Diving in Al Hoceima

Explore 155 dive sites in Al Hoceima, Morocco. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Al Hoceima

The warmest water temperatures in Al Hoceima occur in January, averaging 16.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.4°C (air: 13.6°C)
  • February: 16.4°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • March: 16.4°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • April: 16.4°C (air: 17.3°C)
  • May: 16.4°C (air: 19.9°C)
  • June: 16.4°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • July: 16.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • August: 16.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • September: 16.4°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • October: 16.4°C (air: 20.9°C)
  • November: 16.4°C (air: 17.6°C)
  • December: 16.4°C (air: 15.2°C)

Marine Life in Al Hoceima

Home to 143 recorded species including 96 reef fish, 11 octopus & squid, 10 sharks & rays, 9 whales & dolphins, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Al Hoceima

Al Hoceima has 11 beginner, 8 intermediate, 2 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Al Hoceima

Based on average water temperature of 16.4°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 16°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Al Hoceima

  • Parc National d'Alhoceima - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Cirque d'El-Jebha - Biological and Ecological Interest Site (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Lagune (Marais) de Smir - Biological and Ecological Interest Site (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Al-Hoceima National Park - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • El Jebha - Permanent Hunting Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Complexe du Bas Tahaddart - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Littoral de Jbel Moussa - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Côte des Bokkoyas - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Jbel Moussa - Biological and Ecological Interest Site (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Alboran - Marine Protected Area (MPA) (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Al Hoceima - Nearest Airports

  • Gibraltar Airport (GIB), Gibraltar - 14 km away, approx 30 min travel time
  • Sania Ramel Airport (TTU), Tétouan - 71 km away, approx 93 min travel time
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), Málaga - 82 km away, approx 104 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical underwater visibility and water temperatures for scuba diving in Al Hoceima?
While specific data on typical underwater visibility for Al Hoceima is not provided, divers can expect water temperatures to be around 16.4°C during certain months identified as optimal for diving. These temperatures are consistent across at least three months, indicating stable conditions during these periods. For more general information on conditions, visit DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What specific marine life and coral formations can divers expect to encounter in Al Hoceima?
The provided data does not specify the particular marine life or coral formations divers can expect to encounter in Al Hoceima. However, as a national park known for having the best diving in Morocco, it likely hosts diverse ecosystems. For general marine life information, you can explore DivePlnr's wildlife database.
Which dive sites in Al Hoceima are highly recommended for their unique features or marine biodiversity?
Al Hoceima offers a wide array of dive sites catering to various interests, with 156 sites in total. For wreck enthusiasts, options range from beginner-friendly sites like Las Calderas (Wreck) to expert-level challenges such as the OAK-MOORE WRECK. Divers can also explore diverse reefs like La Piedra del Abadejo and the unique Cueva de las Palomas cave site.
Is Al Hoceima a good dive destination for beginners, or are the sites more suited for advanced divers?
Al Hoceima is an excellent dive destination for divers of all experience levels, offering a wide range of sites. Beginners can enjoy sites like Las Calderas (Wreck), El Boquete, and Cueva de las Palomas. More experienced divers will find challenging options, including intermediate wrecks like OS 35 and expert reefs such as Draga Nautilus.
When is the best season to visit Al Hoceima for scuba diving, considering weather and sea conditions?
Based on the provided data, the best season to visit Al Hoceima for scuba diving, considering water temperatures, would be during the specific months when the water consistently reaches 16.4°C. These months are identified as optimal for stable water conditions, though no further weather or sea condition details are available. For more general advice, consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What are the most convenient ways to travel to Al Hoceima for a diving holiday?
The provided data does not specify the most convenient ways to travel to Al Hoceima for a diving holiday. Divers planning a trip should research local transportation options to this sub-region of Morocco.
Are there any particular currents or challenging conditions that divers should be aware of in Al Hoceima?
The provided data does not detail any particular currents or challenging conditions that divers should be aware of in Al Hoceima. However, with dive sites ranging from Beginner to Expert, it is advisable to consult local dive centres for site-specific conditions before diving.
How do the diving conditions, such as water temperature and visibility, change throughout the year in Al Hoceima?
While specific annual changes in visibility are not detailed, the provided data indicates that water temperatures in Al Hoceima are consistently around 16.4°C during the identified best diving months. Information on how these conditions fluctuate outside of these optimal months is not available. For general guidance on seasonal changes, refer to DivePlnr's When to Dive section.