2m
    Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka
    Rumassala SAN

    PAHLAWAN

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    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.

    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 2m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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

    Safety Stop0m2m 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.

    Today05:2617:2712h 1m daylightGolden hour 16:59

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    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)

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    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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