The Indian Ocean is renowned for its diverse and vibrant marine life, with the Maldives standing out as a premier diving destination. Beyond its pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, the Maldives is also home to a series of intriguing shipwrecks that offer a thrilling adventure for divers.
The shipwrecks in these waters have facilitated the growth of thriving marine ecosystems, with coral reefs enveloping the wrecks and attracting a multitude of sea creatures. Exploring these submerged relics provides a unique perspective on the island paradise’s underwater world, where history and marine ecosystems intertwine.
In the crystal-clear lagoon of Keyodhoo in Vaavu Atoll, this wreck is believed to be an Indonesian vessel that met its end here. The partially submerged wreck provides a striking view, with its mast occasionally breaking the surface. Divers can explore the ship’s structure, including the captain’s cabin and pose with the iconic bicycle affixed to the wreck while admiring the healthy corals and vibrant marine life that now call this wreck home. Snorkelling above the wreck offers a thrilling perspective, and freedivers can experience the serenity of gliding through the sunken vessel.
Vaavu Atoll is renowned for its exceptional dive sites. Highlights include a night dive at Alimathaa, where divers encounter resting nurse sharks, and the Golden Wall dive site, which resembles a lush underwater garden. For a truly memorable experience, explore Fotteyo Kandu, known for its encounters with hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and playful pods of dolphins. Vaavu Atoll offers a range of accommodation options like NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, and NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.
The Shipyard in Lhaviyani Atoll is a must-visit for wreck diving enthusiasts. This site features two notable shipwrecks, with the bow of Skipjack II emerging gracefully from the water. Originally a fish factory vessel, the Skipjack II dramatically met its end, catching fire and sinking stern first. The second wreck lies 40 metres away and now rests 30 metres below the surface. Both wrecks are covered in a mosaic of soft and hard corals, attracting a variety of marine life, including yellow sweepers, butterflyfish, and Napoleon wrasse. Nurse sharks and grey reef sharks can also be spotted here. The Shipyard offers an exciting dive for both seasoned divers and beginners, though strong currents may occasionally challenge divers.
Lhaviyani Atoll is located in the northern Maldives and is easily accessible from the capital city. The atoll’s stunning geography includes white sandy beaches, lagoons, and colourful coral reefs. Resort options in Lhaviyani Atoll include Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, Hurawalhi Island Resort, and Komandoo Island Resort & Spa. Each offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable stay.
Embark on a journey back in time with a dive to the SS Seagull, a large steamship that sank in 1879 during its voyage from London to Calcutta. Located northeast of Gaafaru Island, this 1,000-tonne wreck is partially obscured by coral, making it somewhat challenging to spot. The ship’s anchor, which rests just one metre below the surface, is visible during low tide, indicating its location. The wreckage is split into two sections and leans at a 45-degree angle on the reef edge, extending to 30 metres.
This site is a haven for thrill-seekers, with frequent sightings of stingrays, eels, and barracudas. Divers may also encounter parrotfish, blue tangs, blennies, trumpetfish, and frogfish. Due to its heavy coral coverage and scattered remains, the SS Seagull is an exciting dive for those seeking historical intrigue and diverse marine life. Nearby resorts include Kagi Maldives Resort and Spa, Patina Maldives Fari Islands, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Oaga Art Resort Maldives, and Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives.
Just a short distance from the jetty of Hembadhoo lies a small yet captivating wreck. This former tugboat, intentionally sunk by a dive centre in 1988, is a hidden treasure that can be reached directly from the shore. The wreck, which measures 16 metres in length, rests at a depth of 22 metres and has become a thriving habitat for various marine species.
Divers exploring the tugboat will find it teeming with bluefin jacks, black and midnight snappers, and tiger cardinalfish. The interior of the wreck is adorned with bushy black coral, adding a touch of eerie beauty to the site. As divers make their way back to the jetty, they can expect to encounter even more marine life, making the Hembadhoo Tug Boat Wreck a rewarding dive for those staying at Taj Coral Reef Resort.
The British Loyalty, a 5,583-tonne oil tanker originally built in 1928, holds a significant place in the Maldives’ history. After surviving an initial torpedo attack in 1942, it was used as a storage vessel in the Addu Atoll before being torpedoed again in 1944. The wreck now lies on its starboard side at 33 metres depth, between the islands of Maradhoo and Hithadhoo.
This impressive 140-metre-long wreck, covered in hard and soft corals, is home to an array of marine life, including blue-fin jacks, turtles, manta rays, and sharks. The ship features two large holes—one on the deck and another on the keel—allowing divers to explore its interior. The British Loyalty scuttled in 1946, is a prime site for divers seeking both historical interest and vibrant marine ecosystems. The wreck is situated in a protected area declared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives in 2018. Nearby resorts include Canareef Resort Maldives and Equator Village.
