ISLA DE COLUMBRETES (POSSIBLY) - Al Hoceima

We have to be honest, the Isla de Columbretes is less a dive site and more a historical footnote you can snorkel over, but what a footnote it is. This motor vessel, originally charting a course from Las Palmas to Oran, ran aground back in 1984. Now, it sits just below the surface, barely two metres deep, a stark skeleton of its former self. For snorkelers, or very shallow freedivers, it's a fascinating glimpse into a maritime incident frozen in time. You can make out the entire 50-metre length of the hull, an impressive silhouette against the sandy bottom. Our favourite part is how the light plays across the twisted metal, creating these shimmering patterns. The wreck has become an artificial reef, of course. Schools of juvenile damselfish flit in and out of the rusted openings, and we’ve spotted small octopus tucked into crevices if you look closely. It's a calm spot, typically with good visibility, making it perfect for an easy afternoon in the water, especially if you're travelling with non-divers who still want to experience a bit of local history. We love that it's accessible to literally anyone comfortable with a mask and snorkel.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.832333, -5.643167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 ISLA DE COLUMBRETES (POSSIBLY)

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 ISLA DE COLUMBRETES (POSSIBLY)

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