Dive in West Rock’s Cargo Wreck | Maldives
About This Activity
The West Rock’s Cargo Wreck is a relatively recent shipwreck, deliberately sunk in 1999 to serve as an artificial reef. Unlike traditional wrecks, often explored in daylight, this site has gained recognition as one of the best night dive locations in the Maldives. Resting at a depth of 15 to 25 meters, this cargo vessel has transformed into a marine haven, providing an entirely different wreck diving experience under the cover of darkness.
The West Rock’s Cargo Wreck maintains its recognizable shape with minimal structural decay, including the cargo hold, bridge, and deck sections. This allows divers to easily explore the wreck, mainly when using underwater torches to illuminate its hidden corners.
Diving Experience
- Depth: 15 to 25 meters
- Location: Near Asdhoo Island, West Rock, Maldives
- Best For: Intermediate and advanced divers (ideal for night diving)
- Diving Conditions: Mild currents, excellent visibility, best experienced at night
The West Rock’s Cargo Wreck is one of the few wreck dives in the Maldives specifically recommended for night diving. Unlike most wreck sites, which are best explored under natural daylight, this wreck reveals its true magic after sunset, when bioluminescent marine life comes to life.
Divers can explore the outer structure of the ship, venturing into accessible compartments while using FLUO (fluorescent) dive lights to witness the wreck in vibrant neon colours. The ship’s hull, railings, and scattered cargo are now coated with soft corals, sea fans, and algae, creating an ethereal glow in the darkness.
One of the most thrilling aspects of this dive is observing the nocturnal marine species that emerge from their daytime hiding spots. Night dives here often reveal a completely different perspective of marine life compared to traditional daytime wreck dives.
Marine Life Around the Wreck
At night, the West Rock’s Cargo Wreck becomes a hub of nocturnal marine activity, featuring:
- Hunting lionfish and scorpionfish stalking their prey
- Giant moray eels and octopuses moving between the wreck’s openings
- Crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs navigating the ship’s deck
- Schools of soldierfish and squirrelfish, glowing under dive lights
- Biofluorescent corals and anemones light up the wreck with neon colours
The wreck is also frequented by nurse sharks and stingrays, which often glide past divers in the darkness, adding a thrilling yet peaceful atmosphere to the dive.
Best Time to Dive
The West Rock’s Cargo Wreck is accessible year-round, but the best experience is during night dives from November to April when water clarity is at its highest. To fully appreciate the site, divers should use UV or blue light torches to experience the fluorescent glow of corals and marine organisms.
Best time to Visit
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This is at its finest from November to April, providing an ideal setting for unforgettable experiences during these pleasant months.
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Year's busiest month is December
Required Time for Explore this Activity
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Visitors typically require around 3 hour to explore and enjoy its key highlights.
Activity Cost
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Cost Per Person: 100 USD to 200 USD