French winter water temperature

[kirehe]

does anyone know how warm the water is in the mediterranean by france (particularly, around marseilles) around new years? what type of wetsuit is recommended for that time of the year?

thanks,
ERIK

[fbbomao]

When I was on the côte d'Azur it was in february and the water in winter was around 10ºC. Then, in March, it gets up a couple of degrees, but even with luck, don't expect much more than 10º. Of course, it depends a lot of the year and the depth.
I used a 5/7 mm suit for scuba but I always get out of the water with a nice blue skin
I think that a 5 mm apnea suit is enough for short times
Tell me more things about your trip, I know this coast a little.
J.

[kirehe]

I might go to Niolon, a small village across from marseille for a day or so, around end of december, beginning of january. I was there in the summer for a day and I really liked it. but 10C sounds a bit cold, all I have is a 3mm apnea suit, along with a 3mm short vest for colder water. I need to get something warmer if I am to get some time in the water... How is the visibility in the winter?

thanks for the help,
ERIK

[fbbomao]

As I've never been in Niolon, I can't answer exactly.

However, what you can do is to write to flabelline@caramail.com and say her how and why did you get her adress (Her name is Nathalie and I'm Juan, fbbomao@caramail.com). Her father is a scuba instructor and he probably will able to help you. If not, I've more friends, but it will get more time to got their e-mails.
The visibility depends again of the day of currents and waves, but I think that not many more than ten meters. Concerning your 3 mm... good luck.
Living in Florida, why do you want to go to France!? And in winter!
If you need contacts, I can maybe help you. I've already worked in Saint-Raphaël, and dove in Cannes, Saint-Raphaël, and the Marseille area, but I think I can give you a couple of phone numbers.

On wednesday, I'll fly to La Palma, a Canary island, until 25-S , so I won't be connected, I'll be diving all day in blue, clean and warm water. If you want to send me a message, better tomorrow.

And I've heard a great shark's been seen around the island twice in some days... Maybe a white shark...? They're talking about 4 meters at least.

J.

P.S: Nathalie speaks good english.