PUERTO DE PAJARES - Al Hoceima

Puerto de Pajares isn't just another Mediterranean wreck, it’s a time capsule. We love the way she sits, upright and mostly intact at 28 metres, a proper ship rather than a pile of twisted metal. Dropping down, you start to make out the distinct lines of her bridge, the mast, even the cargo holds. There’s a quiet hush around her, broken only by the crackle of a passing shrimp or the gentle rasp of a parrotfish grazing nearby. The wreck itself is a magnet for life. We’ve seen schools of damselfish flitting through the superstructure, a dozen amberjacks circling lazily off the bow, and once, a curious octopus peering out from a dark corner of the engine room. Our favourite moment? Peering into the open holds, imagining the cargo, now replaced by clouds of glassfish. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, taking in the details of her structure and the vibrant ecosystem she’s fostered. This one’s for divers who appreciate history and the silent beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.018234, -5.633067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

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 PUERTO DE PAJARES

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 PUERTO DE PAJARES

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the Pecio Puerto Pajares shipwreck in Tarifa?
The maximum depth for diving the Puerto de Pajares shipwreck, located off Al Hoceima, Morocco (not Tarifa), is 28 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for those with appropriate training. You can find more details about this specific site, a motor vessel sunk in 1978, at Puerto de Pajares.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Puerto de Pajares dive site?
Divers at the Puerto de Pajares dive site will primarily explore the remains of a motor vessel, measuring 46.9m x 7.9m, which sank in 1978. While specific marine life is not detailed in our records for this site, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time. For general information on marine life, please visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Pecio Puerto Pajares wreck dive, and what skill level is recommended?
The Pecio Puerto Pajares wreck dive is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic open water certification. Divers should be comfortable with deeper dives and potentially overhead environments, which are common in wreck diving.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the Puerto de Pajares dive site?
Our current data for the Puerto de Pajares dive site does not specify typical currents or general underwater conditions like visibility or temperature. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning their dive. For general information on dive planning, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Puerto de Pajares wreck?
Given the intermediate difficulty classification of the Puerto de Pajares wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended. Additionally, considering it is a wreck dive, a specialized Wreck Diver certification would be highly beneficial for safely exploring the 46.9m x 7.9m motor vessel. Always ensure you have the appropriate training and equipment for such dives.
When is the best time of year to dive the Pecio Puerto Pajares shipwreck for optimal conditions?
Our available data for the Puerto de Pajares shipwreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. We recommend checking with local dive centers in Al Hoceima for current seasonal advice and conditions. You can also explore our general guide on When to Dive for broader insights.