HMS Hermes

Best time to dive

April to September; May to June; September

What you might see

• Whale sharkPeak season

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Technical - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Not a snorkel site - No - wreck starts at ~40m depth

Safety notes

Nitrogen narcosis at depth, mandatory extended decompression obligations, ~20-25 min bottom time on air, collapsed/unstable superstructure, variable currents, War Grave (handle with respect, no penetration of crew spaces)

Permits & fees

Special arrangement required under Antiquities Ordinance/Sri Lanka Navy protection framework (per archaeology.lk); no published fee amount found despite multiple searches - VERIFY

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Batticaloa