Joanna James
With clear, warm waters and diverse underwater ecosystems, the Maldives presents an exceptional environment for wreck diving, where each site unveils a new world of discovery, from coral-clad relics to a variety of tropical fish species. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, the underwater wrecks of the Maldives provide an unforgettable adventure beneath the surface. Scattered across the archipelago, these sunken ships and planes tell stories of the past, offering a unique opportunity to explore both marine life and history.
The Kuda Giri wreck lies just southwest of Dhigu Island, south of Malé. This submerged pinnacle boasts a vibrant coral reef near the surface, but diving down to 18 meters reveals a sunken fishing trawler positioned upright against the slope. The ship's bow faces upward, with the stern resting about 30 meters beneath the surface. The wreck is home to an array of corals, both hard and soft, and teeming with marine life, including schools of jackfish, batfish, glassfish, and other species—an exciting underwater discovery waiting to be explored.
Located on the island of Machchafushi in the Maldives, this steel Japanese cargo ship was deliberately sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef for divers. Dive down between 12 and 30 meters to explore this historic shipwreck up close, where you'll encounter a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, including corals, batfish, pufferfish, and large lionfish, along with numerous small creatures. This site is a haven for macro photography, offering the chance to capture some of the best underwater shots.
Step back in time to explore the SS Sea Gull, a massive 1000-tonne steamship that sank in 1879 while en route from London to Calcutta. Situated northeast of Gaafaru Island, the wreck is often challenging to locate as it's nearly completely covered in coral. At low tide, the ship's anchor, located just one meter beneath the surface, is visible. The wreck is split in two, lying at a 45-degree angle along the reef edge, with the structure extending down to 30 meters. This site is frequently visited by stingrays, eels, and barracudas as well!
This site is one of the most unique diving locations in the Maldives, where the wreck's bow rises above the water's surface. Nearby, at a depth of 28 meters, lies a second wreck that is visible when conditions are favorable. The area is teeming with a wide array of vibrant marine life, including corals, sponges, antheas, batfish, angelfish, and, if you're fortunate, even stingrays. Consider visiting or seeking it out from your stay at a luxury resort in the Maldives, such as the NH Collection Maldives.
The Lady Christine sank off Gaafaru Island in 1974 while laying communication cables and conducting underwater surveys. Most of the wreckage is spread across the reef where it became entangled, though its bow still rises above the water's surface. At a depth of 30 meters, you'll find breathtaking caves filled with stunning marine life. The entire area is alive with large creatures like turtles, sharks, and various rays. Who says a shipwreck can't be both beautiful and full of life?
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
