RAINBOW - Al Hoceima

Rainbow, for us, is one of those sites that just feels right, especially if you're into history and close-up marine encounters. We’re talking about a steamship, sunk back in '74, lying in an almost unbelievable two metres of water. Seriously, you can practically stand on the deck. It’s a proper wreck, 74 metres long, with a good chunk of hull and superstructure still intact. You don't often get to explore something this size, this shallow, in the Med. Visibility here is usually excellent, so the whole wreck is often laid out below you. We’ve spent hours just finning slowly over the stern, watching sunlight dapple through the skeletal framework. It’s colonised by all sorts of little critters. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices and schools of ornate wrasse flitting between the rusted plates. Our favourite spot is usually around the bow, where the light plays off the metalwork in a really atmospheric way. It’s perfect for snorkelers or new divers wanting to get a feel for a genuine wreck without the pressure of depth. A gentle drift over the Rainbow at sunset, when the light is low and soft, is something we always recommend.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.740000, -6.470000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 RAINBOW

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 RAINBOW

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 typical depth range for diving at Rainbow Reef in Fiji?
The provided data is for the RAINBOW dive site in Al Hoceima, Morocco, not Rainbow Reef in Fiji. At the Moroccan RAINBOW site, which is a steam ship wreck, the typical depth is 2 meters. We do not have information regarding the depth range for Rainbow Reef in Fiji within the provided context.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Rainbow Reef, Fiji?
The information provided pertains to the RAINBOW wreck in Al Hoceima, Morocco, which is a steam ship sunk in 1974. This data does not include details about marine life or coral formations at this specific wreck, nor does it provide any information for Rainbow Reef in Fiji. For general marine life information, you might explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Rainbow Reef in Fiji, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Based on the provided data for the RAINBOW dive site in Al Hoceima, Morocco, the difficulty is classified as intermediate. This context does not provide information about the challenge level or suitability for beginner divers at Rainbow Reef in Fiji.
What is the best time of year to dive Rainbow Reef in Fiji for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data describes the RAINBOW wreck in Al Hoceima, Morocco, and does not include information on the best time of year to dive this site or Rainbow Reef in Fiji. For general guidance on optimal diving seasons, please visit our when to dive section.
What dive certifications are generally recommended or required for diving Rainbow Reef in Fiji?
The available data details the RAINBOW dive site in Al Hoceima, Morocco, but does not specify any recommended or required dive certifications for this location or for Rainbow Reef in Fiji. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate training for intermediate wreck dives.
What are the common current conditions and visibility levels experienced when diving Rainbow Reef in Fiji?
The provided context is for the RAINBOW wreck in Al Hoceima, Morocco, and does not contain information regarding common current conditions or visibility levels for this site, nor for Rainbow Reef in Fiji.