Avondster - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

The Avondster wreck lies right in Galle Harbour, just 50 metres from Marine Drive, which makes for an incredibly easy shore entry. At a maximum depth of 5 metres, it’s a perfect spot for newer divers or anyone looking for a relaxed, shallow exploration. This old Dutch East India Company ship, an English vessel originally, sank while partly loaded with Areca nuts. The wreck itself isn't a massive, intact structure, but you'll find plenty of scattered timbers and parts of the hull to poke around. It's an interesting history lesson and a surprisingly peaceful dive given its location, with a good chance of spotting some smaller reef fish making homes in the crevices.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
6.021667, 80.216670
Maximum Depth
5M

Marine Protected Area: Rumassala SAN

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 Avondster

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 Avondster

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 depth of the Avondster dive site?
The Avondster dive site typically has a depth of 5 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, perfect for extended bottom times and exploring the historical wreck. You can find more details on the Avondster dive site page.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Avondster?
Divers visiting the Avondster can explore the remains of a historic Dutch East India (VOC) company ship, which was partly loaded with Areca nuts when it sank. The site is classified as a reef, offering a unique blend of historical wreck exploration and natural marine habitat. While specific marine life details are not provided, the wreck itself is a significant feature.
How difficult is the Avondster wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Avondster wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 5 meters might seem appealing, the intermediate rating suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without proper guidance or experience. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate skills for an intermediate-level dive.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the Avondster for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the Avondster for optimal conditions. For up-to-date information on seasonal conditions and local recommendations, it's always best to consult local dive operators in Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Avondster wreck?
The provided data does not explicitly state the required scuba diving certifications for the Avondster wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, and ideally have some experience with wreck or reef diving. Always check with a local dive center in Sri Lanka for specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the Avondster dive site?
Information regarding the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Avondster dive site is not available in the provided data. For current conditions and local insights, it is recommended to contact dive operators in the Hikkaduwa & South Coast region of Sri Lanka.