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November 15, 2025
Goda Gala Reef & Lord Nelson Wreck – Unawatuna’s Most Famous Dive Site
Goda Gala Reef & Lord Nelson Wreck – Unawatuna’s Most Famous Dive Site
When people think of the most popular and busiest dive site in Sri Lanka, they often imagine something deep and advanced. But in reality, it’s quite the opposite. The most famous spot is a simple, entry-level dive site located right here in Unawatuna — the Goda Gala Reef, with a depth range of just 3 to 10 meters and featuring the well-known Lord Nelson Shipwreck resting peacefully at the bottom.
So, what makes this shallow site so iconic?
Unawatuna has become the hub for beginner divers, especially those doing Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) or try dives for the first time. Almost every dive center brings their new divers here — and for good reason. The reef is close to shore, safe to access, and yet full of life. With colorful corals, swaying sea fans, and plenty of curious fish, this natural reef gives beginners an unforgettable first glimpse beneath the surface.
The Lord Nelson Shipwreck, resting at around 10 meters, adds an extra thrill to the dive. The ship sank about 28 years ago, and although it was once quite large, only a small section remains today. Over the years, it has become part of the reef itself, home to schools of fish and covered in marine growth — a beautiful reminder of how nature reclaims what’s hers.
Years back, this site even featured a sunken motorbike, a favorite photo spot for divers. While it’s now completely destroyed, the memory of it still lives on in countless underwater photos taken here.
Whether you’re taking your first breaths underwater or guiding new divers on their first adventure, Goda Gala Reef and the Lord Nelson Wreck remain the heart of Unawatuna’s diving scene — shallow in depth but rich in beauty, history, and life.