MEDHUFAARU - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

Medhufaaru. Now this is a proper wreck, and one of our favourites in Hikkaduwa. She’s a motor vessel, not ancient history, going down in 2009. That means she’s still got a lot of her structure intact, which makes for some great penetration if you’re certified and know your way around. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of her. She lies upright, and you can swim through the cargo holds, engine room, and even the bridge if you’re careful. Light filters in through portholes and cracks, illuminating schools of snapper that swirl inside like liquid silver. Outside, the superstructure is draped in soft corals, providing shelter for moray eels poking their heads from every crevice. We’ve seen colossal groupers lurking in the shadows of the bow, and often find lionfish perched dramatically on the railings. Current can be a factor here, so we’d suggest going at slack tide for the easiest exploration. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, each time revealing a new detail, a different resident. If you love a good wreck dive, Medhufaaru is a must.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
6.808267, 79.830020
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

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 MEDHUFAARU

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 MEDHUFAARU

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