Dive-center page with boat access, 30m depth, strong current, and marine life notes.
Deep South Ari wreck with coral, sponges, and big fish.
Deep South Ari wreck with coral, sponges, and big fish.
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Use a local South Ari dive operator; access is handled by boat and wreck briefing.
Kudhimaa Wreck is a deliberately sunk cargo ship in South Ari Atoll that now sits on sand as an artificial reef. The hull and cargo holds are covered in coral and sponges, and the wreck attracts batfish, lionfish, moray eels, nurse sharks, and other wreck-loving species. It is a deep boat wreck with overhead spaces and current that can build, so it suits divers who are comfortable with careful wreck planning and controlled buoyancy.
Built from 5 dives by 1 diver, with a small research baseline still applied.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
10m - 30m
Depth Note
Reported working depth runs from about 10m on the upper wreck to around 30m on the sand.
Best Season
June to December
Typical Conditions
Often clear with strong current possible, especially when the sea state or tide picks up.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
The wreck has overhead spaces, sits deep, and can see strong current; stonefish and nurse sharks are reported around the structure, so keep buoyancy and gas discipline tight.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; plan on a deep wreck briefing and tight buoyancy control.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Recommended for intermediate divers; the wreck sits at about 30 m.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive site because the wreck is deep and has overhead sections.
Snorkeling
Not suitable for routine snorkeling; the wreck is too deep and the structure is best appreciated underwater.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
5 community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

Last Updated
Research Sources
Dive-center page with boat access, 30m depth, strong current, and marine life notes.
Dive-center listing with intermediate level guidance and coral-covered wreck details.
Official Maldives tourism page describing Kudhimaa Wreck as a purposely sunk wreck with batfish, pufferfish, and lionfish.
Local operator page describing the wreck near the Machafushi house reef and its coral growth.
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