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.