Kudhimaa Wreck - South Ari Atoll

The Kudhimaa Wreck in South Ari Atoll is one of those dives we always recommend for a solid, rewarding afternoon. It's not ancient history, but this steel cargo ship, scuttled years ago, has settled beautifully onto the sandy bottom. Descending onto the main deck, around 20 metres, you immediately feel the coolness of the deep water, and the quiet. The cargo hold is wide open, an easy swim-through that often houses giant morays – keep an eye out for their heads peering from the shadows. What we really love about Kudhimaa is the way the reef has embraced it. Schools of fusiliers are so thick they often block the light filtering down, shimmering silver as you approach. We’ve seen octopus camouflaged perfectly against the rust-coloured metal, and plenty of batfish schooling off the bow. It’s a comfortable dive, rarely with strong current, making it perfect for photographers or anyone who wants to take their time exploring the nooks and crannies. Our favourite tip? Hit it in the late afternoon; the light plays beautifully off the structure, giving the whole wreck a slightly ghostly, ethereal glow.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.594814, 72.885070
Type
wreck

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 Kudhimaa Wreck

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 Kudhimaa Wreck

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