HMS DAEDALUS
Protected Area
Great Basses and Little Basses Marine Sanctuary
Why dive here
With 91+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, giant moray eels, humpback whales, orcas and sea turtles - HMS DAEDALUS offers some of Hikkaduwa & South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
The HMS Daedalus might only be five metres deep, but don't let that fool you. This isn't just a shallow splash; it’s a living history lesson, scattered across the seabed just a short fin-kick from shore. What’s left of the 1813 wreck, originally a captured French frigate, is spread out in a jumble of ancient timbers and corroded metal. We love poking around the larger sections of the hull, still holding their shape surprisingly well after all these years. The real magic here is how marine life has taken over. Schools of glassy sweepers shimmer around the broken ribs of the ship, creating a silver curtain you can swim right through. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads peeking out with an almost curious gaze. It's a fantastic spot for photographers, especially when the morning light filters down, illuminating the vibrant soft corals that now coat the wreck. Our favourite time to dive it is early, before the day boats arrive, when the site feels more intimate. It’s perfect for snorkelers too, and for divers wanting to extend their bottom time without worrying about deco.
Typical HMS DAEDALUS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for HMS DAEDALUS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS DAEDALUS
HMS DAEDALUS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS DAEDALUS, 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
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