PAHLAWAN
Protected Area
Rumassala SAN
Why dive here
With 91+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, giant moray eels, humpback whales, orcas and sea turtles - PAHLAWAN offers some of Hikkaduwa & South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
We love the Pahlawan wreck, a motor vessel that went down in 1986. It’s sitting right there, just two metres deep, practically begging you to explore. At 67 metres long, it’s a big wreck for such shallow water, and you really feel that scale as you swim along its deck. Our favourite part is the engine room access; you can get a good look inside without much effort, seeing all the old machinery covered in growth. The Pahlawan is a fantastic spot for a long, relaxed dive, or even just some serious snorkelling. Visibility here is usually decent, especially in the mornings before the wind picks up, giving you clear views of the resident batfish and schools of fusiliers that hang around the superstructure. We’ve often seen moray eels peeking out from under the collapsed sections, and colourful parrotfish grazing on the coral patches that have started to form on the hull. It’s an easy, rewarding experience, perfect for newer divers or anyone who just wants to spend ages soaking in a bit of history.
Typical PAHLAWAN 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to PAHLAWAN
Dive shops near PAHLAWAN
Submarine Diving School
Divinguru Unawatuna
Pearl Divers
Dive For You
Poseidon Diving Center
Weligama Bay Diving Centre
Reviews for PAHLAWAN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for PAHLAWAN
PAHLAWAN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for PAHLAWAN, 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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