wreck

Log This Dive

SS Conch Wreck

The SS Conch, a British oil tanker torpedoed in 1942, sits upright on the seabed off Galle. We think it’s one of the best wreck dives in Sri Lanka, far more interesting than some of the more broken-up sites. Dropping down, you hit the bow around 18 metres, and the stern slopes to 28 metres. The wreck itself is a massive artificial reef, draped in soft corals – purples and oranges that sway with the gentle surge. We particularly love exploring the engine room. You can penetrate some of the larger holds too, just watch your buoyancy. Inside, it’s often a bit darker, and you’ll find schools of herring scad darting through the beams of your torch. Look out for the resident yellow-spotted trevally and black-headed leatherjackets patrolling the superstructure. Our favourite is spotting the pronghorn spiny lobsters tucked into every crevice, their antennae twitching in the current. This site is perfect for intermediate divers who want a proper wreck to explore, not just a pile of rubble. It’s got enough to keep you busy for a full dive, often two. Just be aware that surface conditions can be choppy during monsoon season, so pick your dive day.