Scuba Diving in Colombo, Sri Lanka: An Unexplored Underwater Gem

When you think of scuba diving in Sri Lanka, places like Hikkaduwa, Trincomalee, or Unawatuna might come to mind. However, Colombo, the bustling capital, holds its own set of underwater treasures that are waiting to be explored. Though often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, Colombo offers a unique diving experience with a blend of history, shipwrecks, and vibrant marine life.

According to historical records, there are an estimated 200+ shipwrecks along the coast of Sri Lanka. These wrecks span various eras and include vessels from different regions, offering a rich tapestry of maritime history. Each site presents unique diving opportunities, allowing divers to explore underwater relics while encountering diverse marine life that has made these wrecks their home.

Top Dive Sites in Colombo

1. Chief Dragon Wreck

The Chief Dragon is a large car transport ship that sank in 1983, and it offers a fascinating diving experience. Parts of the vehicles can still be seen on the decks, although they, like much of the wreck, are covered in vibrant hard and soft corals. This site is renowned for being one of the most colorful dives in Sri Lanka, featuring a diverse array of corals, fish, and invertebrates.

Diving here, you’ll encounter schools of resident snappers and fusiliers, while tuna, wahoo, trevally, and eagle rays often make appearances as well. For wreck enthusiasts, the site provides plenty of opportunities for exploration, including the chance to penetrate some of the holds beneath the decks. Overall, the Chief Dragon offers an exciting blend of marine life and wreck exploration for divers of all levels.

2. Lotus Barge

This small wreck sits in about 28 meters of water. This small barge is a vibrant underwater haven, teeming with marine life. it serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of fish and other sea creatures. Divers can explore its colorful surroundings and witness the thriving ecosystem that has developed around it, making for an engaging and lively dive experience.

3. Pecheur Breton

This small wreck sits in about 33 meters of water, A massive, intact cargo ship lies submerged off the coast, recently discovered and yet to be officially identified. It is believed to be an Indian steel carrier that sank in 1993. The vessel rests on its starboard side, offering an extensive area for exploration. DiveSriLanka.com has identified this wreck as the Pecheur Breton, adding another intriguing site for divers interested in maritime history and underwater exploration.

4. Medhufaru Wreck

The Medhufaru is a large cargo ship that sank in 2009. At a depth of 30 meters, this dive is suitable for advanced divers. The wreck is teeming with marine life, and on a good visibility day, divers can spot schools of jacks, snappers

5. Thermophylae Sierraa Weck

The wreck is a 155-meter-long Cypriot ship that sank during a monsoon storm in 2012. Since its sinking, it has transformed into an exceptional dive site. The main deck, lying at a depth of 7 to 12 meters, offers a vast area to explore, teeming with large schools of parrotfish, surgeonfish, rabbitfish, and fusiliers. Divers can also discover large octopuses nestled in the numerous holes and crevices. Electric rays and pufferfish are frequently spotted, and whale sharks are occasionally seen near the wreck. This site is ideal for both novice and experienced divers, featuring ample penetration opportunities for those with the necessary training. max depth is 24 meters

6. Taprobane East Wreck

This wreck lies at a depth of around 32 meters, In the pristine, remote reefs of Taprobane, visibility often exceeds 20 meters on average, creating a stunning diving environment reminiscent of the Caribbean. Here, divers can experience their own “Heaven on Earth” at a picturesque shipwreck that is truly a must-visit. The combination of clear waters and vibrant marine life makes this dive site an unforgettable experience for underwater enthusiasts.

7. Tango Wreck

The Tango Wreck is a popular dive site situated at a depth of around 30 meters. This wreck is an old Sri Lankan naval vessel that was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Over time, it has attracted an array of marine life, including groupers, batfish, lionfish, and barracudas. It’s an ideal spot for advanced divers due to the depth, and the wreck is relatively intact, allowing for interesting exploration.

8. Battery Barge Wreck

This deep oasis is teeming with vibrant fish life and colorful corals. Due to its considerable depth, it’s typically too challenging for a standard single-tank dive, making it a popular choice among technical divers. The site offers an exhilarating opportunity to explore its rich underwater ecosystem, showcasing the beauty and diversity of marine life in a more adventurous setting…

9. The Taprobane Reef

For divers looking for a reef experience rather than a wreck, the Taprobane Reef is a perfect alternative. Located at around 10-15 meters in depth, this reef is home to a variety of small tropical fish, hard corals, and invertebrates. Visibility is generally good, and it’s a great dive for beginners or those looking for a relaxing dive with a vibrant coral backdrop.

Colombo’s coastlines may not have the clear turquoise waters of some other diving destinations, but what it lacks in clarity, it makes up for in history and intrigue. The waters off the coast are home to a number of impressive shipwrecks, some dating back to World War II, as well as artificial reefs that have become a haven for marine life.

For those who love wreck diving, Colombo offers an exciting underwater adventure that merges history with exploration. Divers can see ships that tell stories of the past while observing the marine ecosystems that have flourished around them.

Colombo’s dive sites are rich with marine biodiversity. Despite not being known for pristine coral reefs, the wrecks and rocky outcrops attract various species of fish. You can expect to see moray eels, lionfish, stingrays, octopuses, and a wide variety of reef fish. Occasionally, larger pelagic species like barracudas, groupers, and even nurse sharks make appearances.

For macro lovers, Colombo doesn’t disappoint either. Nudibranchs, shrimp, and other small critters can be found hiding among the wreckage, making it an exciting spot for underwater photography.

Best Time to Dive in Colombo

The best time for scuba diving in Colombo is from November to April. During these months, the sea is calmer, and visibility is generally better, ranging between 10-20 meters. Outside of this season, rough seas and poor visibility can make diving challenging.

Scuba diving in Colombo offers a unique experience that blends history, adventure, and marine life. While it may not be the first place divers think of when visiting Sri Lanka, it provides an off-the-beaten-path alternative that should not be missed, especially for wreck diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced diver looking for deeper wrecks or a beginner wanting to explore shallower waters, Colombo’s dive sites cater to all levels of expertise.

So, if you find yourself in Colombo, take the plunge and explore the hidden underwater gems off the coast – it’s an experience you won’t forget!

Colombo Scuba Diving