VIRGEN DE LA LUZ - Al Hoceima

The Virgen de la Luz, a sternwheeler that met its end close to the shore, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. We love how accessible it is, sitting in barely a metre of water. You're snorkelling, really, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not a proper wreck. The bow section is particularly intact; you can make out the anchor chains, the capstan, and even some of the deck fittings. It’s an incredible spot for photographers, especially with a wide-angle lens. The way the light plays through the shallow water, illuminating the barnacle-encrusted hull, is really something. We’ve spent hours just drifting over it, watching schools of juvenile barracuda dart through the ribs of the hull. Look closely and you’ll find moray eels tucked into crevices and octopus camouflaged against the rust. Our favourite time to visit is early morning, before the surface chop picks up, when the visibility is at its best and the colours are most vivid. It's a perfect spot for anyone wanting to get up close with a piece of history without needing a tank.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.833332, -6.333334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

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 LA LUZ

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 LA LUZ

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