SS Conch Wreck - Hikkaduwa & South Coast

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.

Location: Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: 6.010000, 80.210000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 18-28m
Difficulty: Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Rumassala SAN

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to SS Conch Wreck

Dive For You - ["PADI"]
Divinguru Unawatuna - ["PADI"]
Island Scuba - ["PADI"]
Lanka Sportreizen - Marina, Bentota - ["PADI"]
Pearl Divers - ["PADI"]
Polhena Diving Center - ["PADI"]

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

blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) - Whales & Dolphins
Red lionfish (Pterois miles) - Reef Fish
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Species code: Hp (Halodule pinifolia) - Seagrass & Algae
Giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) - Reef Fish
Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) - Reef Fish
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) - Reef Fish
thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
Black-headed Leatherjacket (Pervagor melanocephalus) - Reef Fish
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) - Reef Fish
Black-lined Blenny (Istiblennius lineatus) - Reef Fish
Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) - Whales & Dolphins
Honeycomb Filefish (Cantherhines pardalis) - Reef Fish
Sand-dusted Cone (Conus arenatus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
marbled spiny eel (Mastacembelus armatus) - Reef Fish
Striped Triplefin (Helcogramma striata) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Recommended Packing List for SS Conch Wreck

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