Diving and Snorkeling

Divers and snorkelers from throughout the world travel to Sri Lanka for these activities. Sri Lanka's stunning underwater nature is just as lovely as its land-based beauty. An entirely different world of tropical fish, colorful coral, and mystery shipwrecks can be found below the surface of the Indian Ocean. For those who want to experience Sri Lanka under the sea, the southern coast of the country is exceptionally well-suited because it offers breathtaking underwater experiences.

Since Sri Lanka is 5 to 9 degrees north of the equator, its seas are always warm and, during the summer, maintain a comfortable 27°C temperature. The northeast and southwest monsoons control sea conditions, allowing for calm seas and clear waters along the island's south and western coastlines from November to April and along its eastern coast from April to October. Due to the various varieties of reefs that can be found in the waters surrounding the island, diving and snorkeling in Sri Lanka are made all the more exciting.

You can find sandstone platforms, coral banks, boulders, and rock cliffs both near and far from the shore. Sandstone platforms make up the majority of the reefs along the western coast. Small fringe coral reefs and boulder reefs are more prevalent along the southwest and southern coasts.

The stunning waters around Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Kirinda in southern Sri Lanka are the best places to go snorkeling or scuba diving. The country's biggest reef, Bar Reef, is located to the west of the island. It is 3 nautical miles long and located not far from Kalpitiya, a town now famous for its kiteboarding and dolphin sightings. However, Pigeon Island, off Nilaveli on the country's eastern coast, is without a doubt the most spectacular area of the island to go diving or snorkeling.

It is a pleasant underwater trip since the waters are crystal-clear and blue, and they are teeming with fish and coral life. The government of Sri Lanka has designated four coral reefs as protected areas. These include Bar Reef, Rumassala, the Pigeon Islands, and Hikkaduwa. The Wildlife Conservation Department has jurisdiction over them under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

Hikkaduwa is regarded as one of the best locations on the Southwest coast for diving and snorkeling because of the profusion of tropical fish and coral reefs there. Furthermore, the town itself is home to a long-standing diving school. Weligama, which is east of Galle, is a fascinating location where divers can go out into deeper waters to see dolphins and sharks. The settlement of Kirinda is located on the island's southeast shore.

In addition to the Great and Little Basses reefs and the wreck of the "Great Basses," Arthur C. Clarke is also responsible for the village's fame. He researched diving in Kirinda for his book, "The Treasure of the Reef."The seas off Kalpitiya are popular for snorkelers and scuba divers from late November to early May due to the abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, manta rays, and turtles.

Come join us for a little aquatic adventure of your own. Both novices and experienced enthusiasts can enjoy diving and snorkeling in the waters of Sri Lanka.