What makes Trincomalee special for wreck diving?

It's one of the most historically significant dive destinations in Asia. The bay saw major naval action in WWII — HMS Hermes (aircraft carrier, 45–53 m) is one of the largest diveable wrecks in the world. For recreational wreck divers, the SS British Sergeant at 18–24 m and Irarakandy at 6–10 m are both accessible and worth multiple dives.

Can I penetrate the wrecks?

Limited penetration only, and only for certified wreck divers with proper equipment (torch, line). We don't do full wreck penetration on recreational air. The Wreck Diving specialty teaches non-penetration and limited penetration techniques — enough to experience the interior of accessible sections safely.

What makes Trincomalee special for wreck diving?

It's one of the most historically significant dive destinations in Asia. The bay saw major naval action in WWII — HMS Hermes (aircraft carrier, 45–53 m) is one of the largest diveable wrecks in the world. For recreational wreck divers, the SS British Sergeant at 18–24 m and Irarakandy at 6–10 m are both accessible and worth multiple dives.

Can I penetrate the wrecks?

Limited penetration only, and only for certified wreck divers with proper equipment (torch, line). We don't do full wreck penetration on recreational air. The Wreck Diving specialty teaches non-penetration and limited penetration techniques — enough to experience the interior of accessible sections safely.

Specialty

Wreck Diving Specialty

⏱ 2 days↓ to 30 mAge 15+

From

$225USD

About this course

Trincomalee is one of the best wreck diving destinations in Asia — and that's not marketing. The bay has genuine WWII history. HMS Hermes (a Royal Navy aircraft carrier) lies at 45–53 m. The SS British Sergeant sits at 18–24 m, accessible to recreational divers. Irarakandy, a shallow European steamship at 6–10 m, is good for Open Water-certified divers.

This specialty teaches you to dive wrecks properly — not just swim past them. You'll learn non-penetration diving techniques first (swim-arounds, photographic passes, the things you can do safely on air without specialist gear). Then we cover limited penetration: how to lay a guide reel, how to maintain visibility in silt, how to navigate inside a structure with a torch. Two training dives, real wrecks.

If wrecks are your thing and you've been diving Trincomalee without the specialty, honestly — book this. The sites here deserve more than a swim-by.

What you'll learn

Safe non-penetration wreck diving techniques
Limited penetration with guide reel and torch
Buoyancy control around silt — avoiding the classic mistake
Wreck navigation and mapping basics
Hazard identification: sharp edges, entanglement risks, current at depth

What's included

✓PADI Wreck Diver Specialty certification
✓All scuba equipment
✓Torch and reel for penetration training
✓2 wreck training dives (SS British Sergeant or Irarakandy)
✓Boat transfers

Requirements

Must hold PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent). Min age 15.

Course price

$225USD

Duration2 days

Max depth30 m

Min age15+

LevelSpecialty

Ask a question

All equipment included · Small groups · PADI certified