British Loyalty Shipwreck
Located beneath the turquoise
blue waters of the Maldives lies some of the world’s most fascinating dive
sites that are just waiting to be explored.
One such enthralling dive site
is the British Loyalty Shipwreck that came to rest in 1946. Built in 1928, this
5.583 ton oil tanker was torpedoed twice during the Second World War. It was
left in Addu Atoll after the British withdrew from the Gan Island.
Just a 30 minute boat ride from
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, the British Loyalty Shipwreck is bountiful
in marine life and worth the experience.
Bicycle Tours
The
resort is ideally located for exploring the nearby inhabited islands and
villages. Guests can hop on one of the regular speedboats to Gan and explore by
bicycle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road - the
longest in the Maldives.
Manta Ray
The
Manta Ray is known to be curious of humans and is fond of swimmers and scuba
divers. They do not approach humans and it is also advisable not to touch them,
as it will scare them away.
Addu
atoll reefs are frequented by these inquisitive beauties and can be seen in the
deep waters on the surface of reefs, in order for the smaller fish to clean
their gills. It is important not to make sudden movements, but remain in one
spot and watch the cleaning ritual being performed. A typical encounter with a
Manta Ray will last close to half an hour.
Turtle Point
With the many popular things to
do in this tropical paradise, diving in Turtle Point adds the perfect touch to
a blissful holiday in the Maldives. This popular dive site is located just
outside the reef of Gan; which is one of the many islands that make up the
Maldives.
Umarus Place
Umarus Place is a pleasant reef
dive at the northern outside reef. The reef starts at about five metres
and drops down straight, at some places in steps, to some 30 metres.
There
are lots of gorgonians and table corals, but also many soft corals, sweet lips,
schools of snappers, groupers, eagle rays and with some luck also manta rays or
sailfish.