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Finding shipwrecks to scuba dive in Sri Lanka, any divers dream when they visit this region abundant in sunken ships. Nothing beats the thrilling experiences of exploring through shipwreck bones, uncovering hidden chambers, and coming face to face with moments of the past.

So let’s look at some well-known shipwrecks in Sri Lanka that promise you an unforgettable adventure.

The world-class array of shipwrecks in Sri Lanka makes it a prime destination for your wreck diving adventures Home to more than 120 shipwrecks, Sri Lanka is on the fast track to becoming the best shipwreck diving destination in South East Asia. Same as the country, the ocean around it is full of history, culture, and diversity. The country was a hotspot on the ancient silk route. This is the main reason many ships sailed on the oceans near Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan sea bed carries shipwrecks that date back 300 years. Unique reefs, various aquatic lifeforms, and lost memories that the ships have to tell are things that you can expect to encounter when diving here.

Who knows, you might even be able to uncover forgotten mysteries hidden deep within the ocean.

The wreck of the ship Perseus, which is a steamer, is here at a depth of approximately 40m. The ship was an armed merchant and sank in 1917 by a German Mine Layer.

The well-protected nature of the sunken vessel has made it a hospitable environment for many sea creatures. Soft corals, fishes such as groupers, snappers, napoleons, and trevallies are a common sight in the area.

Dive and swim over to this sunken metal giant and see what mother nature is capable of. Explore all the parts of the ship and take in all this beautiful shipwreck has to offer. You will need to go on a 2hour boat ride of 20 KM from Mount Lavinia, Colombo.

Located 4KM away from Moratuwa, the SS Worcestershire is a shipwreck in Sri Lanka that is a heavily damaged ship with amazing marine life.

The SS Worcestershire is a British armed merchant who fell victim to sea mines back in the World War 1 days. Many believe that the legendary SMS Wolf, the infamous German Raider, was the cause behind the sink.

Explore the unbothered marine wildlife on this 50m deep wreck in Sri Lanka and see all kinds of amazing sights. The wreck has allowed the growth of beautiful soft, black, and whip corals alongside sea fans decorating the place. School of fishes is a common sight here, and Trevallies are the most abundant. You will need to go on a 40-minute boat ride to get there.

The wreck of the world’s first purpose-built aircraft carrier, H. M. S. Hermes, lies still at a depth of 50m off the east coast. The ship fell victim to Japanese bomb attacks in 1942 during World War 2.

The vast growth of a white-coloured variant of black corals gives off a stunning atmosphere to the wreck. The marine life is marvellous here, and you will be able to see a wide variety of fish types roaming the wreck. Gorgeous Bannerfish and Panther Torpedo Rays are sure to catch your eyes.

Though this is a marine life wonder, keep in mind that this is also one of the world’s largest undersea war graves. 307 lost their lives in the crash, and remnants of those lost souls are still visible within the wreck. Since this is a British War grave, entering the ship and artefact extraction is prohibited. Even with all of that, H. M. S. Hermes is one of, if not the best shipwreck in Sri Lanka to dive in.

H. M. S Hollyhock was an escort protection ship and was sunk in 1942 due to Japanese dive bombers. The attack led the ship to its demise, and 53 of the crew lost their lives along with it. Due to the wreck being a British war grave, touching and artefact extraction is not allowed.

Tragedy aside, this wreck is among the most scenic shipwrecks in Sri Lanka. The most outstanding aspect of this wreck is the fish population around it. The surrounding area of the wreck is home to many schools of fish to the point it’s almost hard to see the wreckage. If you are a diver interested in wrecks and marine life around it, rather than the historical aspects, this is the place for you.

The wreck is at a depth of 42m, and you can reach there with a 1-hour boat ride. Months from May to October are the ideal time to dive as the water will be clear, providing you with good visibility.

Situated on Pulmudai, Trincomalee, the wreck of Panamanian M. V. Cordiality is a 10-minute boat ride away. The wreck is around 18 meters deep and is good for divers of all calibres. Faced with cruelties of LTTE in 1997, the ship sank after killing the crew. The cargo aboard the ship was a shipment of Limonite and fuel.

What’s unique about this wreck dive is the ability to explore the deck of the ship. Aquatic flora and fauna thrive in this wreck, and you will be able to witness some mesmerizing sights. The sunken ship of M. V. Cordiality is one of the most picturesque shipwrecks in Sri Lanka.

The awe and the respect that all divers get when they see a sunken hulk on the ocean floor covered in a myriad of coral life is indescribable. If you are excited to explore all these wrecks too, contact us to get your complete diving tour in Sri Lanka arranged.

Photo by Dharshana Jayawardena @tecdivingsrilanka