MARI MONCHO - Al Hoceima

Mari Moncho is an absolute standout for us in Al Hoceima, mostly because it's just so accessible and full of character. This old fishing trawler, sunk deliberately, sits upright at just 5 metres, making it perfect for newer divers or anyone looking for a relaxed, long bottom time. We love drifting over the deck, spotting schools of glinting silversides darting in and out of the wheelhouse, which is still remarkably intact. The real joy here is how the wreck has transformed into an artificial reef. Look closely and you'll see a surprisingly dense covering of sponges and small anemones, particularly around the railings and mast. We often find juvenile groupers tucked into crevices, and colourful nudibranchs grazing on the hull. It’s an easy dive, maybe a bit silty sometimes if there's been recent surge, but usually visibility is good enough to appreciate the entire wreck from above. Our favourite approach is to drop in, circle the bow, and then slowly explore the stern, making sure to peer into the open hold for any lurking surprises. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, but it’s far from boring.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.530556, -6.283611
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 MARI MONCHO

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 MARI MONCHO

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