ARUNDALE
Protected Area
Jbel Moussa
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola), octopuses, sea turtles and sperm whales - ARUNDALE offers some of Al Hoceima's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 16°C.
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.
Typical ARUNDALE 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.
ARUNDALE Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ARUNDALE
Dive shops near ARUNDALE
Burbujas
Chems Diving
Dive Charters Gibraltar
LEON MARINO Diving Center
BUCEO ALGECIRAS
FAISHASUB
Reviews for ARUNDALE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARUNDALE
ARUNDALE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ARUNDALE, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (35.26, -3.6) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
16.4°C
62°F
Air Temperature
26.27°C
79°F
Wind Speed
5 m/s
9.7 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1014 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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