PENAGLOSA

Best months: Aug

Why dive here

With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola), octopuses, sea turtles and sperm whales - PENAGLOSA offers some of Al Hoceima's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 16-23°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeAug

WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit

Marine lifeDolphins, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola), Octopuses, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 140+ species recorded

Water16-23°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 7m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Penaglosa is a standout for us in Al Hoceima, not for depth or tricky currents, but for its sheer character. This isn't some deep, dark wreck; it's a shallow, accessible piece of history, the remains of an old tug that came to grief decades ago. We love how the hull is largely intact, sitting upright in about seven metres of water, almost daring you to swim through its broken superstructure. You’ll find the deck is now home to a busy community of damselfish, darting in and out of the rusted metalwork. Look closely, and you might spot a grumpy scorpionfish camouflaged against the encrusted plating. Our favourite part? The way the light plays through the gaps in the wreck, creating shifting patterns on the sandy seabed below. It’s an easy dive, perfect for a long bottom time where you can truly take in the atmosphere of the place. We'd suggest going in the morning; the sun angle really brings out the colours on the encroaching algae and anemones. Visibility here is generally decent, often around 15 metres, giving you plenty of time to explore the nooks and crannies.