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Historical article on the wreck, its archaeology, and its long-standing draw for local and visiting divers.
Dive Spot Guide•
Earl of Shaftesbury
Historic Hikkaduwa wreck dive on sand and iron.
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Local operator required
Guided boat trips from Hikkaduwa and Akurala are the normal way to reach and manage the site.
Boat-access wreck off Akurala/Hikkaduwa with recognizable sections; best in calmer south-coast months when visibility lifts.
About Earl of Shaftesbury
Earl of Shaftesbury is a historic Hikkaduwa/Akurala wreck dive on a sandy bottom, with scattered iron sections and enough intact structure to still read the hull line underwater. It is best handled as a relaxed boat dive in the calm south-coast season, when visibility is better and the wreck's shape and fish life are easiest to follow.
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Research Estimate At Earl of Shaftesbury
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessModerate entry effort
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
Where Is Earl of Shaftesbury?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Earl of Shaftesbury Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
12m - 14m
Depth Note
Public dive listings place the wreck in the low teens and describe a sandy-bottom wreck with recognizable components.
Best Season
November to April, when south-coast diving is typically calmest.
Typical Conditions
Historic wreck on a sandy bottom with scattered structure and a relaxed scenic profile in calmer water.
Safety & Access At Earl of Shaftesbury
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Safety Notes
Use normal wreck buoyancy and keep clear of the scattered iron sections. Calm water and a guided boat plan make the dive much easier to enjoy.
Access Restrictions
Boat access is the normal route; there is no ordinary shore entry for the wreck.
Legal Notes
Treat the wreck as maritime heritage and avoid removing or disturbing material.
Local Intel For Earl of Shaftesbury
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A guided boat wreck dive with a straightforward descent and easy navigation across the scattered structure. It works best when the sea is calm and visibility is decent.
Wildlife at Earl of Shaftesbury
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Earl of Shaftesbury
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Earl of Shaftesbury
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
