CHAOUEN - Medes Islands

The Chaouen wreck in the Medes Islands is a proper time capsule, and our favourite wreck dive for a reason. This old carrier, sitting shallow at a maximum depth of 2m, isn't just a pile of metal. She ran aground back in 1971, and now her bones are completely draped in Mediterranean life. We love exploring the bow section, where the deck has collapsed a bit, creating cool swim-throughs you can fin through easily. As you weave around the superstructure, look for the schools of damselfish that shimmer like tinsel in the light. The resident groupers are always around, big and a bit lazy, often found lurking under a steel plate. The shallow depth means you get amazing light penetration, really showing off the reds and oranges of the gorgonians coating the hull. It’s an accessible wreck for all levels, a fantastic spot for photographers, and a genuinely relaxing dive where you can just take your time, drift over the decks, and soak in the history and the marine life.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.198444, 5.228667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Best Time to Dive in Medes Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Medes Islands occur in August, averaging 23.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.1°C
  • February: 13.3°C
  • March: 13.5°C
  • April: 14.4°C
  • May: 16.8°C
  • June: 20.5°C
  • July: 22.7°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 21.6°C
  • October: 19.4°C
  • November: 17.3°C
  • December: 15.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Medes Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to CHAOUEN

Marine Life in Medes Islands

Home to 78 recorded species including 56 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 5 octopus & squid, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CHAOUEN

Based on average water temperature of 17.6°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 18°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 is the typical depth for beginner scuba dives offered from Chefchaouen to the Mediterranean Sea?
The provided information pertains to the CHAOUEN wreck in the Medes Islands, Spain, which has a depth of 2 meters and is classified as intermediate difficulty. We do not have specific data regarding typical depths for beginner scuba dives offered from Chefchaouen, Morocco, in this context. For general information on dive planning, you might explore our when to dive resources.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving from Chefchaouen in the Mediterranean?
Our data describes the CHAOUEN dive site in the Medes Islands, Spain, which is a significant carrier vessel wreck. Sunk on February 22, 1970, this 85.6m x 13.6m wreck is the primary underwater feature. We do not have specific details on marine life or other features for dives originating from Chefchaouen, Morocco.
How difficult are the dive sites accessible from Chefchaouen, and are they suitable for beginners?
The CHAOUEN wreck, located in the Medes Islands, Spain, is classified as having an "intermediate" difficulty. This suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginners without prior experience. We do not have information regarding the difficulty or suitability for beginners of dive sites specifically accessible from Chefchaouen, Morocco.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving from Chefchaouen for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the CHAOUEN dive site in the Medes Islands, Spain, does not include information about the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please consult our When to Dive section. We lack specific details for dives from Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Do I need a specific certification to go scuba diving on a tour from Chefchaouen, or are introductory dives available?
Our current data for the CHAOUEN wreck in the Medes Islands, Spain, does not specify certification requirements or the availability of introductory dives. Information regarding specific certifications needed for tours from Chefchaouen, Morocco, is not available in this context. You can explore general equipment information on DivePlnr.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like at the Mediterranean dive sites visited on trips from Chefchaouen?
The data provided for the CHAOUEN dive site in the Medes Islands, Spain, does not include details on typical water conditions or currents. Therefore, we cannot provide specific information about the usual water conditions and currents for dive sites visited on trips from Chefchaouen, Morocco.