British Loyalty Wreck - HMS Prince Of Wales
1 / 10

British Loyalty Wreck

5
·2 reviews·Addu City, Maldives

Dive into history at the British Loyalty Wreck, the Maldives' largest diveable WWII tanker, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime dives

Optimal visibility for exploration

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
British Loyalty Wreck - HMS Prince Of Wales

British Loyalty Wreck

Best Time

Daytime dives

Optimal visibility for exploration

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into history at the British Loyalty Wreck, the Maldives' largest diveable WWII tanker, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.

5
(2 reviews)

"Certainly the best wreck dive in the Maldives and one of the top wrecks for underwater photographers worldwide."

Vertical photo
TIP

Choose Your Dive Operator Wisely

Select reputable dive centers in Addu Atoll for guided tours and safety.

Wreck Diving Certification

Consider getting a wreck diving specialty certification for a safer and more immersive experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic British Loyalty

The Majestic British Loyalty

Addu Atoll

Explore the largest diveable wreck in the Maldives, a 134-meter WWII tanker teeming with marine life.

Coral Gardens on Steel

Coral Gardens on Steel

On the wreck's hull

Witness nature's artistry as vibrant corals and anemones transform the historic wreck into an underwater reef.

Abundant Marine Life

Abundant Marine Life

Around the wreck

Encounter schools of fish, turtles, and other fascinating sea creatures that call this sunken vessel their home.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Dive into History: The British Loyalty Wreck

Prepare for an unforgettable dive experience at the British Loyalty Wreck, the largest diveable wreck in the Maldives. This WWII tanker, resting at 30-33 meters, offers a unique glimpse into history and a thriving marine ecosystem. Plan your dive with experienced operators for safety and the best exploration.

Addu Atoll's Underwater Gem

Located in the southernmost Addu Atoll, the British Loyalty Wreck is a must-visit for wreck diving enthusiasts. While it's a significant historical site, be aware of potential minor oil leaks, though marine life has adapted beautifully. Visibility can vary, so choose your dive operator wisely.

Best Times

When
Daytime dives
Why
Optimal visibility for exploration
Crowd
Medium
When
Year-round
Why
Consistent marine activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

British Loyalty, wreck 🩵. . . Location: Addu atoll, Maldives 🇲🇻. Diving with: Aquaventure Dive Center . . . #wreck #wreckdiving #wreckdive #britishloyalty #britishloyaltywreck #tecdiving #technicaldiving #tecdiver #tecdive #tecdivinginstructor #scubadiver #scubadiving #maldives #maldivas #divecentermaldives #diveinmaldives #tdidivers #tdi #tdipower #tdipower #tdiclub #underwateevideograph...
aquaventure.maldives
57 likes • 1.4K views

Choose Your Dive Operator Wisely

Select reputable dive centers in Addu Atoll for guided tours and safety. InstagramReddit

Wreck Diving Certification

Consider getting a wreck diving specialty certification for a safer and more immersive experience. Instagram

Explore Sunken History of the BRITISH LOYALTY. Explore how a chaotic wreck gained its beauty when Nature took over! @forestblumaldives @canareef #AsAboveSoBelow #maldives #visitmaldives #thebeautifulmaldives #discover #underwaterworld #addu #atoll #ssiinternational #ssiwreckspeciality #scubadiving #explore #shipwrecks #adventure #deepblue #ww2 #deepblue #history #marineconservation #travel #gop...
forestblumaldives
79 likes • 3.4K views
Once upon a wreck. Fishes and their home. Spotted in Addu city upon the British Loyalty wreck. #diving #sachika #maldives #liveaboard #cruise #clownfishes #anemone #addu #padi #paditv #sharks #wreck #plongee #ffessm
victor_eeo
220 likes • 2.1K views

Respect the Marine Life

Observe the abundant fish and turtles without disturbing their natural habitat. Instagram

Camera Ready!

Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning corals and historic wreck. Instagram

ScubaDiving the British Loyalty.. The Biggest Wreck in the Maldives.. Located in the Atoll of Addu, on the most remote passing the Southern Hemisphere. Has a great History to it, was built in Newcastle Uk in 1928, in 1942 was it by a Torpedo in Madagascar, but survived, was moved to Addu, where again in 1944 was hit by a Japanese torpedo, and in 1956 they used it for aim training and finally sunk,...
blueforcefleet
201 likes • 4.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Choose Your Dive Operator Wisely

Select reputable dive centers in Addu Atoll for guided tours and safety. InstagramReddit

Wreck Diving Certification

Consider getting a wreck diving specialty certification for a safer and more immersive experience. Instagram

Respect the Marine Life

Observe the abundant fish and turtles without disturbing their natural habitat. Instagram

Camera Ready!

Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning corals and historic wreck. Instagram

Be Aware of Depth

The wreck lies at 30-33 meters, so ensure you have the necessary training and air supply. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

5
(2 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The British Loyalty Wreck is hailed as the premier wreck diving site in the Maldives, praised for its historical significance and the stunning coral growth that has transformed it into a thriving marine habitat. Divers consistently highlight the abundance of fish and turtles, making it a memorable experience for underwater photographers and wreck enthusiasts alike. Some minor oil seepage is noted, but it doesn't detract from the overall beauty and ecological richness of the site.

"Number 1 wreck diving site in the Maldives.
Many turtles and fishes are visible. As the wreck is 60+years old the coral habitats are also magnificent. Enjoy your memorable wreck dive at Addu atoll."

Ibrahim Saeed

"On the last diving day of our Easter safari 2025 we were able to dive in the Addu Atoll, on the historic wreck of the "British Loyalty".

The World War II tanker lies 32 meters deep and is the largest diveable wreck in the Maldives.

At an impressive 140 meters, it is of course far too large to explore the entire ship in just one dive.

The tanker has a very special history. It served as a "mobile gas station" for the British Navy and was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 - but did not sink. In March 1944 the ship was torpedoed by the German submarine U-183, but was refloated by the British Navy as a transhipment ship.

After the end of the war in 1946, the British sank their own, well-deserved supply ship in the middle of the atoll - probably to save disposal costs. This led to an oil spill and to this day - almost 80 years later - oil is still leaking from the wreck in small quantities. Nevertheless, the wreck has now developed into a coral reef full of colorful life.

Although the visibility in the sandy interior of the atoll is not optimal, we managed to take a few very usable photos. Certainly the best wreck dive in the Maldives and one of the top wrecks for underwater photographers worldwide."

Jürgen Gangoly

What People Like

Largest diveable wreck
Magnificent coral growth
Abundant marine life

What People Dislike

Minor oil seepage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The British Loyalty Wreck is located in Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. You'll typically fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) and then take a domestic flight or speedboat to Addu Atoll. Many dive resorts in Addu Atoll offer direct access or boat trips to the wreck. InstagramReddit

The most common way is to take a domestic flight from Malé to Gan International Airport (GAN) in Addu Atoll. From there, local transfers to your resort or dive center will be arranged. Instagram

Yes, most dive centers and resorts in Addu Atoll offer boat excursions specifically to the British Loyalty Wreck. These trips are usually part of their diving packages. Instagram

Addu Atoll is accessible via domestic flights from Malé. Some liveaboard dive boats also include Addu Atoll in their itineraries, offering a comprehensive diving experience. Instagram

A domestic flight from Malé to Gan takes approximately 1.5 hours. Boat transfers within Addu Atoll to the wreck site are usually short, depending on your starting point. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You don't need a separate ticket for the wreck itself, but you will need to book a dive trip with a certified dive operator. These operators handle all necessary permits and boat arrangements. InstagramReddit

The cost varies depending on the dive center and package. Expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $150 USD per dive, which usually includes boat, guide, and tank. Instagram

While the wreck itself doesn't have a specific entry fee, some areas within the atoll might have conservation fees as part of your resort or dive package. It's best to confirm with your chosen operator. Reddit

Dive centers typically operate from morning to late afternoon, with multiple dive slots available throughout the day. It's advisable to book your dives in advance, especially during peak season. Instagram

The British Loyalty Wreck is primarily an attraction for divers due to its depth. Snorkeling is generally not feasible or recommended at this site. Instagram

🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience

The British Loyalty Wreck lies at a depth of approximately 30 to 33 meters (98 to 108 feet). This makes it suitable for advanced divers or those with wreck diving certifications. Instagram+1

You can expect to see a vibrant array of marine life, including schools of fish, turtles, moray eels, and various coral species that have made the wreck their home. InstagramReddit

Visibility can vary, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet). It can be affected by currents and sediment, especially within the sandy interior of the atoll. Reddit

Yes, it is safe when dived with experienced professionals and proper certification. The wreck is stable, and dive operators are well-versed in navigating its structure. Instagram

Limited penetration into the wreck is possible for certified wreck divers, but caution is advised. Many divers prefer to explore the exterior and the surrounding reef. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The bow and stern offer dramatic perspectives, while the deck and surrounding coral formations provide excellent opportunities. The abundance of marine life also makes for fantastic shots. InstagramReddit

An underwater camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the wreck and its surroundings. Good lighting is also crucial due to the depth. Instagram

Generally, no specific restrictions apply, but always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing marine life or other divers. Instagram

Focus on details like the ship's structure, any visible artifacts, and the contrast between the man-made wreck and the natural marine growth. Instagram

Mid-day dives often offer the best natural light penetration, but early morning or late afternoon dives can provide unique lighting conditions and potentially more active marine life. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The British Loyalty Wreck is primarily an advanced dive site, making it unsuitable for families with young children or non-divers. However, families visiting Addu Atoll can enjoy other activities like exploring local islands, relaxing on beaches, or engaging in snorkeling in shallower, more accessible areas. Some resorts may offer introductory dive experiences in controlled environments for older teens interested in the sport. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While the Maldives is generally perceived as a luxury destination, visiting Addu Atoll can be more budget-friendly than other atolls. Look for guesthouses on local islands or consider liveaboard dive trips that often offer more comprehensive packages. Booking dives in advance and comparing prices between dive centers can also help manage costs. Instagram

📸 Underwater Photographers

The British Loyalty Wreck is a dream for underwater photographers. Its immense size, historical significance, and the vibrant marine life that has colonized it offer endless photographic opportunities. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the scale of the wreck, while macro lenses can focus on the intricate details of the corals and small marine creatures. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the British Loyalty

The British Loyalty was a World War II tanker with a dramatic past. Built in 1928, it survived a torpedo attack in Madagascar in 1942. It was then moved to Addu Atoll, where it was hit again by a Japanese torpedo in 1944. Despite these attacks, the ship was refloated and served as a transhipment vessel. Instagram+1

After the war concluded, the British Loyalty was intentionally sunk in Addu Atoll in 1946, likely to avoid disposal costs. This act led to an oil spill, and even today, small amounts of oil can still be detected. However, this historical event has inadvertently created a unique underwater habitat. Reddit

Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Nature has reclaimed the steel structure, with corals, anemones, and a diverse array of fish species colonizing its surfaces. It's a poignant reminder of wartime history and the resilience of marine ecosystems. Instagram+1

Diving the British Loyalty: What to Expect

Diving the British Loyalty is an experience for certified divers, typically those with advanced open water or wreck specialty certifications, due to its depth of 30-33 meters. The sheer size of the 134-meter long tanker means a single dive is usually insufficient to explore its entirety. Divers can admire the exterior, swim along its length, and for the more experienced, explore some of its accessible interior sections. Instagram+1

Visibility at the wreck can vary, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters, influenced by the sandy bottom of the atoll. Despite the historical oil leaks, the wreck has become a vibrant coral reef. Expect to see a spectacular display of marine life, including various reef fish, turtles, and possibly sharks, all making the sunken vessel their home. InstagramReddit

When planning your dive, it's crucial to choose a reputable dive operator in Addu Atoll. They will provide the necessary equipment, guidance, and ensure your safety while exploring this historical underwater site. Many operators offer specialized wreck diving courses, which can enhance your experience and understanding of the wreck. Instagram+1

You may also like

1 of 2