31m
    Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka
    Muthurajawela

    VELA VI

    Best months: Jun–Oct

    Protected Area

    Muthurajawela

    Why dive here

    With 91+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, giant moray eels, humpback whales, orcas and sea turtles - VELA VI 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 31m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Vela VI is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She’s a motor vessel, about 48 metres long, that went down in ’84 when her cargo shifted in heavy seas. Now, sitting upright at 31 metres, she’s a proper dive. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, highlighting the shoals of fusiliers that swirl around her. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but when it’s good, the stern is our favourite part to explore. You can still see the propeller, encrusted with sponges and home to some rather territorial lionfish. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices, and we’ve spotted giant trevally cruising the deck. The forward holds are largely collapsed, but the general shape is still clear. It’s a compelling dive for anyone comfortable at depth, offering a real sense of history. We’d suggest going in the morning; the currents tend to pick up later in the day.

    Typical VELA VI Dive Profile

    15m30mSafety Stop0m31m max~20 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

    Deep dive (31m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:2817:2812h 0m daylightGolden hour 17:01

    Nearest Dive Centres to VELA VI

    Dive shops near VELA VI

    View all dive centres in Hikkaduwa & South Coast

    Reviews for VELA VI

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for VELA VI

    VELA VI Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for VELA VI, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (6.45, 79.98) (12km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Hikkaduwa & South Coast, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Hikkaduwa & South Coast

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Hikkaduwa & South Coast.

    Search stays in Hikkaduwa & South Coast

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near VELA VI

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Hikkaduwa & South Coast