HMS Ark Royal - Al Hoceima

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.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.050000, -4.750000
Type
wreck

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 HMS Ark Royal

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 HMS Ark Royal

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