Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, its fragrant spices, and of course, its lovely big blue. Blessed with a coastline of more than 1,000 kilometres this island country offers some of the best water activities in Asia. with an ocean bed vibrant with bright corals, to swimming with the gigantic whales, there is nothing that you can’t do here.
Amongst the many water sports that tourists can enjoy here, scuba diving in Sri Lanka is one of the most loved adventure. There are a number of sites all along the coast that offer a surprisingly varied flora and fauna for exploration. And while there are a number of popular diving spots, there is one that stands out for unusual reasons!
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About Bentota
Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka which is famous for being one of the best luxury resort towns. And shed the sparkles of the fancy resorts, and its deep blue waters beckon the adventurer that’s hidden in everyone. Water sports in Bentota include the usual rides, but it is the scuba diving sites that allure everyone away from the shore. While it has a limited number of sites, there are all special in their own way.
Take a look at the best diving season before exploring the sites. The best part about this country is that the Sri Lanka diving season extends all year round! Water activities in Sri Lanka can be enjoyed all throughout the year, but when it comes to scuba diving, the west and the east coast have different favourable diving seasons. It is best to explore the east coast from May to October. If you are looking to venture into the blues of Bentota, the months of October to May are perfect for diving around the west coast.
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Top 3 Spots For Scuba Diving In Bentota
Check out the list of thrilling sites where you can head for scuba diving in Bentota, Sri Lanka. Keep scrolling down to know more and read along!
1. Canoe Rock
Known for the scenic blue world views that it offers, Canoe Rock is one of the best dive sites in Sri Lanka! A favourite among adventure seekers and couples, it is the lobster valley cave, and the vibrant coral colonies that draw tourists into the ocean. The site is just a 20-minute boat ride away from the coast, and you can dive up to 20 meters deep here.
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2. South Reef
If you set out by the boat south of the Canoe Rock, South Reef is a dive site that is approximately half an hour away from Bentota. Its rocky underwater terrain, and rich marine life is stunning which makes it a popular site for scuba diving in Bentota. Like the previous site, you can dive up to 20 meters here too!
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3. Hundirangala
Looking for sites for scuba diving near Bentota- Here is the perfect one for you. Once a very famous night-dive site, Hundirangala is a shallow Bentota diving site as compared to the others, with its depth being just 12 meters. While it did have some trouble sometime back, it has been restored to its former glory and is now home to the very beautiful lionfish and porcupinefish.
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Safety Tips For Beginner Scuba Divers
Although the idea of exploring the marine life can be quite alluring, the technique does take a little time to learn. So here are some safety tips for beginners to make their first dive memorable and fun!
Learn well, be alert: The sign language, the equipment details and the terrain of every individual place must be learnt well in advance before diving. Not only should you be able to help yourself, but help others too, if any such occasion arises.
Don’t panic, breathe: Breathing underwater is one of the most difficult parts of scuba diving. Not only are we not used to breathing through the mouth, but with the scuba goggles and the heavy equipment, it can sometime be a little overwhelming. In such a case, just relax and breathe slowly, normally.
Sunscreen is a must: Most scuba diving sites are far off from the coast. A long boat ride is a must. So be sure to lather up sunscreen, you don’t want to dive into the saltwater after being sunburnt!
Don’t pollute: You are allowed to leave the waters with just 2 things. Bubbles, and photos! But if you do hope to do your bit for the marine life, head down with a bag to collect any scrap material like bottles and bags that you may find.
Follow the rules: Unlike roads, directions underwater can be very confusing! If you do come across any signs giving you instructions, it is imperative for you to follow them.
Get certified: Once in love with the ocean, it’s hard to resist its charm. The best way to explore the abundant blue that we have been blessed with is to get certified!
Good equipment: Shell out a little bit more, but make sure that the equipment you are using is of good quality.
Research: You don’t want to dive and not know what you are seeing! Do your research about the flora and fauna of that particular area, to be able to identify.
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Sri Lanka offers multitudinous opportunities to all kinds of tourists. But if you are the type that is called by the lapping waves, this is your paradise. Head here for the most memorable scuba diving experience on your next trip to Sri Lanka. If it’s your first dive, embrace every minute of it, and if it’s not, add it to your adventures!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Bentota
Is the Bentota a good place for diving?
The inviting waters, rich marine life, rocky underwater terrains, and pristine settings make Bentota one of the best places for scuba diving in South Asia.
Which are the best places to visit in Bentota?
A few of the most beautiful places to visit in Bentota are: 1. Ambalangoda 2. Moragalla 3. Diyakawa Water Sports Centre 4. Madu Ganga River Safari 5. Explore the Galle Dutch Fort
What to do in Bentota?
A few of the most amazing things to do in Bentota are: 1. Nature Hike near Madu river in Balapitiya 2. Surfing and diving at Cinnamon Island 3. Go trekking through the paddy fields of Bentota-Aturuwella 4. Spend some time in tranquility at in Brief Garden 5. Try different therapies at Saman Villas
Is certification necessary for scuba diving in the Bentota?
No certification is necessary for scuba diving in Bentota but you must have all the necessary skills required for open water scuba diving.
How much does scuba diving cost in the Bentota?
The cost for the scuba diving package in Bentota starts from INR 9300 which includes hotel pick and drop, all necessary training, equipment, food, and drinks, and more!
Which is the best place for scuba diving in Bentota?
The most popular diving sites in Bentota worth visiting are: 1. Canoe Rock 2. Dickwella 3. Kiralagala, 4. Godagala 5. Black Coral Point
Which is the best time to visit Bentota?
For all sort of water activities, November to April is the best time to visit Bentota as you can experience pleasant weather and calm waters.
Is scuba diving in the Bentota safe for first-timers?
Scuba diving is absolutely safe for all, even for first-timers as long as you follow proper rules and guidelines of scuba diving.
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