Dive into the Depths of Negombo: Sri Lanka’s Hidden Underwater World

Negombo, just north of Colombo is home to golden sands and calm blue skies. It can also be your gateway to a world that breathes below the surface.

Negombo’s beaches and waters are known as a diver’s playground. It offers a blend of mystery, vibrance and secrets of marine life. From coral gardens shimmering in the sunlight to shipwrecks below and the schools of fish dancing in the radiant blue water, the ocean holds countless stories, waiting to be discovered by you.

“We-Ling” Ship

One of these stories comes from the “We-Ling” shipwreck off the coast of Negombo. The ship was originally owned by a Singapore fishing company before it was taken over by the LTTE. What makes this wreck unique is that it once carried eight bullet-proof VIP vehicles, including a BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Defender, used by former Sri Lankan Presidents during the war. These vehicles have been resting on the seabed since 2018.

If you dive about 25m deep, you can see coral reefs growing beautifully around the frames of these vehicles. The corals have created a safe, vibrant underwater habitat. When you dive here, you’ll witness colorful schools of fish and scattered marbles lying beneath the little-known depths of the sea.

Aircraft wreck

During World War II, in 1945, the Japanese Air Force attacked British-controlled Ceylon. In the fighting, a British aircraft crashed into the sea. After 75 years underwater, the wreck has turned into a vibrant home for colorful fish, with coral reefs growing around it like an underwater forest.

If you are a diver, or even a beginner, this will be a rare chance to explore a real piece of history, turned into a vibrant marine world. Dive down and experience a wreck where history, mystery and marine life come together in one unforgettable adventure.

Figure 1Image Credit: Kimarli Fernando (originally posted on her Facebook; photographers credited by her).

Moorthiyan Gala

Moorthiyan Gala is a shallow dive site which is 10-13m deep and the adventure is just an 8km boat ride away. This site is perfect for beginners and discovery divers. This ancient underwater rock holds millions of years old tales and it has become a safe, peaceful spot filled with splendid coral formations. With calm water and good visibility, it’s an ideal place for first-time divers.

Negombo offers a beginner-friendly diving experience, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most accessible underwater destinations. Its warmth and color, especially from November to April are home to vibrant coral reefs, schools of Angelfish, Lionfish, Snappers and species like Marble Rays.