Liveboard lodging is often rated as the best way to explore these ancient sea vessels buried deep within the ocean surface and the sands of time. However, scuba divers are welcome to select a method of their choice to explore these rusty shipwrecks. The Victory Wreck can be described as the most famous shipwreck diving site in the country and is a hotbed of activity for commercial diving in the Maldives. Having capsized off the western coast of Hulhule Island in 1981, the 110 metre long ship is one of the most popular diving sites for shipwreck enthusiasts for the sheer volume of marine life the site showcases. Transformed into a natural habitat for some of the world’s most spectacular marine animals, over time the dive site has provided a cosy dwelling for large groupers, turtles and tuna fish. Divers will discover the ship’s main deck at a 12 metre depth. Reserved for advanced divers the site is equally known for the strong currents and sharp objects flanking the surroundings.
The British Loyalty Wreck is another hotspot for wreck enthusiasts as this 140 metre long sea vessel sank to the bottom of the ocean back in the mid 1940’s during World War Two after it was shot down by Japanese torpedoes. Located in the Addu Atoll the site can be reached at a depth of 17 metres below the surface and is ideal for novice divers due to the vessel’s unusual vertical positioning. The ship’s propellers lie further down at depths of 29 metres where one will also encounter the torpedo hole in the vessel’s hull. Marine species such as parrotfish, clownfish, bannerfish, wrasse and angelfish are spotted here in addition to massive sea turtles.
The Shipyard is North Male Atoll’s finest wreck site as the venue packs two shipwrecks in one location! The vessels named Skipjack One and Skipjack Two are found beneath the water’s surface encircled by soft corals and colourful marine life the likes of small blennies, butterfly fish, emperor angelfish and hoards of glassfish. Stingrays are also known to inhabit the site as well as damsels and anthias.
Travellers in search of a luxury villa in Maldives should look to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas which offers stylish living quarters in this island paradise. Ideally located within a stone’s throw of the crystal clear ocean, this breathtaking rest is one of the most picturesquely situated Maldives resorts in the popular island archipelago.
