Sri Lanka’s west coast is home to some of the country’s most historically significant and visually stunning shipwrecks. Among them, two stand out as absolute must-dives for wreck lovers: the SS Conch and the Earl of Shaftesbury.
Both wrecks offer completely different underwater experiences, one a large steel giant covered in marine life, the other a beautiful wooden sailing ship frozen in time.
At DiveForYou, these wrecks are two of our most requested dive sites. Here’s why.
SS Conch – A Giant of the Past
The SS Conch is one of the West Coast’s best-loved wrecks—and for good reason. Resting in accessible depth and broken into large, open sections, it has become an artificial reef bustling with life.
Why divers love the SS Conch
- Impressive, spacious structure easy to navigate
- Schools of snapper, fusiliers, and trevallies
- Colorful sponges and coral growth
- Great visibility during west-coast season
- Suitable for both beginner and experienced divers
The Conch’s size means there’s always something new to explore—ribs of steel, exposed tanks, and swim-through areas that make for great underwater photography. This is the kind of wreck you can dive multiple times and still find something different every visit.
Earl of Shaftesbury – A Beautiful, Atmospheric Shipwreck
The Earl of Shaftesbury, a 19th-century sailing vessel, offers a completely different dive experience from the steel bulk of the Conch.
This wreck lies in shallower water and has aged into a peaceful, atmospheric site that feels like stepping back in time.
Why divers love the Earl of Shaftesbury
- Elegant wooden beams and ship framework now covered in marine life
- Excellent for relaxed dives and underwater photography
- Plenty of reef fish, nudibranchs, and small critters
- Great visibility and mild conditions
- Ideal for beginners and macro lovers
Where the Conch is bold and dramatic, the Earl of Shaftesbury feels calm and almost artistic.
The skeleton of the ship creates striking shapes and textures that photographers adore.
Dive history. Dive adventure. DiveForYou.
