ARALAR

Best months: Jan–Dec

Why dive here

With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola), octopuses, sea turtles and sperm whales - ARALAR offers some of Al Hoceima's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 16°C.

Marine lifeDolphins, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola), Octopuses, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 140+ species recorded

Water16°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 3m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.

Typical ARALAR Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:5119:0713h 16m daylightGolden hour 18:32

ARALAR Wreck History

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.