The Conch - Hikkaduwa & South Coast
The Conch offers a solid dive for those exploring Hikkaduwa. We've often found small reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections, along with schools of snappers hugging the reef structure. It’s a comfortable dive, usually with mild currents, making it a good option for divers looking for a relaxed afternoon underwater. The site mostly appeals to those after reliable reef fish action without too much effort.
- Location
- Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
- Coordinates
- 6.166028, 80.080800
Marine Protected Area: Hikkaduwa NP
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)
Nearby Dive Sites in Hikkaduwa & South Coast
- AENOS - 2m (wreck)
- ALSIA - 2m (wreck)
- ASCALON - 2m (wreck)
- ASTORIA - 18m (wreck)
- Avondster - 5M
- Barrakuda Point
- Black Coral Wreck - 40 M (wreck)
- Blue Water Dive Center
- Cargo Wreck - 20 metres/65 feet (wreck)
- CHIEF DRAGON - 33m (wreck)
- CHRYSSOPIGI CROSS - 10m (wreck)
- Crow Island - 10m (reef)
- Dakune Gala
- Diyamba Gala - 33m
- Eel Rock
Nearest Dive Centres to The Conch
- 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 The Conch
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