NILGIRI - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

The Nilgiri wreck is one of our absolute favourites along the Hikkaduwa coast, and it’s a site we think often gets overlooked. Dropping down to 37 metres, this isn't a shallow splash. The tug vessel, built in '76, flipped over back in '97, and now she sits upside down, which is what makes her so interesting. That inverted position means you're not just swimming over the deck; you're often finning along what was once the hull, now an artificial reef. We love pushing into the stern, where the prop shaft usually leads into a dark, inviting space. Look for batfish hanging around the superstructure and plenty of fusiliers darting through the broken sections. Visibility can be a bit hit-and-miss, often settling around 10-15 metres, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates, the sight of the wreck stretching out below is genuinely impressive. It suits experienced divers comfortable with depth and wreck penetration, and for those who appreciate a wreck with a bit of a story and an unusual orientation.

Location
Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
6.815333, 79.830330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

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 NILGIRI

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 NILGIRI

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