HMAS VAMPIRE - Trincomalee & East Coast

The HMAS Vampire is a proper dive, no doubt about it. We love a historical wreck, and this one, sunk by Japanese dive bombers in 1942, has a real story behind it. Sitting bolt upright at 50 metres, she's certainly a deep dive, making it one for experienced divers with the right training and gas. Dropping down onto her deck, the sense of history is immediate. You can still make out the gun mounts and parts of the superstructure, now heavily encrusted. Schools of fusiliers often mill above the deck, and we've seen dogtooth tuna cruise by in the blue. Inside, penetration is limited, but we’ve poked our heads into a few of the more accessible compartments, spotting lionfish tucked into shadowy corners. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is still visible, a dramatic sight against the deep blue. Conditions here can vary, but when the current is mild and the visibility good, it’s an incredible dive, well worth the logistical effort.

Location
Trincomalee & East Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
7.750000, 81.800000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Kayankerny MSAN

Best Time to Dive in Trincomalee & East Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Trincomalee & East Coast occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Trincomalee & East Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to HMAS VAMPIRE

Marine Life in Trincomalee & East Coast

Home to 259 recorded species including 205 reef fish, 16 hard corals, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMAS VAMPIRE

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving around the HMAS Vampire in Sydney Harbour?
The HMAS Vampire dive site is located off Trincomalee & East Coast, Sri Lanka, not in Sydney Harbour. Divers exploring this historic wreck can expect a maximum depth of 50m. This depth makes it an intermediate dive, offering a unique experience for those qualified.
What kind of marine life or ship features can divers expect to see when exploring the HMAS Vampire?
When exploring the HMAS Vampire, divers can expect to see the impressive features of a destroyer vessel, including its turbine engines and White-Forester boilers. The wreck still carries remnants of its armaments, such as four 1in guns, one 2DDR. 3M.G, and 5T.T. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is a dive around the HMAS Vampire, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the HMAS Vampire is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 50m, it is not suitable for beginner divers. This depth and the nature of wreck diving require specific training and experience beyond entry-level certifications.
What are the best times of year or day to dive the HMAS Vampire for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best times of year or day to dive the HMAS Vampire for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the current data. For general guidance on dive planning, you might consult our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning your trip to Trincomalee & East Coast.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMAS Vampire?
Given that the HMAS Vampire is an intermediate dive with a maximum depth of 50m, divers would typically need advanced certifications. This usually includes an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and often a Deep Diver specialty. For exploring the wreck itself, a Wreck Diver specialty is highly recommended to ensure safety and proper technique.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the HMAS Vampire dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and specific underwater conditions at the HMAS Vampire dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit this historic wreck should consult with local dive centers in Trincomalee & East Coast, Sri Lanka for the most current information on conditions.