ARRAYA MENDI - Al Hoceima

The Arraya Mendi, sitting upright at 15 metres, is our kind of wreck dive. It’s got history you can practically feel, a Spanish merchant ship sunk during a storm back in the 1930s. We love how time and the Mediterranean have just completely taken over this vessel. Swimming through the holds, it’s not just the dark, encrusted metal you notice; it’s the schools of damselfish that seem to flicker in and out of the shadows, and the way moray eels peek out from every conceivable crevice. This wreck really feels alive. Barnacles and sponges coat the superstructure, creating a textured, almost organic landscape. We always take our time to peek into the engine room; the light filters down, illuminating the rusted machinery in a way that’s almost eerie. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate dive, giving you time to appreciate the transformation of steel into a living reef. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, with the sun high, the colours really pop. It’s an accessible depth too, making it a fantastic spot for anyone comfortable with wreck penetration, without needing advanced certs. Just remember, it is an old wreck, so watch your buoyancy inside.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.896110, -5.329167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - ARRAYA MENDI

Year Sunk
1961
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
1,180 GRT

The ARRAYA MENDI was a Spanish steam-powered cargo ship that plied the Mediterranean trade routes. In 1961, while navigating near the Moroccan coast, the vessel struck a reef in the Bay of Al Hoceima during a storm. The impact was catastrophic, and the ship foundered and sank, coming to rest on the sandy seabed not far from where it met its fate. Its loss was a stark reminder of the dangers of coastal navigation in unpredictable weather.

Today, the ARRAYA MENDI is one of the most popular wreck dives in Morocco. Lying at an accessible depth of 15 meters, the wreck is broken into two main sections, allowing divers to easily explore its remains. The bow and stern sections are clearly distinguishable, and the ship's large boilers stand proud in the middle of the debris field. The wreckage has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with Mediterranean marine life. Divers can expect to encounter moray eels peering from pipes, octopuses camouflaged against the rusted metal, and schools of bream that swarm the superstructure. Its shallow depth and abundant sea life make it a fantastic site for divers of all levels.

Marine Protected Area: Jbel Moussa

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 ARRAYA MENDI

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 ARRAYA MENDI

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