ALTONA - Al Hoceima

The Altona wreck, lying off Al Hoceima, offers a really interesting dive. At a maximum depth of just two metres, this isn't about deep exploration, it’s about accessible history and light. The ship, a 145-metre motor vessel, went down in 1979 after an engine room fire, a proper maritime drama. We love how much of the superstructure is still there, poking just below the surface; it means you can practically snorkel over significant portions. It’s an excellent spot for newer divers, or for those who just want a relaxed, long bottom time. We’ve spent ages just drifting over the deck, watching the play of light on the twisted metal. The fish life here, while not in huge schools, is surprisingly diverse given the shallow depth. You’ll spot damselfish flitting through the beams and occasionally a curious octopus tucked into a crevice. Our favourite detail is the sheer scale of it; even shallow, you get a real sense of its former life. Conditions are usually calm, making it a reliable pick when you're in the area.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.566666, -6.233333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ALTONA

Year Sunk
1979
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
fire
Tonnage
8,579 GRT

The M.V. 'Altona' was a modern cargo vessel built in Port Glasgow, Scotland, in 1959. Her career came to an abrupt and fiery end on May 5, 1979. While on a long passage from Dunkirk, France, to Kuwait, a catastrophic fire erupted in her engine room. The blaze quickly grew out of control, forcing the crew to abandon ship off the coast of Al Hoceima, Morocco. Adrift and burning, the vessel eventually ran aground, where the sea and salvage efforts broke her apart, rendering her a total loss.

Resting at an incredible depth of just 2 meters, the 'Altona' is less of a scuba dive and more of a snorkeling or wading adventure. This makes it uniquely accessible to almost anyone. Lying so close to the shore, the wreck has been heavily battered by decades of surf, scattering its structure across the shallows. Explorers can swim over twisted plates, see the remnants of the ship's framework, and imagine the drama of its final hours. It's a stark and fascinating look at a relatively recent maritime disaster, offering a tangible connection to the power of both fire and the sea.

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Al Hoceima

Nearest Dive Centres to ALTONA

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALTONA

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