ARANDA CHICO - Al Hoceima

Aranda Chico is a fantastic little wreck, and we love it for its sheer accessibility and how much it packs into such a shallow dive. This isn't some deep, dark technical challenge; it's a playful explore, maxing out at a mere 2m. We’re talking snorkel depth, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not a proper wreck. You can spend a full hour just poking around the remains of the tug vessel. What makes it special? The light. It streams through the superstructure, illuminating the schools of small bream darting in and out, their scales flashing like scattered coins. Look closely, and you'll spot blennies perched on the rusted metal, watching you with curious eyes. It’s ideal for photographers wanting to practice natural light wreck shots, or for newer divers and even snorkelers who want a genuine wreck experience without the depth. Our favourite time to dive it is late afternoon when the sun hits it at an angle, painting the whole scene in golden hues.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.720833, -3.525000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ARANDA CHICO

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
unknown

The Aranda Chico was a hardworking tugboat operating in the busy Spanish port of Motril. In February 1974, disaster struck when the vessel sank for unknown reasons within the port's river basin. Its sinking was not a quiet affair; the wreck created a significant navigational hazard, becoming so problematic that it forced authorities to restrict all shipping movements in the port to daylight hours only, causing major disruption to maritime commerce.

While the Aranda Chico is sometimes listed in wreck databases, it is a ghost in the diving world. Due to the critical obstruction it caused, a salvage operation was mounted almost immediately. Just one month after its sinking, in March 1974, the tug was successfully refloated and removed from the basin. The Aranda Chico is therefore not a diveable wreck, but its story is an interesting piece of maritime history, highlighting the vital role of port operations and the swift action required to clear a blocked channel and keep the sea lanes open.

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 ARANDA CHICO

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 ARANDA CHICO

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