Dive Site: Skipjack 1 & 2

About Skipjack 1 & 2

Skipjack 1 & 2 are two distinct wreck dive sites located within the Lhaviyani Atoll in the northern Maldives. These fishing vessels have rested on the seabed since the 1980s, forming an artificial reef that attracts a variety of marine life. They are accessible from liveaboards exploring the northern atolls, and offer a departure from the typical thilas and kandus of the Maldives. Skipjack 1 is an upright wreck, with its bow sometimes breaking the surface, making it relatively shallow and visible. In contrast, Skipjack 2 lies deeper at approximately 28 meters and is found on its side, providing a different exploration experience. These wrecks contribute to the Lhaviyani Atoll's reputation for diverse dive opportunities. The Lhaviyani Atoll, known for its horseshoe shape and numerous channels, experiences varying currents. While inner lagoons offer calmer conditions, the outer reefs and channels can have moderate to strong currents. The wrecks are found in an area where conditions are generally manageable, making them suitable for a range of dive levels. Visibility around the wrecks typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, with water temperatures consistently warm, between 27.5°C and 31.5°C. The site offers a chance to observe reef fish, and possibly larger pelagics moving through the area, providing a compelling dive for those interested in historical sites and artificial reefs.

Dive site facts: Skipjack 1 & 2

Depth

Surface – 28 m

Current

Medium

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

27.5–31.5 °C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

All levels

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Region / port

Lhaviyani Atoll

Coordinates

5.527642, 73.441792

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Skipjack wrecks are influenced by their location within the Lhaviyani Atoll, generally offering a medium intensity. While inside the lagoon, conditions tend to be calmer, the outer reefs and channels can experience moderate to strong currents that bring nutrients and pelagic species. Divers should be prepared for potential drift conditions, which are common throughout the Maldives, especially during incoming or outgoing tides through channels. Good buoyancy control and current awareness are beneficial for safely navigating the wrecks and appreciating the marine life they attract. Visibility at the site can range significantly, from 10 to 30 meters, depending on plankton blooms and monsoon seasons.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta Ray

May-November · occasional

Whale Shark

May-November · occasional

Blue striped snapper

occasional

Hawksbill turtle

occasional

Green turtle

occasional

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Moray eel

common

Loggerhead turtle

occasional

Reef fish

common

Stingray

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Whitetip reef shark

occasional

Grey reef shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Skipjack wrecks typically begins with a descent to the shallower Skipjack 1, which sits upright. Divers can explore its structure, often noting the bow breaking the surface. From there, a planned route would lead to Skipjack 2, which lies deeper at 28 meters on its side, allowing for examination of different sections of the vessel. The dive often involves a drift, leveraging the local current to move between or around the wrecks. Ascents are gradual, incorporating a safety stop, usually conducted in the clear, warm waters above the wrecks, before surfacing for tender pickup.

Underwater photography

The Skipjack wrecks offer varied photographic opportunities. For the shallower Skipjack 1, especially if its bow is breaking the surface, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the entire structure and surrounding reef fish in the ambient light. When photographing Skipjack 2 at 28 meters, which lies on its side, you will benefit from external strobes to bring out the colors and details in the deeper, darker conditions. Both wrecks provide good subjects for macro photography, as soft corals and smaller marine life colonize their surfaces. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up silt and to protect the delicate wreck environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Kuredu Express

  Kuredu Express is a renowned channel dive located in the Lhaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, characterized by its dynamic currents and diverse…

• Madivaru

  Madivaru Corner, located in the Rasdhoo Atoll, also known as North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif Atoll), stands out as a premier dive destination in…

• Kalifushifaru Corner

  The Corner is a prominent outer reef dive site situated in Pohnpei, Micronesia.

• Felivaru Kandu
• Kanuhura Corner

  The Corner is a prominent outer reef dive site situated in Pohnpei, Micronesia.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Skipjack 1 & 2 is primarily via liveaboard itineraries that focus on the northern atolls of the Maldives, particularly the Lhaviyani Atoll. International travelers typically fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé, and then transfer to their liveaboard vessel, often departing from Hulhulé. Liveaboard trips to the northern atolls usually last 7 to 10 days, allowing exploration of various sites. No special diving permits are required for these wrecks, but marine park regulations elsewhere in the Maldives should be respected. The Lhaviyani Atoll is less frequently visited than central atolls, providing a more secluded diving experience.

Safety & environment

Diving at Skipjack 1 & 2, like other Maldivian sites, requires adherence to standard safety protocols due to potential currents and depth. Divers should always stay within their certification limits and carry appropriate safety equipment, such as a surface marker buoy. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Bandos Island Resort in North Malé Atoll, emphasizing the importance of dive insurance that covers medical evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. Divers must be mindful of their no-decompression limits, especially at the deeper Skipjack 2, and monitor air consumption carefully. Always dive with a reputable guide who is familiar with the local conditions and current patterns.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Skipjack 1 & 2 FAQ

Liveaboards diving Skipjack 1 & 2

These liveaboards may visit Skipjack 1 & 2 on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Horizon III

Maldives

25 guests

$204/day

Ocean Divine

Maldives

16 guests33.528 m

$287/day

EcoPro Mariana

Maldives

16 guests30 m

$236/day

Maldives Blue Force 3

Maldives

26 guests42 m

$236/day

Amba

Maldives

20 guests

$199/day

White Pearl

Maldives

26 guests

$375/day

Maldives Master

Maldives

26 guests

$207/day

Adora

Maldives

22 guests

$297/day

Emperor Leo

Maldives

24 guests35.1 m

$277/day

Maldives Legend Zen

Maldives

24 guests41 m

$316/day

Emperor Voyager

Maldives

20 guests29.9 m

$325/day

Felicity

Maldives

26 guests41 m

$229/day