ASCALON - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

Ascalon, right off Hikkaduwa, is one of our favourites for a quick, shallow dive that still feels like an exploration. You’re looking at a steamship, sunk way back in 1882, now lying in just two metres of water. We love that it’s so accessible. You can easily spend an hour finning over its scattered remains, peering into the nooks and crannies of the boiler and engine parts. What makes it special, beyond the history, is how the reef has just swallowed it whole. Moray eels poke their heads from collapsed plating, schools of snapper drift through the open holds, and sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll spot a reef shark cruising by. It’s perfect for snorkelers too, or divers who want a relaxed second dive without any depth restrictions. The visibility is usually excellent, letting sunlight flood the wreck, illuminating the dense growth of corals that have made it their home. An easy, rewarding dive.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
6.191667, 80.043335
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ASCALON

Year Sunk
1887
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
2,298 GRT

The SS Ascalon was a British steamship built in 1882, a proud vessel of the Victorian era's merchant fleet. In October 1887, she was on a long voyage from Aden to Calcutta, laden with cargo. As she navigated the waters off the southern coast of what was then Ceylon, disaster struck. The Ascalon ran hard aground on the treacherous reefs near Hikkaduwa. The powerful Indian Ocean swell battered the stranded ship, breaking her back and ensuring she would never sail again. The crew was saved, but the ship and her cargo were a total loss, surrendered to the sea.

Lying in just 2 meters of water, the Ascalon is less of a traditional wreck dive and more of an enchanting snorkel or shallow dive experience. Over a century of immersion in the warm, clear waters has transformed the wreckage into a part of the reef itself. Her engines and boilers are still recognizable, but they are now completely encrusted in vibrant corals and swarmed by colorful reef fish. The extreme shallowness means the site is bathed in sunlight, making for spectacular underwater photography. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the remains of a 19th-century steamship as an integrated part of a thriving marine ecosystem.

Marine Protected Area: Rocky Islets ( A

Best Time to Dive in Hikkaduwa & South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Hikkaduwa & South Coast occur in January, averaging 28.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • February: 28.4°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • March: 28.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 28.4°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.4°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 28.4°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • July: 28.4°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • August: 28.4°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • September: 28.4°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • October: 28.4°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • November: 28.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • December: 28.4°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Hikkaduwa & South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ASCALON

Marine Life in Hikkaduwa & South Coast

Home to 95 recorded species including 65 reef fish, 6 whales & dolphins, 6 hard corals, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 other, 2 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ASCALON

Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Ascalon and what are the deepest points accessible to recreational divers?
The typical diving depth at the Ascalon dive site is 2 meters. This shallow depth makes the entire wreck generally accessible within recreational diving limits, offering a unique opportunity to explore this historical vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at the Ascalon dive site?
The Ascalon is a fascinating steam ship wreck, measuring 88.4m x 11.3m, providing a unique underwater topography. While specific marine life details are not provided in the data, wreck sites often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. Divers can explore the structure of this vessel, which sank in 1887.
How difficult is diving at Ascalon, and is it suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced divers?
Diving at Ascalon is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification, offering a rewarding exploration for those comfortable with wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ascalon for optimal visibility and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility or marine encounters at the Ascalon dive site. For general information on diving seasons in Sri Lanka, you may consult our When to Dive guide.
What specific scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Ascalon?
Given that Ascalon is an intermediate-level wreck dive, a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. While no specific certification is explicitly required in the data, having experience with wreck diving or specialized training would enhance your safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperatures experienced at the Ascalon dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents, visibility, or water temperatures at the Ascalon dive site. Divers should consult local dive operators in Hikkaduwa & South Coast for the most current conditions.