ARUNDALE - Al Hoceima

The Arundale isn’t about depth, that's for sure. At a maximum of one metre, this is a snorkel or freedive site, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's not worth the effort. We love the way this old steamship lies just below the surface, its ribs breaking the water at low tide. It’s perfect for those calm, sunny mornings when the Mediterranean is like glass, letting you see every detail of the wreck’s skeleton. We’d suggest a slow swim over the remains, watching the sunlight play across the rusted metal. Shoals of tiny fry flicker amongst the twisted beams, and you’ll often spot a curious octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a site that feels incredibly intimate, like you’ve stumbled upon a secret piece of history. Our favourite part is imagining the ship’s past, right there beneath your mask. It’s a different kind of dive, and a truly memorable one for its accessibility and charm.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.905420, -5.289167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - ARUNDALE

Year Sunk
1933
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

Lying in the clear, shallow waters off Al Hoceima, the wreck of the steamship Arundale is more of a coastal landmark than a deep-sea mystery. Believed to have met its end in 1933, the vessel ran aground so close to shore that it rests at a depth of only one meter. For decades, its skeletal remains have been a constant, silent feature of the Moroccan coastline, with portions of its hull and superstructure breaking the surface, visible to all who pass by.

The extreme shallow depth makes the Arundale an ideal site for snorkelers and beginner divers. There's no need for complex dive plans or deep-water certification to explore this piece of history. The wreck is a playground for small reef fish and crustaceans, and its proximity to the shore allows for a relaxed and easy exploration. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea, where a simple navigational error could spell the end for a mighty steamship.

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 ARUNDALE

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 ARUNDALE

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