Dive Sites at Hiri
From vibrant, living art galleries to historic shipwrecks, the waters around Hiriketiya and Nilwella offer a diverse range of underwater adventures for every diver. Explore our signature sites below.
Nilwella Underwater Museum – 12M
The Nilwella Underwater Museum is not just a dive site — it’s a living underwater art gallery and a marine conservation project. Created under the guidance of the Sri Lanka Navy, this artificial reef covers a vast area of 100 meters long and 40 meters wide, making it one of the largest underwater galleries in Asia.
Here, divers will find a fascinating mix of human-made sculptures, cultural figures, and structures placed on the seabed, alongside discarded vehicles, aircraft parts, and eco-friendly installations. These were specially designed to act as substrates for coral growth and to provide shelter for reef fish, transforming into a thriving reef ecosystem over time.
What You’ll See
- Statues and Artifacts – From large statues to small sculptures, each piece has been carefully placed to resemble a sunken town beneath the sea.
- Marine Life – Schools of fusiliers, parrotfish, butterflyfish, groupers, and snappers have made the museum their home. Corals and sponges are rapidly colonizing the surfaces, bringing vibrant colors to the sculptures.
- Artificial Reefs in Action – You’ll see firsthand how these eco-projects help marine life return to once barren seafloors.
Dive Experience
- Depth: 4M – 12M → Perfect for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
- Visibility: Usually excellent, with crystal blue water common in the Hiriketiya/Nilwella area.
- Accessibility: Easy entry, calm waters, and suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving,
Why It’s Special
Unlike natural reefs, this dive site combines art, conservation, and adventure. Diving here feels like exploring a sunken city, where every corner reveals something new — a statue covered in corals, a car wreck turned into a grouper hideout, or a sculpture surrounded by swaying schools of reef fish. It’s a site that grows more spectacular every year as the marine life flourishes.
✨ This one is a signature dive for beginners and families, but also a favorite for experienced divers who love the surreal mix of culture + reef life.
Wombat Barge Wreck – Nilwella (24M)
The Wombat Barge is one of the most fascinating dive sites near Hiriketiya – Nilwella Blue Beach, offering divers a chance to explore both history and marine life.
This Singaporean barge, used to transport heavy mining equipment, sank in 1975 while under tow along the south coast of Sri Lanka. Taking on water during the night, the barge slipped beneath the surface near Nilwella and came to rest at around 24 meters. Locally, it’s often referred to as the Nilwella Wreck — and today it stands as one of the most famous wreck dives in southern Sri Lanka.
Beneath the waves, time has transformed the steel structure into a thriving artificial reef. The wreck is now home to giant groupers, swirling schools of snappers, shimmering fusiliers, and countless reef fish weaving through its framework. The occasional reef shark has also been spotted cruising the site, making every dive an adventure. For underwater photographers and wreck lovers, the Wombat Barge offers endless points of interest.
The History of Sri Lanka’s Sunken Treasures
Sri Lanka’s position along ancient trade routes and its exposure to the Indian Ocean have left behind a fascinating legacy of sunken ships. From ancient Arab trading vessels and colonial-era merchant ships to modern barges like the Wombat, the island’s waters hide stories of storms, wars, and maritime mishaps. Today, many of these wrecks have become thriving ecosystems, where history and nature merge to create unforgettable dive experiences.
Dive Profile
- Depth: 24M
- Experience level: OWD - AOW - Deep speciality or above.
- Highlights: Historic steel barge, schooling fish, giant groupers, vibrant reef life, occasional reef shark
- Best For: Wreck enthusiasts, photographers, divers looking for a mix of history and marine life
Why dive with us?
Hiri Divers offers a friendly, professional, and relaxed diving experience, led by experienced PADI instructors. With extensive local and international dive knowledge, we focus on safety, quality, and creating memorable underwater adventures. Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time or exploring deeper reefs, you’ll feel confident and supported throughout your dive journey. Join us in the stunning waters of Hiriketiya – Blue Beach, where each dive is an opportunity to explore with friends.