Diving La Barre de Bayonne

Site Overview

La Barre de Bayonne is a drift and reef dive site in Atlantic Coast, France, reached from the base town of Bayonne. La Barre de Bayonne is the bar at the mouth of the Adour river, a current-swept drift dive with amberjack and dentex. The mixed fresh and salt water brings nutrients and a steady flow of fish. The site reaches a maximum depth of 20 m with an average profile around 12 m and a shallow start near 4 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the French coastal coast: visibility generally runs from 6 to 16 metres, the current is strong, and the water temperature ranges between 13 and 20 degrees Celsius with high surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Common Dentex, Amberjack, Two-banded Seabream, Conger Eel, Common Octopus, Common Cuttlefish, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. La Barre de Bayonne 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.