BADALONA - Al Hoceima

Badalona isn't your usual wreck dive, mostly because it’s not really a dive at all. This is a surface snorkel, a chance to get right up close to a piece of history without even getting your hair wet if you don’t want to. We think it’s absolutely brilliant for non-divers or families. The tanker, sunk by a German torpedo in 1941, sits just beneath the waves, its massive hull breaking the surface in places. We’ve spent hours here, just floating above, watching the light play on the rusted metal. You can clearly make out the ship’s structure, the deck plates, and even some of the superstructure reaching up. It’s a strange, almost eerie feeling to be so close to something so large that was once a working vessel. What makes Badalona shine, in our opinion, is how nature has reclaimed it. Barnacles cling to every exposed surface, and small fish, mainly damselfish and wrasse, dart in and out of the shadows cast by the wreckage. It’s a protected spot, so even on breezy days, the water tends to stay calm, offering pretty good visibility for surface viewing. Our tip? Go early in the morning before any boat traffic stirs things up; the calm surface makes for incredible reflections off the metal. It’s a completely different experience from swimming over a deeper wreck; you feel the weight of its history right there.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.715332, -3.501167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BADALONA

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
torpedo

The Badalona was a Spanish tanker built in 1922 by the renowned British shipyard Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson. Owned by the Spanish petroleum monopoly, she spent nearly two decades plying the seas. Her final voyage began in December 1941, during the height of World War II, when she departed Valencia with a destination of Aruba. Despite Spain's official neutrality, her journey was cut short off the coast of Morocco when she was struck by a torpedo and sank.

Today, the remains of the Badalona lie in an astonishingly shallow depth of just one metre. This makes the wreck one of the most accessible pieces of WWII history in the world, easily explorable by snorkelers and divers of all levels. Lying so close to the shore of Al Hoceima, her hull is a permanent feature of the coastal landscape, offering a unique opportunity to witness the scars of war just a few feet from the surface.

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 BADALONA

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 BADALONA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and underwater topography like around Badalona?
The Badalona dive site is a shallow wreck dive, with a reported depth of just 1 meter. This site features the remains of a large tanker vessel, measuring 111.3m x 14.9m, which was sunk in 1941. Divers can explore the topography of this significant wreck, offering a unique underwater experience in Al Hoceima.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Badalona?
While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, divers at Badalona can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a large tanker vessel. This 111.3m x 14.9m wreck, sunk in 1941, provides a fascinating artificial reef structure. The wreck itself is the primary attraction, offering a historical and structural environment for potential marine inhabitants.
How difficult is diving in Badalona, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at the Badalona wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Despite its shallow depth of 1 meter, the site is designated as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require experience. Therefore, it is most suitable for divers with intermediate skills, rather than beginners, to safely navigate its features.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Badalona for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Badalona wreck. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Morocco, you might consult our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking local dive centers in Al Hoceima for current conditions and seasonal recommendations.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Badalona?
Given that the Badalona dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. While a specific certification isn't listed, the "Dangerous wreck" classification implies a need for advanced training in wreck diving or specialized experience. Always consult with local dive operators in Al Hoceima regarding their specific requirements for this site.
What are the usual currents and sea conditions like for diving near Badalona?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual currents or sea conditions for diving near the Badalona wreck. For up-to-date details on local currents and sea conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive centers in Al Hoceima before planning your dive.