Historical Overview
he Underwater Museum at Sandy Bay, Trincomalee was officially opened on July 20, 2020 as part of Sri Lanka’s initiative to promote sustainable marine tourism, recreational diving and coastal economic activity. Designed and constructed primarily by the Sri Lanka Navy, the museum became a landmark underwater attraction that showcases a combination of artistry, military heritage, and marine conservation.
Two decommissioned armored tanks supplied by the Sri Lanka Army were added as major attractions, quickly rising in popularity among both local and foreign divers due to their size, recognizable form and the rapid marine colonization around them. The placement of the museum near intentionally sunk Sri Lanka Navy vessels—such as the nearby gunboat wrecks— further enhanced the area’s value as a combined dive site cluster.
Diving Experience
The site consists of a series of artistic sculptures, military-themed statues, maritime heritage items, and symbolic structures laid out across the sandy seabed. These include naval gunner statues, mermaid sculptures, pillars, cannons and thematic maritime pieces such as chain-linked cannon installations and diver-themed mermaid figures. The layout is spread out to allow divers to navigate comfortably while maintaining clear visibility between the clusters of exhibits.
The two armored tanks remain the dominant heavy objects in the museum area, placed in stable positions to prevent movement and to provide habitat for marine species.
Current Site Condition
The museum sits on a flat sandy bottom, making it highly accessible to divers of all skill levels. Most sculptures remain upright and intact, with only natural sedimentation and light coral/algae growth beginning to coat the surfaces. Visibility during the season often ranges between 20–25 ft, allowing divers to easily view the sculptures, armored tanks, and the nearby gunboat wrecks.
The structures are stable, corrosion-treated, and positioned in a way that avoids entanglement or overhead hazards, making it a safe and controlled dive environment.
Key Layout (Exact Items & Quantities)
Entrance x1, Gun Soldiers x2, Pillars x19, Cannon with Cannon Balls x2, Cannon with Chain x1, Cannon Chain with Gunners x1, Cannon with Gunners x3, Soldier with Gun x1, Mermaid on the Stone x3, Mermaid with Man x1, Mermaid with Diver x1, Soldier x3, Soldier with Baton x2, Mermaid – Combing Hair x1, Merman on Rock x1, Pot with Rings x1, Mill Stone x1, Armored Tank x2.
