ASTENE III - Al Hoceima

ASTENE III, sitting shallow at 14 metres, offers a quick, satisfying dive. It’s a fishing vessel, not a grand ocean liner, but that’s its charm. We love the way it’s settled almost upright, the wheelhouse still largely intact. You can fin right through the holds, which feel surprisingly spacious, even for a wreck this size. Sunlight filters through the gaps, illuminating schools of chromis darting in and out of the shadows. What makes it special for us is the dense growth of orange and yellow sponges covering the hull. It’s like a living tapestry, especially vibrant in the late morning light. Look closely and you'll spot moray eels peeking from crevices, their heads swaying gently. Octopus often hide in the darker corners of the engine room – a patient eye usually gets a glimpse. This is a great spot for newer wreck divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed dive with plenty to see without needing deep-diving skills. We'd suggest going in the morning before any afternoon chop picks up.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.673610, -2.836111
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Wreck History - ASTENE III

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The history of the ASTENE III is shrouded in mystery, but its final resting place in the clear Mediterranean waters of Al Hoceima, Morocco, has made it a popular local dive site. Lying at a shallow depth of 14 meters, this wreck is perfectly suited for divers of all experience levels, from those on their first post-certification dives to experienced underwater photographers. The name and location suggest it was likely a local fishing vessel or small coastal trader that ran into trouble near the shore.

The description notes that a portion of the hull or superstructure remains visible, indicating the wreck is not completely submerged or is lying on a very shallow reef. Divers can expect an easy and enjoyable exploration of a structure that has transformed into a bustling artificial reef. The Mediterranean sunlight penetrates easily to this depth, illuminating a scene teeming with damselfish, sea bream, octopus, and moray eels seeking shelter within the wreckage. The ASTENE III provides a perfect opportunity for a relaxed dive to explore the rich marine biodiversity of Morocco's coastline.

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 ASTENE III

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 ASTENE III

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