Diving La Rade de Cherbourg

Site Overview

La Rade de Cherbourg is a wreck and reef dive site in Normandy – D-Day Wrecks & Channel, France, reached from the base town of Cherbourg. La Rade de Cherbourg holds a scatter of small wrecks, mooring blocks and artificial reefs in 5-25 m of water. They are rich in macro life and perfect for training. The site reaches a maximum depth of 22 m with an average profile around 14 m and a shallow start near 5 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 20 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 9 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, European Lobster, Conger Eel, Small-spotted Catshark, Pollock, Spider Crab, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. La Rade de Cherbourg is a strong representative of why Normandy – D-Day Wrecks & Channel 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 Normandy – D-Day Wrecks & Channel 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.