ASTENE III
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola), octopuses, sea turtles and sperm whales - ASTENE III offers some of Al Hoceima's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 16°C.
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.
Typical ASTENE III 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ASTENE III Wreck History
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ASTENE III
ASTENE III Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ASTENE III, 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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