CARPIO - Al Hoceima

Carpio is one of those sites we always recommend to newer wreck divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed dive with plenty to see. It’s a fishing trawler, sunk deliberately, so it’s sitting upright and intact at a friendly 18 metres. You can swim through the wheelhouse and down into the engine room, really getting a feel for the vessel. We love how the light filters through the openings, creating these shifting patterns on the inside bulkheads. The wreck itself has become a home for a surprising amount of Mediterranean life. We've seen moray eels peeking from every crevice, big schools of damselfish flitting around the mast, and often a grumpy stonefish pretending to be part of the deck. On a good day, visibility here is fantastic, letting you appreciate the whole wreck from a distance before you get up close. It’s a gentle drift dive often, so you just let the current guide you along the length of the trawler. Our favourite time to dive Carpio is mid-morning, just after the sun has properly risen over the bay.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.866665, -6.666666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - CARPIO

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The origins of the Carpio wreck, resting in the clear Mediterranean waters off Al Hoceima, Morocco, are shrouded in mystery. Little is known about this vessel's history or the circumstances of its sinking. What remains is an intriguing and highly accessible dive site, perfect for divers of all levels. Lying at a shallow depth of just 18 meters, the Carpio is an excellent location for a relaxed exploration, a checkout dive, or underwater photography.

Divers visiting the site will be greeted by the vessel's prominent masts, which still reach up towards the surface, creating a classic wreck silhouette. The structure has become a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a host of local marine life. Schools of fish dart through its decaying framework, and colorful invertebrates have colonized its surfaces. The gentle depth and generally good visibility make the Carpio a rewarding and enigmatic dive, offering a glimpse into a forgotten story waiting to be told.

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 CARPIO

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 CARPIO

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