Diving the Gouffre de Padirac

30m Max

10-25m Vis

shore

Site Overview

Gouffre de Padirac is a cave and cavern dive site in Inland France, France, reached from the base town of Rocamadour. The Gouffre de Padirac is a spectacular flooded chasm in the Lot, reached by guided boat tours and, for trained cave divers, by permit. The underground river is crystal clear and constantly cold, a true technical cave environment. The site reaches a maximum depth of 30 m with an average profile around 20 m and a shallow start near 5 m, which places it firmly in the technical category and means divers should hold at least an Cave Certification certification. Conditions are typical of the French inland freshwater coast: visibility generally runs from 10 to 25 metres, the current is mild, and the water temperature ranges between 13 and 13 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on European Eel, Stone Crayfish, Common Roach, European Perch, Brown Trout, Tench, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. Gouffre de Padirac is a strong representative of why Inland France 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 Inland France 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.

Dive Briefing

"Entry is made by a shore entry near Rocamadour, and divers should check in with a local centre in Rocamadour before entering the water. The Gouffre de Padirac is a spectacular flooded chasm in the Lot, reached by guided boat tours and, for trained cave divers, by permit. The underground river is crystal clear and constantly cold, a true technical cave environment. Plan your profile around a maximum depth of 30 m and an average of 20 m, keeping a close eye on gas and, in the deeper or enclosed sections, on the low surge. Buoyancy control matters here: the rock bottom and submerged structures are easily disturbed, and Flooded chasm, Enclosed cave, Cold water are real considerations throughout the dive. The cave and cavern topography offers cavern, and the marine life centres on European Eel, Stone Crayfish, Common Roach, European Perch, Brown Trout, Tench alongside the other species listed for the site. Take a moment to review the site-specific hazards with your guide, because conditions at Gouffre de Padirac can shift with wind and tide and change the feel of the dive. A safe ascent with a surface marker buoy and a clear exit plan completes the dive, with emergency cover routed through Centre Hyperbare, Hopital de Cahors."