MELIKSAH - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

Meliksah is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She’s a big bulk carrier, 146 metres long, sitting upright in just 10 metres of water. We love a shallow wreck, especially one with a good story. Sunk back in 1999, after breaking in two during an unauthorised salvage attempt, she’s become a sprawling artificial reef. What you get here is pure exploration. The stern section is our favourite, with huge holds you can peer into, often full of schooling snappers. You’ll weave through massive chunks of twisted metal, feeling the surge gently push you around as light shafts pierce the surface. It’s an easy dive, perfect for divers who want to spend a long bottom time really getting to know a wreck, rather than just buzzing past. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the crevices; they’re almost always there.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
5.917000, 80.585170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Rekawa

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 MELIKSAH

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 MELIKSAH

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 typical depth range for diving at the Meliksah dive site?
The Meliksah dive site, located off the coast of Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, has a typical depth of 10m. This relatively shallow depth makes it an accessible wreck dive for many experience levels.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Meliksah?
The provided data for the Meliksah dive site does not specifically detail the marine life or coral formations present. However, as a sunken bulk carrier vessel, wrecks often attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates over time, which divers can explore. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Meliksah dive site for divers of different experience levels?
The Meliksah dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Furthermore, it is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," suggesting that divers should possess adequate experience and training, especially for wreck diving, to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Meliksah for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the Meliksah dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our when to dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Meliksah?
While the data doesn't explicitly list required certifications, the Meliksah dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty and classified as a "Dangerous wreck." Therefore, divers should ideally possess an Advanced Open Water certification or specialized wreck diving certification to safely navigate this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Meliksah dive site?
The provided data for the Meliksah dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning to visit this site should consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on these factors.