ELBERFELD - Al Hoceima

Elberfeld isn’t your typical deep wreck, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk in 1927, this old freighter now lies in a shallow twelve metres, making it perfectly accessible for almost anyone. We've spent countless bottom times exploring its remains, and while it’s mostly broken up, the sheer scale of the debris field is impressive. You can still pick out sections of hull plating, twisted girders, and even what looks like an old boiler. What truly sets Elberfeld apart, though, is how completely it's become part of the reef. Schools of damselfish shimmer over the metalwork, and we always spot octopus tucked into crevices. Look closely, and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling along the corroded steel. Our favourite time to dive it is late morning when the sun penetrates the water, illuminating the whole site. It’s a great spot for photographers too; the light play is fantastic, and the fish life is abundant without being overwhelming. Just keep an eye on the surge if there's a northerly swell; it can get a bit rolly down there.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.179165, -6.061111
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

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 ELBERFELD

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 ELBERFELD

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