EXCELLENT - Al Hoceima

Al Hoceima's EXCELLENT wreck, a schooner that went down in 1888 after a run-in with the SS Memling, genuinely lives up to its name. At 27 metres, it’s a good, solid dive that rewards careful exploration. We love how intact it still is, its ribs and decking draped in a vibrant tapestry of sponges and anemones. You can poke around the bow, where the anchor chain still lies, or fin along the length of the hull, imagining its final moments. The sheer size of the EXCELLENT, at nearly 80 metres long, gives it a grand, almost ghostly presence on the seabed. Schools of barracuda often circle the mast, their silver scales catching the light, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large groupers patrolling its shadowy interior. For photographers, the way the light filters through the structure, illuminating patches of the deck, offers some fantastic shots. Our top tip? Go early in the morning. The water is usually calmest then, and you might have the entire wreck to yourselves, a proper historical dive. It’s a site that really makes you feel connected to the sea's history.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.138710, -5.366434
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

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 EXCELLENT

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 EXCELLENT

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