GENERAL VALDES - Al Hoceima

We love the General Valdes for its sheer presence, a genuine piece of history just off Al Hoceima. It’s a patrol boat, sunk deliberately in 1968, and she sits upright, intact, in surprisingly shallow water. You can practically reach out and touch her from the surface, which is fantastic for divers of all levels, even snorkelers on a calm day. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is how the Mediterranean light filters through the superstructure, painting shifting patterns across the deck. Barracuda often hang out in the bow, shimmering like silver ghosts, and the stern is usually bustling with damselfish darting amongst the twisted metal. We always find moray eels peeking from the nooks and crannies, their dark eyes following you. It’s an easy exploration; you can fin around the entire vessel, peer into the engine room, and even swim through sections of the bridge if you're comfortable. The visibility here can be incredible, sometimes 20 meters plus, making it a joy to just drift and take it all in. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just after the sun has climbed high enough to really illuminate the deck.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.483334, -6.200000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 GENERAL VALDES

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 GENERAL VALDES

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