wreck

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HMS Ark Royal

The HMS Ark Royal isn't the easiest wreck to find details on, but if you’re heading to Al Hoceima, it’s worth the effort. This isn't the famous WWII carrier, but an earlier, pre-WWI seaplane tender, launched way back in 1914. Dropping down onto her, you get a real sense of history; she lies broken but largely intact, inviting you to peek into the past. We've always found the visibility in this part of the Med to be remarkably good, often 20 metres plus, so you get great views of the whole structure. We love exploring the larger internal spaces, feeling that cool rush of water as you penetrate further. Look out for the resident moray eels that have made homes in the tighter crevices, often just peeking out, curious. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration, taking in the scale and the smaller details. We’d suggest this dive for experienced wreck divers who appreciate historical sites over pristine reefs. Stronger currents can sometimes develop, so timing your dive for slack tide is always a smart move here.