Colombo: The Capital of Wreck Diving
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There are many ways to explore the ocean, but only a few let you truly feel its beauty.
At Dive Colombo, we offer professional dive training and guided adventures
that make every moment beneath the surface unforgettable.
Shipwreck – Black Coral
Black Coral is a fascinating dive site featuring the wreck of a medium-sized steam barge, now entirely covered with stunning black corals. Resting at depths between 35 to 40 meters and located about 13.31 kilometers from shore, this site is ideal for advanced divers with Deep Specialty certification. The wreck, measuring approximately 25 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and 2 meters in height, lies silently on the seabed, its middle section dominated by a prominent steam boiler. Though the vessel’s name, date of loss, and cause of sinking remain unknown, its beauty and mystery make it a truly captivating destination for experienced divers. The dive requires an average boat travel time of around 40 minutes, and it is suitable for those diving with Nitrox (Nx 26–28). Black Coral is particularly popular among underwater photographers and videographers thanks to its dramatic coral formations and thriving marine life. Schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, lionfish, and other reef species typical of Colombo’s underwater habitats add vibrant motion and color to the serene wreck. With no swim-throughs, this dive focuses on external exploration and observation, offering an exciting yet relaxed experience for those seeking to uncover the secrets of the deep. Perfect for honing deep diving skills, Black Coral combines the allure of history, the wonder of marine biodiversity, and the thrill of exploration into one unforgettable underwater adventure.
Shipwreck - TRUG NILGIRI
Experience the thrill of exploring the TRUG NILGIRI shipwreck, one of Sri Lanka’s most captivating underwater adventures. This once-majestic vessel, MV Nilgiri, now lies capsized at a depth of around 30 meters, creating a vast underwater cavern teeming with marine life. The wreck’s inverted position forms intriguing passageways and shadows, inviting divers to venture into its mysterious hull and discover its secrets.
As you descend, encounter schools of colorful reef fish, majestic lionfish, and an abundance of marine biodiversity thriving among the corals that now encrust the ship’s structure. The site’s highlight is its massive propellers and twin rudders, an awe-inspiring sight that captures the scale and power of the vessel.
For underwater photographers and videographers, this wreck offers breathtaking visuals — from vibrant coral growths to haunting silhouettes framed by the blue water. Each dive promises a new perspective, whether you’re gliding through the cavern or observing marine life around the hull.
Late April marks a special spectacle, as vast bait balls of fish gather around the wreck, creating a mesmerizing finale to the diving season on Sri Lanka’s west coast.
Black Coral is a fascinating dive site featuring the wreck of a medium-sized steam barge, now entirely covered with stunning black corals. Resting at depths between 35 to 40 meters and located about 13.31 kilometers from shore, this site is ideal for advanced divers with Deep Specialty certification. The wreck, measuring approximately 25 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and 2 meters in height, lies silently on the seabed, its middle section dominated by a prominent steam boiler. Though the vessel’s name, date of loss, and cause of sinking remain unknown, its beauty and mystery make it a truly captivating destination for experienced divers. The dive requires an average boat travel time of around 40 minutes, and it is suitable for those diving with Nitrox (Nx 26–28). Black Coral is particularly popular among underwater photographers and videographers thanks to its dramatic coral formations and thriving marine life. Schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, lionfish, and other reef species typical of Colombo’s underwater habitats add vibrant motion and color to the serene wreck. With no swim-throughs, this dive focuses on external exploration and observation, offering an exciting yet relaxed experience for those seeking to uncover the secrets of the deep. Perfect for honing deep diving skills, Black Coral combines the allure of history, the wonder of marine biodiversity, and the thrill of exploration into one unforgettable underwater adventure.
Shipwreck - SALVIVA
Uncover the enigmatic Salviva Wreck, a modern yacht steeped in mystery and charm. Resting quietly on the seabed just a short 10-minute boat ride from Island Scuba’s base, this site offers an inviting underwater escape for advanced divers seeking a relaxed yet captivating dive.
Descending to a maximum depth of 24 meters, divers are greeted by a vibrant marine scene — schools of fusiliers, lionfish, and other reef dwellers swirl gracefully around the vessel’s hull. Coral growths and marine life have transformed this once-luxurious yacht into a colorful reef haven, making it an excellent site for underwater photography and macro life observation.
The MV Salviva offers an ideal balance of intrigue and serenity — a wreck that’s easily accessible yet rich with underwater beauty. Each dive here reveals new details of its structure and the marine ecosystems that have claimed it. Whether you’re exploring its decks or capturing vivid coral-covered frames, the Salviva Wreck promises an unforgettable dive that blends mystery, history, and marine wonder.
Shipwreck - THE COAL SHIP
Discover the mysterious Coal Ship Wreck, a captivating dive site transformed into a vibrant underwater wonderland. Resting at a depth of 32 meters, this broken vessel lies in two distinct sections — with the forward part offering scenic views teeming with marine life.
Schools of blue-striped snappers, lionfish, and groupers swirl gracefully around the wreck, while stingrays and flounders glide across the sandy seabed nearby. The remains of the ship have become a thriving coral reef, attracting a dazzling array of marine species and creating an ideal setting for underwater photographers and videographers.
Divers can explore the large open compartment at the bow, peering into the heart of the wreck where sea fans and sponges now flourish. The site’s excellent visibility and dramatic structure make it a must-dive for those seeking both exploration and awe beneath the waves.
Uncover its secrets, encounter vibrant marine life, and immerse yourself in one of the west coast’s most extraordinary underwater adventures — The Coal Ship promises a dive full of discovery, color, and history.
Shipwreck - TOILET BARGE
Discover the fascinating Toilet Barge Wreck, a unique and vibrant dive site resting at a depth of 32 meters. This compact wreck, affectionately named after the commode positioned near its large boiler, offers divers an unforgettable underwater experience.
Adorned with stunning soft corals and teeming with schools of fusiliers, lionfish, and other reef species, the Toilet Barge is a perfect blend of history, color, and marine life. Its small size makes it easy to navigate, while its coral-encrusted structure provides endless opportunities for macro photography and close encounters with exotic sea creatures.
Every dive here reveals new treasures — from hidden nooks filled with crustaceans and colorful reef fish to mesmerizing coral formations that have transformed the wreck into a thriving artificial reef. Though penetration is not possible, the beauty surrounding the wreck more than compensates, creating a serene and visually captivating dive environment.
The Toilet Barge guarantees an unforgettable dive, where fun and discovery go hand in hand — an ideal site for those seeking a peaceful yet vibrant underwater adventure.
Shipwreck - LOTUS BARGE
The Lotus Barge is a 100-year-old steam barge resting 8.96 km off the coast of Colombo, near the iconic Galle Face Hotel. Lying at a maximum depth of 28 meters, this 25-meter-long wreck sits on a sandy bottom and is fully covered in vibrant coral growth, attracting a wide variety of marine life including reef fish, soft corals, and macro species. Although the vessel’s name, sinking date, and cause of loss remain unknown, the wreck offers an exceptional experience for Advanced Open Water divers, especially those interested in underwater photography and videography. Rated ★★★★☆ by Island Scuba, the site provides clear visibility, rich biodiversity, and a calm environment ideal for practicing photography skills. With a travel time of about 30 minutes by boat and suitability for Nitrox (Nx32), the Lotus Barge is one of Colombo’s most rewarding dive sites for exploring Sri Lanka’s underwater heritage.
Shipwreck - Taprobane East Wreck
The Taprobane East Wreck is a breathtaking and mysterious dive site of unknown origin, located approximately 17 km off the coast of Colombo. Resting on a pristine white sandy seabed at a maximum depth of 31 meters, this 40-meter-long wreck is surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, offering exceptional visibility and vibrant marine life. Crusted with colorful soft corals and teeming with schools of glassfish, the site is a visual delight for divers and underwater photographers alike. Suitable for Advanced Open Water divers and Nitrox (Nx32), the wreck allows limited penetration through its midsection cage and promises encounters with majestic stingrays and playful Napoleon wrasses. With an average boat travel time of 50 minutes and a 5-star Island Scuba rating, Taprobane East Wreck stands out as one of Colombo’s most scenic and rewarding deep dives — a must-see site for experienced divers seeking both adventure and beauty beneath the waves.
Shipwreck - Perseus Shipwreck
The Perseus Shipwreck is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and historic underwater sites, lying approximately 24 km off the coast of Colombo. This former steam passenger and cargo ship, the SS Perseus, sank on February 21, 1917, after sustaining severe damage from a sea mine during World War I. Resting at depths between 28 and 40 meters, the wreck spans an impressive 135 meters in length and offers a spectacular exploration experience for Advanced Open Water divers with Deep Speciality certification. Divided into three distinct sections, the wreck features captivating structures such as the propeller, steering quadrant, and massive rudder, now blanketed with coral growth. Divers can enjoy large swim-throughs within the hull, making it ideal for wreck enthusiasts and underwater photographers. The site is home to an abundance of marine life, including schools of fish, Napoleon wrasses, stingrays, and moray eels. With an average boat travel time of 75 minutes and a 5-star Island Scuba rating, the Perseus promises a deep, dramatic, and unforgettable dive into Sri Lanka’s maritime history.
Shipwreck -The Wallet Wreck
The Wallet Wreck is a fascinating small shipwreck ideal for divers who wish to explore an entire wreck in a single dive. Located 19.59 km off the coast of Colombo, it lies at a depth of 30 to 40 meters, resting upright on the sandy seabed. Though the vessel’s name, date of loss, and cause remain unknown, the wreck—measuring approximately 40 meters long and 6.8 meters wide—is covered in vibrant coral growth and surrounded by colorful schools of fish. This site offers large swim-throughs and cavities, making it both thrilling and photogenic. Suitable for Advanced Open Water divers with Deep Speciality certification, the Wallet Wreck is also Nitrox-compatible (Nx28) and rated 4 stars by Island Scuba. The dive typically requires about 60 minutes of boat travel time, and its lively reef community, featuring soft corals and abundant marine life, makes it one of Colombo’s most rewarding wreck dives for experienced divers and underwater photographers alike.
Shipwreck -Cargo Wreck
The Cargo Wreck (Pecheur Breton) is one of Colombo’s most captivating and accessible wreck dives, located just 5.65 km offshore with a short 15-minute boat ride. Resting at a depth of 18 to 32 meters, this 88-meter-long vessel sank on July 1, 1994, reportedly due to a leak in one of its hatches. Today, it serves as a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life, including schools of fusiliers, lionfish, and stonefish. The wreck offers easy exploration with large swim-throughs, making it suitable for Advanced Open Water divers and Nitrox (Nx32) users. Divers can navigate fascinating sections such as the holds, bridge, and caverns beneath the starboard bow, each now adorned with corals and sponges. Rated 5 stars by Island Scuba, this site is renowned for its excellent visibility, scenic underwater landscapes, and abundant sea life, providing an unforgettable diving experience for photographers and wreck enthusiasts alike.
Shipwreck -Thermopylae Sierra
The Thermopylae Sierra Shipwreck is one of Colombo’s most iconic dive sites, located about 7.18 kilometers offshore and reachable by boat in approximately 15 minutes. Resting at a maximum depth of 24 meters, this fascinating wreck is suitable for Open Water Divers and is also compatible with Nitrox (Nx 32). The site offers opportunities for photography and videography, and advanced divers can explore deeper penetration areas with the guidance of experienced instructors.
Originally known as the MV Thermopylae Sierra, the vessel sank on 23rd August 2012 due to damage and undermaintenance. Measuring 155 meters long, 27 meters wide, and 10 meters high, the wreck now serves as a thriving artificial reef teeming with marine life. Divers can explore its deck-level cabins, collapsed bridge, and underwater platforms, making it a true underwater playground.
Today, the wreck is surrounded by a vibrant community of fish — shoals of fusiliers, large groupers, and even the occasional eagle ray or reef shark cruising in the blue. The site’s combination of accessibility, size, and marine biodiversity makes it a must-visit for both recreational and advanced divers. With a 4-star Island Scuba rating, the Thermopylae Sierra promises an unforgettable underwater experience filled with adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Shipwreck -Medhufaru Shipwreck
The Medhufaru Shipwreck is one of Colombo’s most popular and visually stunning dive sites, located approximately 6.26 kilometers offshore and accessible by boat in around 15 minutes. Resting upright at a maximum depth of 28 meters, this wreck is ideal for Advanced Open Water Divers and is suitable for Nitrox (Nx 32). Known for its photogenic structure and rich marine life, it’s a favorite among underwater photographers and videographers. The site offers exciting opportunities for wreck exploration and penetration, with advanced divers able to navigate the staircase and wheelhouse areas.
Originally known as the MV Medhufaru, the vessel sank in 2009 due to loss of structural integrity. Measuring 72 meters in length and 12 meters in width, the wreck sits upright on the seabed, with its intact wheelhouse and staircase inviting divers to explore. The site bursts with marine biodiversity — schools of fusiliers swirl around the bow, while moray eels, octopus, friendly batfish, triggerfish, stingrays, and occasional reef or whale sharks make this wreck a lively underwater ecosystem. Macro life is also abundant, adding to its photographic charm.
Shipwreck -Chief Dragon
The Chief Dragon Shipwreck, also known as the Car Carrier, is a colossal and majestic wreck located off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This site lies approximately 15.94 kilometers offshore, with an average boat travel time of about 50 minutes. Sitting at depths between 20 and 32 meters, the wreck is best suited for Advanced Open Water Divers and is compatible with Nitrox (Nx 32). Though penetration is not possible, the site offers incredible swim-throughs and scenic underwater views, making it ideal for both recreational divers and underwater photographers.
Originally known as the MV Chief Dragon, the vessel was lost in April 1983 due to a fire on the deck. Measuring 113 meters in length, 23 meters in width, and 8 meters in height, the wreck now rests upright on the seabed, surrounded by pristine blue waters. Divers can explore the captivating bow and stern areas, where large vehicle chassis and wheel axles still remain — haunting relics of its past as a car carrier.
Over time, the wreck has transformed into a thriving marine habitat, heavily encrusted with colorful corals and sponges. Schools of reef fish dart through its framework, while pelagic species such as Great Trevallies, Tunas, Barracudas, and Napoleon Wrasses are frequently spotted cruising nearby. The Chief Dragon offers a mesmerizing blend of maritime history, marine life, and underwater beauty, earning it a 4-star Island Scuba rating and a reputation as one of Colombo’s most awe-inspiring dive sites.
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