5m
    Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka
    Great Basses and Little Basses Marine Sanctuary

    HMS DAEDALUS

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    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.

    Best timeJun–Oct
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Giant Moray Eels, Humpback Whales, Orcas and Sea Turtles · 91+ species recorded
    Water28-31°C · warmest March, April, May
    CharacterWreck dive · max 5m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today05:2017:2112h 1m daylightGolden hour 16:53

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    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)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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