Diving the Gouf de Capbreton

Site Overview

Gouf de Capbreton is a canyon and pelagic dive site in Atlantic Coast, France, reached from the base town of Capbreton. The Gouf de Capbreton is a deep submarine canyon plunging off the Basque coast, a magnet for pelagics like tuna, dolphins and whales. It is a technical-only dive to extreme depth, with clear, cold water and the chance of big animals in the blue. The site reaches a maximum depth of 60 m with an average profile around 40 m and a shallow start near 20 m, which places it firmly in the technical category and means divers should hold at least an Technical / Trimix certification. Conditions are typical of the French coastal coast: visibility generally runs from 15 to 35 metres, the current is strong, and the water temperature ranges between 11 and 18 degrees Celsius with high surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Common Dolphin, Basking Shark, Atlantic Bonito, Conger Eel, European Lobster, Pollock, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. Gouf de Capbreton is a strong representative of why Atlantic Coast diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define French underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Atlantic Coast region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck or reef enthusiasts alike.