MARIA VICTORIA - Al Hoceima

The Maria Victoria is a shallow wreck, perfect for a long bottom time, which we always appreciate. She was a steamship, built back in 1920, and she went down in a storm in 1968, breaking in two when she hit the ground. You’ll find her resting at just 6 metres, a depth that bathes the wreck in natural light, making the rusted metal glow a warm orange. We love exploring the sheer size of her, all 111 metres of her hull stretched across the seabed. The bow and stern sections, separated by the break, each offer unique perspectives. Schools of sea bream often swirl around the superstructure, darting in and out of the broken plating, while moray eels peek from behind crevices in the corroded steel. Look closely at the deck plates, where you’ll spot nudibranchs, often a vibrant splash of colour against the muted tones of the wreck. This site is ideal for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting ample light and time to compose their shots. The lack of current usually makes for a very relaxed dive.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.020054, -5.713000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 MARIA VICTORIA

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 MARIA VICTORIA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Maria Victoria dive site?
The Maria Victoria wreck site offers a maximum depth of 6 meters. This shallow depth makes it an accessible and enjoyable dive for many experience levels.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Maria Victoria wreck?
Divers exploring the Maria Victoria can expect to encounter a significant steam ship vessel, measuring 111m x 15m. The wreck, which broke in two when it ran aground, still shows substantial portions of its hull and superstructure. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Maria Victoria wreck, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
Diving the Maria Victoria wreck is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic certification and are comfortable with wreck diving environments.
What is the best time of year to dive the Maria Victoria wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Maria Victoria wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving and conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the Maria Victoria wreck?
While the Maria Victoria wreck is classified as an intermediate dive, specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided information. Typically, an intermediate wreck dive might suggest a minimum of an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a specialty in Wreck Diving. Always confirm with local dive operators for precise requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Maria Victoria dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical current conditions or visibility at the Maria Victoria dive site. For the most current information on these factors, it is always recommended to consult with local dive centers in Al Hoceima.