GEORGIOS K - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

The Georgios K, just off Hikkaduwa, is one of our favourite easy wreck dives in Sri Lanka. She’s an old carrier vessel, 82.5m long, sitting upright in about 13m of water, scuttled back in ‘94. What we love about her is how accessible she feels; you can swim right along her deck, peering into cargo holds that are now home to schools of snapper and barracuda. The light penetration is fantastic at this depth, illuminating the wreck's structure and the corals that have started to colonise her metal hull. We’d suggest heading out in the morning, before the coastal breeze picks up, for the best visibility. You’ll often find large groupers lurking under overhangs, and we’ve spotted moray eels tucked into crevices more times than we can count. She's a perfect wreck for newer divers looking to get a feel for overhead environments without the complexity or depth, but even experienced wreck heads will appreciate how completely she's been taken over by marine life.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
7.025208, 79.836410
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

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 GEORGIOS K

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 GEORGIOS K

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 approximate depth range for diving the GEORGIOS K wreck?
The GEORGIOS K wreck is located at an approximate depth of 13 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a fascinating historical site.
What kind of marine life and historical features can divers expect to see at the GEORGIOS K dive site?
Divers exploring the GEORGIOS K can expect to encounter a significant historical feature: a carrier vessel sunk on July 13, 1994. Built in 1965, this impressive wreck measures 82.5 meters long and 12.2 meters wide, offering a substantial structure to explore. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
What is the difficulty level of the GEORGIOS K wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The GEORGIOS K wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its "Dangerous wreck" classification and the inherent challenges of wreck diving, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for this type of dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the GEORGIOS K wreck for optimal conditions like visibility and water temperature?
Specific data regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and water temperature at the GEORGIOS K wreck is not provided in our current context. For general seasonal conditions in Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the GEORGIOS K wreck?
Given the GEORGIOS K is an intermediate-level wreck dive classified as "Dangerous wreck," divers are typically recommended to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Furthermore, a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly advisable to safely navigate and explore the unique challenges presented by this type of dive site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced at the GEORGIOS K dive site?
Information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions specifically for the GEORGIOS K dive site is not available in the provided data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.