WEISSHORN - Al Hoceima

The Weisshorn, a carrier vessel that went down in 1994, sits upright in the mouth of the Oued Nekor river. It’s remarkably shallow, just three metres, which makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely dive or even some extended snorkelling. We love how accessible it is; even newer divers will feel comfortable here. What really makes the Weisshorn special is its sheer size and the way the Mediterranean light plays over the wreckage. You'll glide over the deck, spotting schools of glinting silversides darting in and out of the cargo holds. The main deck offers plenty to explore, with large open spaces that are now home to inquisitive damselfish. Keep an eye out for colourful nudibranchs clinging to the metalwork – they add a surprising pop of colour. The best time to visit is on a calm morning before the wind picks up, when the visibility is at its clearest and you can make out the full length of the ship from above. It’s a gentle, relaxing dive and a nice counterpoint to some of the deeper, more challenging sites in the region.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.788660, -6.427433
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

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 WEISSHORN

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 WEISSHORN

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 are the typical depths and maximum depths for scuba diving at Weissensee, and are there specific dive sites for different depth preferences?
For the dive site WEISSHORN in Al Hoceima, Morocco, the typical depth is 3 meters. This shallow wreck site is ideal for divers looking for an accessible experience. The provided data does not specify other dive sites with varying depth preferences in the immediate vicinity of WEISSHORN.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when exploring Weissensee?
At the WEISSHORN dive site, divers can explore the impressive underwater features of a sunken carrier vessel, measuring 106.1m x 17.1m. This wreck, classified as showing a portion of its hull or superstructure, offers a unique historical exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of local fish and invertebrates over time.
How challenging is diving at Weissensee, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at the WEISSHORN wreck is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certification. While not specifically for beginners, it may not require the advanced skills needed for highly challenging dives.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Weissensee, considering factors like water temperature and visibility?
The provided data for the WEISSHORN dive site does not include specific information on the best time of year to dive, water temperature, or typical visibility. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions in Morocco, please consult our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local conditions closer to your planned dive date.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Weissensee, especially for specialty dives like ice diving?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for the WEISSHORN wreck, a standard Open Water Diver certification with some experience is generally recommended. There is no indication that specialty certifications like ice diving are required or relevant for this particular site, which is located in Morocco. Always ensure your certification level matches the dive's demands.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like in Weissensee, and how do they affect visibility?
The provided data for the WEISSHORN dive site does not detail typical water conditions, currents, or their effect on visibility. While the wreck's history mentions it broke from anchorage in the mouth of a river, this does not directly describe current diving conditions. Divers should always check local reports and consult with dive operators in Al Hoceima for up-to-date information before diving.