Kayankerni and Tennadi Bay Diving at Giman Free Beach Resort

UNDERWATER WORLD & EXCURSIONS

Diving — Kayankerni & Tennadi Bay

Kayankerni and Tennadi Bay offer one of Sri Lanka's most compelling underwater worlds.
Healthy coral gardens, colorful fish, rocky reefs, historic wrecks, and beginner-to-advanced dive opportunities make Giman Free an ideal base for underwater exploration.

51+ Coral Species 206+ Fish Species Historic WWII Wrecks 5m to 50m+ Depths 15-Min Boat Access

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Iconic Sanctuary Kayankerni & Tennadi Bay

Introduction

An Iconic Diving & Snorkeling Sanctuary

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.

Abundant 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.

HISTORIC EXPEDITIONS

Wrecks & Reefs

British Sergeant, Lady McCullum, Boiler Wrecks, and rich coral reef systems.

Crown Jewel Wreck

WWII Armed Merchant Navy

The British Sergeant

Depth: 13m – 27m

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.

Advanced / Deep Dive Inquire

Steam Transport 1926

Novice & Intermediate

Lady McCullum & Boiler Wrecks

Depth: 5m – 17m

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.

Beginner-Friendly Inquire

Rocky Reefs & Lobsters

Diverse Macro Life

Mushroom & Leather Coral Reefs

Depth: 10m – 14m

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.

Northern Exploration Inquire

BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION

Kayankerni Reef

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.

Coral Species

206

Fish Species

115

Invertebrates

Algae Species

Seagrass Species

Sea Turtle Habitat

DEEP EXPEDITIONS

Technical Wrecks (Deep Dives)

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.

HMS Hermes — World-Famous Aircraft Carrier Wreck

The world's first purpose-built aircraft carrier, resting majestically at 53 meters. A bucket-list expedition for certified technical and deep divers worldwide.

Giman Free Dive Launch Base and Beachfront

Coastal resort and reef side atmosphere

Giman Free Base

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.

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