MAGIC CASTLE - Al Hoceima

Magic Castle isn't your typical Moroccan wreck, mainly because it's not much of a wreck anymore. Sunk back in '76, this yacht went hard aground near Cape Spartel, and the sea has done a thorough job of breaking it apart. What’s left are scattered pieces of what was once a grand vessel, now completely integrated into the rocky seabed at a mere 5 metres. It’s shallow, warm, and beautifully lit, making it a fantastic spot for an easy dive or even a snorkel. We love this site for its relaxed pace and the way marine life has utterly reclaimed the metal and rock. You'll find moray eels peeking from crevices, small octopus camouflaged against the rust, and schools of damselfish flitting through the sun-dappled fragments. Exploring the broken hull sections feels like wandering through a natural sculpture park, rather than a wreck site. It’s perfect for photographers wanting to play with light and shadow, or newer divers looking for a calm environment without strong currents. Our favourite time to visit is late morning, when the sun is high and penetrates right through the water, illuminating every nook and cranny.

Location: Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 35.632000, -5.984667
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 5m

Marine Protected Area: Complexe du Bas Tahaddart

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to MAGIC CASTLE

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

loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Blue-white Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) - Whales & Dolphins
Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - Whales & Dolphins
Blackfish (Globicephala melas) - Whales & Dolphins
Blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) - Sharks & Rays
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
Pink (Hoplostethus mediterraneus) - Reef Fish
Velvet belly lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax) - Sharks & Rays
Common Atlantic Grenadier (Nezumia aequalis) - Reef Fish
Jac (Helicolenus dactylopterus) - Reef Fish
Lanternfish (Lampanyctus crocodilus) - Reef Fish
Boa Dragonfish (Stomias boa) - Reef Fish
European flying squid (Todarodes sagittatus) - Octopus & Squid
Rabbitfish (Chimaera monstrosa)
Axefish (Argyropelecus hemigymnus) - Reef Fish
Roughnosed Rattail (Trachyrincus scabrus) - Reef Fish
conger (Conger conger) - Reef Fish
Gunner (Pagellus bogaraveo) - Reef Fish
Spotted Lanternfish (Myctophum punctatum) - Reef Fish
Blackspot Grenadier (Coelorinchus caelorhincus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for MAGIC CASTLE

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