New artificial reef project in Noonu Atoll combines marine conservation, coral restoration, and immersive underwater tourism to promote sustainable travel experiences in the Maldives.
Siyam World Maldives has launched one of the country’s newest and most distinctive underwater attractions with the unveiling of “Wreck to Reef”, a long-term marine conservation initiative that transforms a former tuna freighter into a thriving artificial reef designed to support marine biodiversity, coral regeneration, and sustainable tourism.
Located in the pristine waters of Noonu Atoll, the project centres around a 66.36-metre Japanese-built tuna freighter dating back to the 1980s. Once used to transport Maldivian tuna between the islands, Malé, and local processing facilities, the vessel has now been given a second life beneath the ocean as a purpose-built habitat for marine life and a unique dive experience for certified divers.
The initiative is being implemented under the Sun Siyam Cares sustainability platform and represents a significant step in the resort’s broader commitment to ocean conservation and responsible tourism. The concept was originally envisioned in 2021 by Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder and Chairman of Sun Siyam Group, who sought to create a world-class dive attraction that would also deliver long-term environmental benefits.
Following years of planning, extensive preparation, regulatory approvals, and the relocation of the vessel to Noonu Atoll, the ship was intentionally submerged within Siyam World’s territorial waters in October 2024.
The sinking operation, however, presented an unexpected engineering challenge when trapped air caused the vessel to settle upside down on the seabed. A skilled local team from Miladhoo spent several weeks carefully repositioning the wreck using specialised air bags and ropes, successfully restoring it to an upright position. Today, the vessel’s bow rests at a depth of approximately 10 metres while the stern extends to 24 metres, making the site accessible to experienced and certified recreational divers.
A New Home for Marine Biodiversity
Since its placement on the seabed, the artificial reef has already started attracting an impressive variety of marine species, demonstrating the rapid ecological potential of carefully managed underwater structures.
Marine life recorded around the wreck includes guitar sharks, blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, stingrays, sea turtles, moray eels, octopus, groupers, snappers, batfish, angelfish, boxfish, nudibranchs, and large schools of jackfish. The initial growth of soft and hard corals across the steel structure marks the beginning of its gradual transformation into a fully functioning underwater ecosystem.
Beyond Diving: A Long-Term Commitment to Ocean Restoration
Unlike conventional shipwreck dive attractions, “Wreck to Reef” has been designed as an evolving conservation programme that will continue over the coming years. Guests will have the opportunity to participate directly in coral restoration activities by planting coral fragments onto the structure, contributing to the creation of new habitats and supporting the reef’s natural development.
The project will also feature a structured scientific monitoring programme led by the resort’s Marine Biologist, Mariyam Thuhufa, with regular assessments of coral growth, marine biodiversity, and ecosystem health conducted every three months.
The inaugural “Wreck to Reef” event, held from 11–15 June, brought together divers, marine scientists, conservationists, environmental advocates, content creators, and visitors for a series of activities including ceremonial dives, coral planting sessions, marine awareness discussions, reef exploration, community engagement programmes, beach and underwater clean-up initiatives, and unique blue-light night diving experiences.
Sara, Director of Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts, described the initiative as one of the most ambitious environmental projects undertaken by the brand.
“Wreck to Reef is probably the boldest story we have ever set out to tell from Siyam World, and certainly the most patient one. This is not simply the opening of a new dive site; it marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to reef restoration, ocean conservation, and meaningful guest participation. Every visitor who plants a coral fragment becomes part of a living story that will continue to grow beneath the ocean long after their stay,” she said.
As sustainability becomes increasingly central to luxury travel, initiatives such as “Wreck to Reef” demonstrate how resorts can combine exceptional guest experiences with meaningful environmental stewardship. By turning a retired vessel into a living underwater habitat, Siyam World Maldives is creating a model where adventure tourism, marine science, and conservation work together to protect the future of the world’s oceans.
