MARIA ANTONIETA - Al Hoceima

Maria Antonieta isn't about depth, it's about story. At a mere two metres, this wreck is a time capsule, the mast still piercing the surface like a skeletal finger. We love spending an hour here, not just looking, but *feeling* the history. You'll swim over the hull, just metres below your fins, imagining the waves that once crashed over its deck. It’s perfect for snorkelers or new divers, offering a gentle introduction to wreck diving without the pressure of deep water. Our favourite part is gliding alongside the mast itself, watching the sunlight dapple through the water, illuminating schools of small fish darting in and out of the rusted metalwork. Look closely among the shadows and crevices; we've often spotted shy octopuses here, their eyes peeking out from a bolt hole. The visibility can be excellent on a calm day, making the wreck appear almost suspended in the water. Go early in the morning for the best light and calmest conditions; it’s a truly peaceful dive.

Location: Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 35.816113, -5.363333
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 2m

Marine Protected Area: 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)

Nearest Dive Centres to MARIA ANTONIETA

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 MARIA ANTONIETA

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