of the wreck.
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