AL MOTAWAKIL
Protected Area
Bahía del Confital
Why dive here
With 76+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, octopuses, sea turtles, sperm whales and cuttlefish - AL MOTAWAKIL offers some of Canary Islands's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 20-24°C, warmest August, September, October.
The Al Motawakil wreck is one of those sites we always come back to, especially if we’re looking for a relaxed dive with plenty of time to poke around. She’s a stern trawler, easy to navigate, sitting upright in just seven metres of water after she sank following a fire in Las Palmas harbour back in 1985. We love how the shallow depth means long bottom times, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to take it all in without rushing. You’ll fin through schools of damselfish that shimmer over the deck, and we've often spotted trumpetfish weaving through the rusted superstructure. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the crevices; they seem to have claimed the Al Motawakil as their own. The engine room is open enough to peer into, giving a real sense of the vessel’s past. It's an ideal spot for newer wreck divers, or anyone who enjoys a peaceful dive with a bit of history to it.
Typical AL MOTAWAKIL Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
AL MOTAWAKIL Wreck History
Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
fire
The Al Motawakil was a stern trawler whose fishing career ended abruptly in the harbor of Las Palmas. On March 3, 1985, a fire broke out on board, causing significant damage and leaving the vessel stranded. It eventually succumbed to the destruction wrought by the flames and sank, settling on the seabed not far from the coast.
Today, the Al Motawakil rests in a shallow 7 meters of water, making it a fantastic site for all levels of divers, from beginners to seasoned photographers. Its proximity to the harbor means it's often an easy and quick boat ride away. The wreck's structure, though potentially broken from its sinking and subsequent time underwater, provides an ideal habitat for the Canary Islands' diverse marine life. Divers can expect to find octopus, cuttlefish, and schools of damselfish darting around the rusting metal, while moray eels often make their homes in the pipes and crevices of the old trawler.
Nearest Dive Centres to AL MOTAWAKIL
Dive shops near AL MOTAWAKIL
BUCEO CANARIAS BY MEDUSA
Mirafondos, Centro de Buceo
Buceo La Vieja
El Azul Gran Canaria Dive Center
KARAPAT DIVE
Buceo Norte
Reviews for AL MOTAWAKIL
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AL MOTAWAKIL
AL MOTAWAKIL Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AL MOTAWAKIL, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (28.18, -15.41) (10km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
24°C
74°F · Range: 22.2–25.4°C
Current Speed
10 cm/s
Direction: SE (126.9°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.081 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
36.89 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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