DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

SRI LANKA THE COLOMBO SHIPWRECKS text and photos by Fritz Herscheid

S ri Lanka, in particular Colombo, is probably the most underrated and overlooked dive destination for Australian scuba divers. And that’s sad because it has so much to offer: world-class shipwrecks, spectacular reefs and a fantastic variety of marine Life.

We have come specifically to dive the wrecks. There are some twenty shipwrecks of varying sizes to explore, all within recreational limits, including one WWI wreck, the amazing SS Perseus . Unfortunately, the other WW1 shipwreck, the SS Worcestershire , at 57m is a Tek dive. Both these ships were sunk by the famous WWI German radar, the SMS Wolf . Getting to Colombo from any major city in Australia, including Cairns, is a breeze. There are direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney, and many other carriers have one short (sometimes long) stopover. When writing, the average return economy flight cost is between Au$1,200 and Au$1,600. The Colombo airport is only 30 minutes or so from most major Colombo hotels. Uber doesn’t work in Sri Lanka; “Pickme” is the rideshare

service. I would encourage anyone travelling to Sri Lanka to download this app on their phone and set it up for credit card payment. It is as cheap as chips and reliable. Taxi drivers will likely take you around the Mulberry bush and clock up the fare. There are hundreds of hotels to choose from to suit any budget. The average price of Au$60 to $100 per night will get you a nice hotel. Booking dot com is the way to go. Using their map, you can pick something close to the dive centre of your choice. Also, it usually gives you a better rate than booking directly with the hotel. Sri Lankan food is legendary, and you can expect to pay as little as Au$15 for the average meal, less in smaller local eateries; about half of what you would expect to pay in Australia. A beer will set you back anywhere from $2.50 to $5,

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DIVE LOG Australasia #412 - June 25

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