CHIEF DRAGON
Protected Area
Muthurajawela
Why dive here
With 91+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, giant moray eels, humpback whales, orcas and sea turtles - CHIEF DRAGON offers some of Hikkaduwa & South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
The Chief Dragon is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. We find her sitting upright at 33 metres, her sheer size immediately apparent. She’s a big bulk carrier, 112 metres long, and has been down since ’83, giving the ocean plenty of time to turn her into a reef. Descending, you can often feel a slight thermocline around 20 metres, then the water cools a little and visibility often opens up as you reach the deck. There’s plenty to explore here. We love dropping into the cargo holds, where the light filters down in eerie shafts, illuminating schooling snappers and fusiliers. Keep an eye out for giant morays peeking from the darker recesses and the occasional reef shark patrolling the perimeter. The engine room is accessible if you’re comfortable with overhead environments, a truly atmospheric penetration for experienced wreck divers. This site is a proper deep wreck dive, best for advanced divers comfortable with depth and currents, which can pick up a bit out here. Go early in the morning for the calmest conditions and best light.
Typical CHIEF DRAGON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (33m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to CHIEF DRAGON
Dive shops near CHIEF DRAGON
View all dive centres in Hikkaduwa & South CoastReviews for CHIEF DRAGON
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CHIEF DRAGON
CHIEF DRAGON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CHIEF DRAGON, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (6.45, 79.98) (12km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
29°C
84°F · Range: 27.7–30°C
Air Temperature
26°C
79°F
Wind Speed
5.07 m/s
9.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Hikkaduwa & South Coast, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Hikkaduwa & South CoastPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Hikkaduwa & South Coast.
Search stays in Hikkaduwa & South CoastDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near CHIEF DRAGON
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
