CAMPONAVIA - Al Hoceima

We love a wreck that still feels like a ship, and Campenovia delivers. This isn't some scattered pile of scrap; she sits upright, a proper 123-metre tanker, sunk back in '85. Descending onto her deck at 18 metres, you still get that sense of scale, the structure of it all. It’s not just a quick pass-over either; there are plenty of spots to poke around, with massive hatches and open cargo holds inviting exploration. What makes it special is how quickly the marine life has taken over. You’ll find schools of damselfish flitting through the superstructure, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from every crevice. Our favourite detail? The sheer density of soft corals that have blossomed along the rails and bulkheads, a surprisingly colourful garden on what was once a steel behemoth. It's a fantastic dive for anyone who enjoys the story of a wreck, not just the thrill, with enough to see for a solid hour underwater.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.177555, -5.396333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - CAMPONAVIA

Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
unknown

The Camponavia was a relatively modern tanker, built in 1973 in Gijon, Spain, for the Spanish state-owned oil company, CAMPSA. For over a decade, it served its role in transporting petroleum products, a workhorse of the Mediterranean energy trade. Its career came to an abrupt end on May 26, 1985, in the Moroccan port of Al Hoceima.

The circumstances of its sinking are not widely documented, with records simply stating that the vessel 'sank alongside'. This suggests an incident while moored at the pier, possibly a collision with the quay, an accident during loading or unloading, or a sudden hull failure. Whatever the cause, the Camponavia went down in the harbor, coming to rest on the seabed.

Today, the Camponavia lies at a very accessible depth of 18 meters, making it a fantastic and popular dive site for all levels of divers. The wreck is largely intact, offering a chance to explore the superstructure, decks, and large cargo holds of a substantial modern vessel. Over the decades, it has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of fish and a variety of Mediterranean marine life that now call its steel structure home.

Marine Protected Area: Littoral de 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 CAMPONAVIA

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 CAMPONAVIA

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 is the typical diving depth range at the CAMPONAVIA dive site?
The CAMPONAVIA dive site offers a typical diving depth of 18 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a fascinating wreck at a moderate depth. It's an ideal spot for those comfortable with intermediate depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at CAMPONAVIA?
Divers at CAMPONAVIA can expect to explore the underwater topography of a significant tanker vessel, which was sunk on May 26, 1985. This wreck, measuring 123.4m x 16.5m, provides a complex structure to explore. While the data specifies it as a wreck dive, detailed information on specific marine life inhabiting the site is not currently available, but you can learn more about marine life in general on DivePlnr.
How challenging is diving at CAMPONAVIA, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at CAMPONAVIA is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it is suitable for certified divers with some experience, but might be too challenging for absolute beginners. Advanced divers will also find it an interesting wreck to explore, especially given its classification as a 'Dangerous wreck'.
What is the best time of year to dive at CAMPONAVIA for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at CAMPONAVIA for optimal visibility and conditions is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on when to dive in the region of Al Hoceima, Morocco, you might consult broader resources or local dive operators.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at CAMPONAVIA?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the intermediate difficulty of the CAMPONAVIA wreck dive, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification and ideally have some experience with wreck diving or similar conditions. Always check with local dive operators in Al Hoceima for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the usual currents and water conditions, such as temperature and visibility, at CAMPONAVIA?
Details regarding the usual currents, water temperature, and visibility at the CAMPONAVIA dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers planning a trip to Morocco should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this fascinating wreck.