ARALAR - Al Hoceima

Aralar isn't your typical deep Mediterranean wreck, and that's precisely why we love it. This shallow site sits in a mere three metres of water, making it accessible to pretty much anyone, snorkelers included. But don't let the depth fool you, this is a seriously atmospheric spot. The wreck itself, a Spanish steamship scuttled during the Rif War in 1923, is broken but remarkably intact in parts, with ribs and plating still forming recognisable sections of the hull. Our favourite time to dive Aralar is early morning, before the day boats arrive, when the light filters through the surface, dappling the sand and the ship's remains. Shoals of tiny damselfish dart through the corroded metalwork, and we often spot octopus tucked away in crevices, their eyes watching you curiously. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers wanting to play with ambient light and wide-angle shots, or just for soaking in a piece of history that’s slowly being reclaimed by the sea. Just watch for the occasional surge if there’s a swell running.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.780870, -6.404833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ARALAR

Year Sunk
1964
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The Aralar was a Spanish motor trawler that plied the rich fishing grounds of the Alboran Sea. Her working life came to an abrupt end on New Year's Day, 1964, when she ran aground near the Moroccan port city of Al Hoceima. Battered by the sea and stuck fast, the vessel could not be saved and was declared a total loss, abandoned to the elements on the rugged North African coastline.

Today, the remains of the Aralar lie in just 3 meters of water, making it a highly accessible site for snorkelers and novice divers. Decades of exposure to the relentless surge and swell have broken the wreck apart, scattering its components across the shallow seabed. While it no longer resembles a complete ship, its wreckage has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Divers can explore the twisted metal plates and machinery, which now provide shelter for a variety of Mediterranean marine life, including octopus, moray eels, and schools of small fish. Its 'Dangerous Wreck' classification serves as a stark reminder of the coastal hazards that brought this humble fishing vessel to its final resting place.

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 ARALAR

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 ARALAR

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