CARLINA - Al Hoceima

Carlina isn't your average Mediterranean wreck. This old yacht, sunk off Entinas Point back in '71, sits upright and largely intact at a comfortable 15 metres. We love that it's shallow enough for longer bottom times, letting you really poke around. The deck is gone in places, revealing the ribs of the hull, and schools of damselfish now dart through what used to be the salon. Look closely and you'll spot moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads peeking out, watching you pass. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop shaft still protrudes, encrusted with sponges and little anemones. It's a fantastic spot for photography, especially when the sun filters down, making the water shimmer. Visibility here is generally good, often 15 metres plus, but we'd suggest an early morning dive to avoid any surface chop and to get the best light. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy exploring history without extreme depths or currents. Just remember, it’s a delicate wreck, so buoyancy control is key.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.670887, -2.778945
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - CARLINA

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
grounding

The Carlina was a private yacht that met its end on August 29, 1971, during a pleasure cruise in the Mediterranean. The vessel was on passage from the British territory of Gibraltar to Alicante, Spain, when it was lost at Entinas Point off the coast of Al Hoceima, Morocco. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no loss of life, with all crew members making it to safety.

Resting at a comfortable depth of 15 meters, the Carlina is an excellent dive for recreational divers of all levels. Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a wide array of local marine life. While it is classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck' and care should be taken around any potential entanglement or sharp hazards, it provides a fascinating and accessible glimpse into the past. Divers can explore the remains of the yacht and enjoy the colorful fish and invertebrates that now call it home.

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 CARLINA

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 CARLINA

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