AL MOTAWAKIL - Canary Islands

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.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.118166, -15.418333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - AL MOTAWAKIL

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.

Marine Protected Area: Bahía del Confital

Best Time to Dive in Canary Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Canary Islands occur in September, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C
  • February: 19.5°C
  • March: 19.3°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 20.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 22.6°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 23.7°C
  • October: 23.5°C
  • November: 22.4°C
  • December: 21.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Canary Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to AL MOTAWAKIL

Marine Life in Canary Islands

Home to 80 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 2 octopus & squid, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 worms.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AL MOTAWAKIL

Based on average water temperature of 21.5°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • 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