Erlangen

Gaafaru has many wrecks because the channel on the north side of the atoll has long been a shipping lane and has sunk many ships. Among the wrecks of the atoll are Aracan (1873), SS Seagull (1879), Clan Alpine (1879), Erlangen (1894), Crusader (1905) and Lady Christine (1974). When the windlass plate of the hull believed to be the Erlangen was cleaned, it read 'Matthew Paul & Co, Dumbarton 1871', an inscription pointed out as incompatible with the Erlangen, which would remain unlocated.

The hull broke in half at between 30 and 35 m, and the stern lies on its starboard side, with the propeller at about 45 m and two boilers at about 35 m. On top of the reef lie the remains of the bow, encrusted in coral: anchors, chain, anchor winch, davits and hull plates. A section of the hull's ribbing protrudes between 15 and 20 m and makes a good backdrop for photography. Many pieces of wreckage are scattered on top of the reef, between 5 and 15 m, and the main part of the ship lies below 40 m.

For dives on the Gaafaru wrecks, visibility tends to be best from January to May. In Gaafaru, the dry season usually runs from November to April, when the sea tends to be calmer and visibility more favorable for snorkeling and diving; May to October is the wet season.