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