Perseus
40mCargo vesselColombo
One of the best-known technical wrecks off Colombo. A deeper profile with excellent structure for appropriately qualified divers.
Wreck diving
The Wrecks.
From accessible wrecks to deep technical exploration, Sri Lanka has a wreck for the right diver.
Philosophy
Not Every Wreck Is for Every Diver.
A wreck isn't defined simply by its depth. Structure, current, visibility, condition, marine life, penetration possibilities and the diver's experience all influence how a wreck should be approached.
That's why we don't simply publish a list and tell everyone to choose. We match the wreck to the diver.
The map
Wrecks, Island-Wide.
A general guide only, depths, access and conditions vary by site and season.
Categories
Four Ways to Dive the Wrecks
Recreational Wrecks
Suitable wrecks for appropriately certified recreational divers. Depth and conditions vary by site.
Advanced Wreck Diving
Deeper wrecks and more demanding conditions for divers with appropriate experience and certification. Selected profiles may extend into the 30–40m range.
Technical Wreck Diving
For appropriately trained technical divers. Selected sites may extend beyond recreational depth limits and require detailed planning, appropriate gas configuration and suitable support.
Explore Technical DivingEmerging Deep Sites
Some of the most exciting opportunities are still being developed, deeper wrecks and maritime sites that have seen limited recreational exploration. Access is subject to appropriate permissions, diver qualification, experience, conditions and operational support.
Ask About Deep SitesHMS Hermes
HMS Hermes
A serious technical wreck for appropriately qualified divers.
HMS Hermes represents the kind of diving that attracts experienced wreck and technical divers to Sri Lanka. The wreck lies at significant depth and demands serious preparation. This is not a sightseeing dive.
Any programme involving Hermes is built around diver qualification, experience, equipment, conditions, logistics and the specific requirements of the site. It is a war grave, diving it is a privilege, treated with the respect that comes with it.
Resting Since 1942
A silent structure beneath the surface
Resting Since 1942
A silent structure beneath the surface
Decades beneath the waves have folded HMS Hermes into the reef itself, coral and structure now inseparable.
HMS Hermes
World's first purpose-built aircraft carrier
HMS Hermes
World's first purpose-built aircraft carrier
Lost during the Second World War and now lying at significant depth off the east coast, one of the most historically significant wrecks accessible to appropriately qualified divers.
Seasonal Access
Conditions dependent.
Seasonal Access
Conditions dependent.
Actual conditions and access vary. Visibility and sea state on the east coast are most consistent during those windows, allowing properly planned deep profiles.
Resting Since 1942
A silent structure beneath the surface
HMS Hermes
World's first purpose-built aircraft carrier
A Serious Dive
Not a sightseeing dive
A War Grave
Treated with respect
Seasonal Access
Conditions dependent.
Decades beneath the waves have folded HMS Hermes into the reef itself, coral and structure now inseparable.
West coast
Colombo's Offshore Wrecks.
Colombo offers a concentration of wreck scuba diving that deserves far more attention from experienced divers. The offshore sites include wrecks offering deeper profiles, substantial structures, marine growth and opportunities for divers looking for something beyond the standard shallow reef experience.
Some are suitable for advanced recreational divers. Others demand technical preparation. The important question isn't simply “what wreck is there?”, it is “which wreck is right for you?”
Battery Barge
45mBargeMount Lavinia
A deeper west-coast wreck with a strong reputation among technical divers, lying off Mount Lavinia.
Car Wreck
32mCargo vesselColombo
A substantial Colombo wreck within recreational range for appropriately experienced divers, with good structure and marine growth.
Lotus Barge
30mBargeColombo
An accessible Colombo wreck, well-colonised and a reliable option within the standard recreational range.
East coast
The Wrecks of the East Coast.
Beyond HMS Hermes, the east coast holds a cluster of WWII-era wrecks, tankers, a corvette and a rare flying boat, spread between Oluvil and Passikudah. Conditions and access vary by season and site.
SS Athelstane
40mTanker (WWII)Oluvil
A deeper WWII-era tanker off Oluvil, from the same period as HMS Hermes.
HMS Hollyhock
40mFlower-class corvette (WWII)Oluvil
A historically rich WWII corvette wreck associated with the Athelstane off Oluvil.
SS British Sergeant
23mCargo ship (WWII)North Passikudah
A well-colonised recreational wreck off North Passikudah, suitable for a broader range of divers.
Catalina Aircraft
40mWWII flying boatPassikudah
A rare and remarkable aircraft wreck off Passikudah, exceptional and unusual among Sri Lanka's dive sites.