KUDHIMA - South Ari Atoll

Kudima isn’t just a wreck, it’s a living structure, purpose-sunk to become a thriving reef. At 64 metres long, this old steamship offers plenty to explore, especially for divers who love getting inside. We’ve spent countless bottom times here, poking around the engine room, swimming through cargo holds, and admiring the way the light filters through the upper decks. The best part, for us, is the sheer density of fish life that has made Kudima home. Expect to see schools of glassfish shimmering in every nook, their bodies reflecting the beam of your torch. Lionfish are always lurking, and we often spot moray eels peering out from cracks in the hull. Look closely at the deck for nudibranchs and flatworms, especially on the older sections. Kudima is forgiving, relatively shallow at 20 metres, so it’s a great introduction to wreck diving. Try to time your dive for slack tide; the current can pick up, making it a bit more challenging to navigate the interior.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.608333, 72.900000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Aa.Kudarah Thila

Best Time to Dive in South Ari Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Ari Atoll occur in January, averaging 28.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 28.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • March: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • April: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • June: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 28.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • October: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 28.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Ari Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to KUDHIMA

Marine Life in South Ari Atoll

Home to 152 recorded species including 85 hard corals, 50 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for KUDHIMA

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • 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