Independent dive directory with visibility, coral growth, and seasonality notes.
HMS HERMES
HMS Hermes is Sri Lanka’s signature technical wreck dive.
Local operator required
Use a Batticaloa technical dive operator with trimix/deco support and boat handling for the eastern coast.
About HMS HERMES
HMS Hermes is a major World War II aircraft-carrier wreck off Batticaloa and one of Sri Lanka’s signature technical dives. The hull lies upright and heavily encrusted, with the flight deck and superstructure still readable from the outside. The dive is boat-based, current-sensitive, and best planned by technical teams with staged decompression. Expect a long, history-heavy wreck rather than a quick sightseeing pass.
Research Estimate At HMS HERMES
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Where Is HMS HERMES?
HMS HERMES Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
45m - 58m
Depth Note
Public guides place HMS Hermes around 45-58m, with many references centring on 53-55m.
Best Season
April to September.
Typical Conditions
Deep technical profile with variable visibility, coral growth, and currents that can range from calm to strong.
Safety & Access At HMS HERMES
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Technical decompression dive with strong or variable currents; no interior penetration and no artifact handling.
Access Restrictions
Technical boat dive only; public guidance treats the wreck as a military maritime grave with no interior access.
Legal Notes
Do not enter, disturb, or remove anything from the wreck; public guidance treats HMS Hermes as a military maritime grave and war grave.
Local Intel For HMS HERMES
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Trimix or equivalent technical dive with staged decompression. Plan the dive as an exterior-only wreck exploration with short bottom time.
Freediving
Not suitable for freediving.
Snorkeling
Not suitable for snorkeling.
HMS HERMES Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at HMS HERMES.
Exposure Profile at HMS HERMES
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Recent Logged Visits At HMS HERMES
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Dive Spot Log Averages At HMS HERMES
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
HMS HERMES Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
HMS HERMES Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
Sri Lanka Navy tribute covering depth, war-grave status, currents, and marine life.
Local technical dive operator with Batticaloa support and Hermes experience.
Independent guide with depth band, technical requirements, currents, and no-penetration guidance.
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