22m
    Trincomalee & East Coast, Sri Lanka
    Little Sober Island

    HMS DIOMEDE

    Best months: Dec–Feb

    Protected Area

    Little Sober Island

    Why dive here

    With 254+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, sea turtles, sperm whales and spinner dolphins - HMS DIOMEDE offers some of Trincomalee & East Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest April, May, October.

    Best timeDec–Feb
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins · 254+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest April, May, October
    CharacterWreck dive · max 22m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The HMS Diomede is a classic Trinco dive, one we always return to. She went down in 1795 after striking an uncharted rock near Pigeon Island, and now rests upright in Back Bay. Dropping onto her, you’re met with a real sense of history, the old wooden hull, though largely collapsed, still hinting at her former glory. We love picking through the debris, spotting the occasional cannon or an old pottery shard embedded in the sand. There’s a beautiful soft coral growth across the timbers, bright orange and purple, which attracts a constant stream of glassfish and schools of fusiliers. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the darker crevices – a big fimbriated moray is often seen lurking. For photographers, the ambient light filtering through the clear water creates some dramatic shadows, especially in the late morning. It’s a gentle dive, maxing out at 22 metres, making it perfect for newer wreck divers or those who just want a relaxed exploration. We'd suggest getting there early to beat any potential boat traffic, as it can get a little busy.

    Typical HMS DIOMEDE Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m22m max~30 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

    Depth of 22m - Advanced Open Water 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.

    Today05:2317:2211h 58m daylightGolden hour 16:54

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS DIOMEDE

    HMS DIOMEDE Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS DIOMEDE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (8.53, 81.23) (31km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    85°F · Range: 27.5–30.3°C

    Air Temperature

    27°C

    81°F

    Wind Speed

    4.73 m/s

    9.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1009 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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