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Vaavu Shipwreck: An Underwater Paradise

Explore the enchanting Vaavu Shipwreck: a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with marine life and Maldivian history.

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The Vaavu Shipwreck, located off Keyodhoo Island in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, is a captivating site where a submerged vessel has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. Teeming with marine life and colorful corals, it offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty for divers and snorkelers.

A brief summary to Vaavu Shipwreck

  • FH26+G8, Keyodhoo, MV

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best visibility.
  • Bring your own snorkeling gear to save on rental costs.
  • Consider booking a guided dive tour for a safer and more informative experience.
  • Respect the marine life and avoid touching or disturbing the corals.
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Getting There

  • Boat

    The most common way to reach the Vaavu Shipwreck is by boat from Keyodhoo Island. Local guesthouses and dive operators offer excursions to the site. The boat trip is short, approximately 15-20 minutes. Enquire locally for pricing as costs vary but expect to pay around $20-$50 per person for a snorkeling or diving trip, including equipment rental.

  • Ferry

    To get to Keyodhoo Island from Male, you can take a public ferry or a speedboat. The public ferry is the most economical option, costing around $61. However, the speedboat is faster, with prices ranging from $65 to $450 depending on the provider. The speedboats depart from in front of the MMA (Maldives Monetary Authority) building in Male’.

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Discover more about Vaavu Shipwreck

The Vaavu Shipwreck is a hauntingly beautiful site that rests in its final slumber off the southern coast of Keyodhoo in Vaavu Atoll. The wreck is a vessel transformed into a thriving underwater sanctuary. It is located a short 20-minute boat ride from Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, making it an unmissable attraction for snorkelers and divers alike. While the origins of the Vaavu Shipwreck remain shrouded in mystery, it is believed that the vessel succumbed to the relentless forces of nature during a massive storm in 2015, coming to rest at a dramatic angle in the shallow waters of Kuda Lagoon. Some speculate it to be an Indonesian vessel. In early 2025, torrential rains and relentless ocean currents altered the wreck's position, flipping it upside down. Beneath the waterline, the wreck has transformed into a thriving marine oasis. The captain's wheelhouse and deck are draped in vibrant table corals, soft corals, and sea anemones, creating a dynamic and colorful habitat. Schools of fish dart between the crevices, while curious eels peek out from rusted openings. The wreck rests on a relatively shallow lagoon, with its mast rising above the water. Snorkelling above the wreck is an exhilarating and otherworldly experience. Experienced freedivers can swim through the captain's cabin and hold onto that iconic bicycle attached to the hull for an Instagram shot.

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