wreck

Log This Dive

PERIDOT

The Peridot, just a stone's throw from the Hikkaduwa beach, is a proper easy dive. Or, more accurately, a snorkel and freedive site. This old motor vessel ran aground in '94, and now sits in a mere two metres of water, her hull still largely intact. We love it for a relaxed afternoon. You can fin right over her deck, peer into the holds, and even poke your head into the wheelhouse if the surge isn't too strong. This is a fantastic spot for photographers, especially when the sun is high and shafts of light pierce the shallow water, illuminating the hull. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the superstructure, and we’ve seen plenty of pipefish tucked amongst the plating. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, too. It’s perfect for getting comfortable with a camera, or just enjoying a chill explore without the faff of tanks. Definitely one of our favourite easy-access sites on the south coast.