VIRGEN DE ICIAR - Al Hoceima

The *Virgen de Iciar* isn't a deep dive, but it’s a compelling one. We’re talking about a fishing trawler that met its end around 1968, and it’s now settled upright on a sandy bottom at 12 metres. The wreck itself is a modest size, around 20 metres long, but it’s been down there long enough to attract some serious residents. What we love about this site is the sheer amount of fish life that has claimed it. You’ll find schools of damselfish swirling around the superstructure and moray eels peeking out from every crevice. Look closely, and you’ll often spot an octopus camouflaged against the hull plates. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the sunlight penetrates beautifully, illuminating the barnacle-encrusted metal. It’s an ideal spot for newer wreck divers or photographers who want to spend time framing shots without worrying about depth limits. Go early if you can; the light is softer, and the fish tend to be a bit bolder.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.189724, -6.047500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

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 VIRGEN DE ICIAR

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 VIRGEN DE ICIAR

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