ASTORIA - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

The Astoria holds a special place for us in Hikkaduwa. It’s not one of those ancient, barnacle-encrusted wrecks lost to time, but a relatively recent sinking from 1997. That means it’s still very much a ship, not just a pile of plates. She was a 70-meter carrier, built in 1956, and now rests upright at 18 meters, making it an ideal depth for extended bottom times and good natural light penetration. We love dropping down onto her deck and seeing the bridge still largely intact. You can swim through the cargo holds, imagining what she might have carried. The holds are now home to schools of snapper and fusiliers, darting in and out of the shadows. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs on the encrusting corals that are starting to take hold. The stern is our favourite section, often draped with schooling bannerfish, and if you’re lucky, a turtle might be cruising by. It’s a comfortable dive, usually with mild currents, and perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring a coherent wreck. It’s not just a quick swim-over; there’s plenty to see if you take your time.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
6.937398, 79.816780
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - ASTORIA

Year Sunk
1997
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The story of the Astoria off Sri Lanka's south coast is shrouded in a bit of mystery. This 70-meter carrier vessel, built in 1956, met its end on September 25, 1997. Unlike many wrecks lost in violent storms, the Astoria simply sank while resting at anchor near the popular tourist town of Hikkaduwa. The specific cause of its foundering is not well-documented, leaving divers to speculate on what might have happened that day-perhaps a sudden leak or a shift in cargo.

Resting at a perfect recreational depth of 18 meters, the Astoria has become one of the signature wreck dives in the region. Its accessible depth and location make it a popular choice for divers of various skill levels. The wreck is largely intact, offering opportunities to explore its deck, bridge, and swim-throughs in the cargo holds. Over the years, it has developed into a magnificent artificial reef, covered in soft corals and sponges, and attracting a dense population of marine life, including lionfish, moray eels, and vast schools of snappers.

Marine Protected Area: Muthurajawela

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 ASTORIA

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 ASTORIA

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