

Best for intermediate divers, 4-25m, shore entry, moderate current.
Hortense is a multi-faceted site in Arcachon, France, featuring artificial riprap, sunken debris, and a drop-off. Located 300 metres from the shore, the site reaches depths between 4 and 25 metres. Entry is via an old boat slipway near the local restaurant. Conditions vary, with moderate currents, potential rip currents, and surf, making it suitable for intermediate divers. Snorkellers can explore the shallower rocky areas, particularly during slack tide. Species recorded around this area include European Common Cuttlefish, Common Octopus, Marbled Electric Ray, Gray Seal, various wrasses, scorpionfish, Conger Eel, crabs, Tompot Blenny, Barrel Jellyfish, Spiny Spider Crab, brittle stars, and sea stars.
44.65812, -1.24525
Avoid diving with coefficients higher than 70 and dive during the slack water period before high tide.
Located at Cap Ferret, on the basin side, facing the Hortense restaurant.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
4-25m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
12-19°C
Current
Moderate
Species recorded around this area include European Common Cuttlefish, Common Octopus, Marbled Electric Ray, Gray Seal, wrasses, scorpionfish, Conger Eel, crabs, Tompot Blenny, Barrel Jellyfish, Spiny Spider Crab, brittle stars, and sea stars.
No, the site is rated for intermediate skill levels due to hazards including deep water, down currents, entanglement risks, low visibility, rip currents, strong currents, and surf.
The depth at Hortense ranges from 4 to 25 metres.
Access is via a shore entry using an old boat slipway.
Yes, Hortense has a snorkel rating of 4/5, with the best viewing found among the shallow rocks during slack tide.
Diving at Hortense in Lège-Cap-Ferret requires the following certifications: Plongeur DéButant (0-25 PlongéEs - 20 M). Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Hortense in Lège-Cap-Ferret. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 19°C.
Expect moderate currents at Hortense in Lège-Cap-Ferret. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.