Introduction
Kayankerni is one of the most iconic locations in Sri Lanka for diving and snorkeling, with shallow coral reefs and historic shipwrecks for both beginners and advanced divers.
Marine Life
Coral gardens teem with butterflyfish, angelfish, yellow striped goatfish, blue lined snappers, bigeye snappers, clownfish, coral cods, sweetlips, trevally, napoleon wrasses, and stingrays.
For Every Level
Shallow snorkeling areas, beginner-friendly sites, deeper reef systems, and world-class wreck dives create options for a wide range of guests.
British Sergeant, Lady McCullum, Boiler Wrecks, and rich coral reef systems.
The British Sergeant is the crown jewel of wreck diving in Kayankerni and Passikudah. This British Armed Merchant Navy ship served in World War II and was sunk during the Japanese raid of April 9, 1942. The wreck rests on its side at 27 meters, broken into two parts, with the top at 13 meters and covered in purple and pink soft corals.
Other shallower wrecks such as the Lady McCullum and the Boiler Wrecks range from 5 to 17 meters in depth, making them suitable for newer divers. The Lady McCullum, a steam-driven transport ship that floundered in 1926, stands upright on a sandy bottom at 17 meters with sections reaching up to 10 meters.
There are also several rocky reefs from 10 to 14 meters depth, including Mushroom and Leather Coral Reefs, which are home to schooling fish, lobsters, and diverse macro life. The reefs to the north of the hotel are less explored and can suit guests looking for more adventure.
A relatively undisturbed marine environment with exceptional diversity.
Kayankerni Reef in the eastern seaboard of Sri Lanka represents a relatively undisturbed marine environment with an abundance of associated marine life. It ranges from shallow staghorn coral beds to deep coral domes and reef slopes beyond 10 meters in depth.
According to limited sampling, the reef has recorded 9 species of algae, 3 species of seagrass, 115 species of invertebrates including 51 species of coral, 206 species of fish, and 1 species of sea turtle. The resort also positions itself as an advocate for protecting this fragile marine ecosystem.
Further south lie the remnants of the British Fleet.
The Hermes in Batticaloa and the Athelstane and Hollyhock in Kalmunai range from 40 to more than 50 meters in depth and require deeper diving experience.
The HMS Hermes, sunk by the Japanese on April 9, 1942, remains one of Sri Lanka's world-famous shipwreck sites.
The resort is positioned as an ideal launch point.
The fringing reef in front of the hotel offers calm, clear sites for snorkeling and beginner diving, while a 15 to 20 minute boat ride opens access to deeper wrecks and reef systems.