Sunk in 1876, the historic SS Orestes Shipwreck lies quietly beneath the waves of Unawatuna — a magnificent reminder of Sri Lanka’s rich maritime past. Once a proud British steamship, the Orestes met her end after striking the reef near Galle, and today, she rests gracefully at a depth of around 22–24 meters, creating one of the most fascinating dive sites on the island’s south coast.

Located just a short boat ride from Unawatuna beach, the wreck is surrounded by schools of bigeye trevally, snappers, lionfish, scorpionfish, and barracudas. Over the years, this once-silent vessel has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, now bursting with marine life and color. The large boiler, fallen masts, and the ship’s unique anchor structure make this site especially photogenic — perfect for underwater photographers and videographers alike.

The SS Orestes is believed to be what divers once called the “No-Name Wreck,” only later identified through research and exploration. Its mystery adds to its charm, inviting divers to step into a piece of history while surrounded by the beauty of the Indian Ocean.