NICOLAS PAQUET - Al Hoceima

The Nicolas Paquet wreck just off Al Hoceima is a real charmer. We love a shallow wreck, especially one with a bit of history, and this one delivers. Lying at a comfortable 11 metres, it's perfect for a long bottom time, letting you really soak it all in. You'll find the hull largely intact, big enough to swim around and through some of the larger openings. Schools of glinting silversides often swarm the superstructure, parting for you as you glide through, and we’ve seen some hefty groupers lurking in the darker recesses. It's a great spot for photographers, particularly on a sunny day when the light penetrates right to the deck. Look out for the nudibranchs creeping along the rails – we’ve found some surprisingly colourful ones here. Our favourite bit is exploring the bow section; it feels quite dramatic, even in the shallows. The Nicolas Paquet is a solid pick for anyone who enjoys wreck diving without the pressure of depth or strong currents, a gentle introduction to underwater history, full of life.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.801315, -5.905017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Complexe du Bas Tahaddart

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 NICOLAS PAQUET

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 NICOLAS PAQUET

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