MARIJU - Al Hoceima

Mariju is an old fishing vessel, sunk back in 1981, and it’s a site we always point people towards if they're looking for something a bit different around Al Hoceima. It sits at a mere 2 metres, so it's a perfect spot for snorkelers or even just a calm surface dip on a sunny day. We love that you can see the entire wreck from above, clear as day when the Mediterranean is behaving. You'll spend your time circling the hull, which, after all these years, has become a home for small fish – damselfish dart in and out, and we’ve often spotted colourful wrasse grazing on the growth. The light penetration is incredible at this depth; you get shimmering patterns across the deck, illuminating every barnacle and strand of algae. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop is still visible, encrusted and attracting little shoals of juvenile fish. It's a relaxed site, best enjoyed when there's no wind chopping up the surface, giving you that crystal view of a wreck preserved in time.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.832000, -5.618000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 MARIJU

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 MARIJU

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