Kuredu Express

Kuredu Express is a high-energy channel drift dive featuring a sandy-bottom channel, coral terraces on the walls and a coral-encrusted canyon around 20 m deep. The site is noted for abundant pelagics and reef species, with frequent sightings of grey reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, dogtooth tuna and other large fish, napoleon wrasse and green sea turtles on the ledges. The dive is boat-accessed and commonly done as a drift dive because strong tidal currents flow through the channel; currents can be very swift so advanced open-water certification and drift experience are recommended. Maximum depth reaches about 30 m at the deep canyon while the channel bottom is shallower; visibility is typically good and the site is dived year-round with calmer conditions during the northeast monsoon. No overhead or technical hazards are present, but the strong currents are a notable challenge. An 18 m former ferry called the Kuredu Express was intentionally sunk upright in February 2023 on the sandy bottom; the wreck lies to about 11.5 m with the top deck 3-4 m below the surface, making it accessible to snorkelers and beginner divers as well as scuba divers. A nearby coral outcrop rises to 3 m and slopes down to the wreck; the wreck is rapidly developing reef growth and attracts schooling batfish, scorpionfish, octopus, pufferfish, turtles and occasional manta rays.