UNILAXMI
Why dive here
With 89+ marine species recorded in the area - including whitetip reef sharks, lionfish and napoleon wrasse - UNILAXMI offers some of Kalpitiya & Northwest's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
The Unilaxmi is less a wreck dive and more a dive *on* a wreck, if that makes sense. She’s a big old motor vessel, over 100 meters long, and she went down in 1985 while anchored. The official classification calls her "dangerous," which sounds intimidating, but at only 7 meters, we’d say it just means respect the metal. The real draw here is how she’s become a living reef. We love the sheer scale of the Unilaxmi, even in such shallow water. You don’t drop into a dark hold; you swim over a vast, undulating metal landscape. Schools of fusiliers are so thick in places they block the light, shimmering over the deck plating. Look closely at the hull and you’ll spot all sorts of nudibranchs, their colours surprisingly vibrant against the rusty backdrop. It’s an interesting contrast, the stark, decaying steel and the soft, colourful life clinging to it. Our favourite part is finding little pockets where juvenile fish hide, darting in and out of crevices. It's a peaceful, exploratory dive, fantastic for extending bottom time and really soaking it all in. We’d suggest going when the sun is high for the best light penetration across the wreck.
Typical UNILAXMI Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for UNILAXMI
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for UNILAXMI
UNILAXMI Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for UNILAXMI, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (8.32, 79.69) (59km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
29°C
84°F · Range: 28.4–29.9°C
Air Temperature
27°C
81°F
Wind Speed
8.33 m/s
16.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1009.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Kalpitiya & Northwest, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Kalpitiya & NorthwestPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Kalpitiya & Northwest.
Search stays in Kalpitiya & NorthwestDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near UNILAXMI
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
