The short answer
The Shipyard: what visitors should know first
A good option for certified divers who want something different from the sharks and mantas. Choose the shallower section if you hold an Open Water card, and go through your resort dive centre.
Useful facts
The Shipyard facts at a glance
- Location
- North-east Lhaviyani Atoll, near Felivaru
- Experience type
- Guided wreck and reef dive
- Known for
- Wreck sections with schooling fish
- Depth range
- Surface to about 30 m depending on section
- Level
- Open Water for shallow parts; Advanced for deeper
- Access
- Boat only
Why it matters
Why The Shipyard is worth your time
Wreck sections add variety to an atoll that is mostly known for sharks and mantas. They also act as artificial habitat, drawing schooling fish and giving less experienced divers an interesting alternative to a drift dive in a strong channel.
For a group with mixed abilities, a site with sections graded by level is helpful. A less experienced diver can enjoy the shallow end while advanced divers take the deeper part with a guide, and everyone can compare notes over lunch. That is the sort of planning that makes a diving holiday relaxing rather than stressful.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Graded sections
Shallow parts suit Open Water divers; deeper parts are listed for Advanced Open Water.
- 02
Schooling fish
Fusiliers, snappers, batfish and groupers are commonly reported.
- 03
Tide-dependent current
Current varies with the tide, so timing matters.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Shipyard is described in published dive guides as a site in the north-east of the atoll, near Felivaru, with wreck sections and reef. Depth varies from the surface to about 30 metres depending on which section you choose, and the current can be strong depending on the tide. Fusiliers, snappers, batfish and groupers are the commonly reported fish, with the occasional reef shark.
The shallower sections are listed as suitable for Open Water divers, while the deeper sections need Advanced Open Water. That is a useful guide: tell the dive centre what card you hold and ask which section they plan. A site like this rewards a calm, unhurried dive with good air management.
The nearest place to base yourself is a resort with a dive centre, since the site is reached by boat. Go in the morning when the sea is calmer and the light is better underwater, and leave the afternoon for rest.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Tell the dive centre your certification level
- Ask which section they plan to dive
- Go early when seas are calmer
- Plan a rest after the dive
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- North-east Lhaviyani Atoll, near Felivaru (boat dive)
- Time needed
- Half a day by boat
- Best time
- Dry season gives easier conditions; ask your dive centre about the tide
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Boat entry and exit are required and the current can be strong depending on tide. Suitable for fit, certified divers; the shallow sections can also work for snorkellers if the guide confirms conditions, but older or frail travellers should not attempt it.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket. Arranged through resort dive centres. Check what level the chosen section requires, as published guides separate shallow and deeper parts.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near The Shipyard
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Boat entry and exit are required and the current can be strong depending on tide. Suitable for fit, certified divers; the shallow sections can also work for snorkellers if the guide confirms conditions, but older or frail travellers should not attempt it.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the Shipyard suitable for beginners?
Parts of it are listed for Open Water divers. Ask the dive centre which section they will use.
How do I get there?
By boat arranged through a resort dive centre or licensed operator.
Is it a single wreck?
Published guides describe a site with several sections rather than one wreck, so ask the dive centre what you will actually see.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
