PETRO KARPOFF - Al Hoceima

The Petro Karpoff, a casualty of a storm way back in 1969, is one of those wrecks that just immediately draws you in. Lying perfectly upright at 20 metres, she’s become a seriously impressive artificial reef. We love the way the light filters down through the Mediterranean blue, illuminating the superstructure, especially mid-morning. It’s not just a collection of metal; it’s a living, breathing part of the seabed now. As you descend, you start to pick out the details – the bow, still impressively intact, with schools of glinting damselfish darting in and out of the hold openings. Our favourite part is exploring the cargo holds; they’re wide open, inviting you in, and you’ll often find grouper lurking in the darker corners, keeping an eye on things. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked away in crevices along the deck, too. The deck itself is covered in a carpet of colourful anemones and sponges, a real tapestry of life. This wreck is brilliant for divers who appreciate a bit of history alongside a thriving ecosystem, offering enough penetration for those with the right training, but also plenty to see just by cruising the exterior.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.025333, -5.704667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

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 PETRO KARPOFF

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 PETRO KARPOFF

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