Going underwater in a scuba suit is only worth it if you find a variety of corals, fishes, and caves. Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka provides just the same and much more. Much famed for its tea, spices, handicrafts, and blue sapphires, Sri Lanka has some of the best water sports in all of Asia. Cool sea breeze flowing across your face right before you dive into the stunning marine life of the coasts of this country is beyond comparison. For exploring the deepest secrets buried in the ocean wrecks found near the sea bed here, it is the place to be!
If you haven’t been to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean yet, these best diving spots in Sri Lanka will surely change your mind.
Reasons You Must Try Scuba Diving In Sri Lanka
A few reasons for going to a fun-packed world famous scuba diving site will help you plan a better holiday.
- Hundreds of Marine species of both corals and fishes are waiting for you to come say hello!
- With a coastline of about 1,585 kms, the mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka played a vital role in buffering the Tsunami waves of 2004.
- You don’t have to worry about not knowing how to dive in deep waters as not only Sri Lanka has great diving schools, they also provide diving equipment like suits and masks and a guide to help you through your underwater adventure.
- It also has some of the best wreck diving spots for the newbies to admire.
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Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
Since the extreme coasts of Sri Lanka have an alternate monsoon season, the best time to visit is different for both regions. For the east coast sites, it is advised to explore from the months of May till September while for the west and southern regions, you can go around December till March to benefit the most from their dry season.
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Best Dive Sites In Sri Lanka
This country is filled with plenty of diving sites and also has several diving schools for beginners. So, even if you don’t have a diving license, you don’t have to worry.
- Unawatuna
- Trincomalee
- Mirissa
- Passikudah
- Kirinda
- Kalpitiya
- Weligama
- Barracuda Reef, Hikkaduwa
- HMS Hermes
- Taprobane Reefs
- Bull Dog Reef
- Gorgonian Gardens
1. Unawatuna
Having at least 10 coral reef dive spots, including the Ralagala wreck, Goda Gala Diyamba, the Galle Shipwreck etc. it is the best place for scuba diving in Sri Lanka. You can go as deep as 30 meters inside and an established PADI centre at Unawatuna helps to find some amazing colorful tropical fishes.
Price: Starting from USD 55 (INR 3900) for beginners; Starting from USD 65 (INR 4600) with One Boat Dive
2. Trincomalee
Located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, visit Trincomalee for best diving in Sri Lanka. It offers a different experience to the divers through multiple diving sites in the region. The nearby Pigeon Island marine life sanctuary has diverse coral reefs, fishes, anemone, and nudibranch. Close to the coast, you can also check out the shipwreck Irakkandy to add an extra punch to your dive.
Price: Starting from INR 3,300 for boat dive with rental equipment, per person
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Bentota: Dive Along The Waters Of The Coastal Town
3. Mirissa
Initially famous for whale watching but gradually gaining popularity for a great diving spot in Sri Lanka. Mirissa has more than 5 spots to add charm to your diving. If you have no idea about diving into the waters or if you're scared, well the diving schools established in this region will make sure you have a guide to assist you for an impeccable adventure under the sea. Scuba diving in Mirissa is indeed a wonderful experience.
Price: Starting from INR 2800 without equipment per person for certified divers.
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4. Passikudah
Similar sites can be viewed from Trincomalee and Passikudah but other reefs and boiler wrecks are also present here. Be sure to have a thrilling vacation in Sri Lanka with the gigantic and famous wreck British Sergeant near the deepest ends at this famous site for underwater diving in Sri Lanka. Make sure you click plenty of underwater photographs to remember this site better!
Price: Starting from INR 7000 for newbies
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5. Kirinda
The village of Kirinda lies in a remote region off the southeast coast. With a massive reef of 40 kms in length, this place acts as a great diving site in Sri Lanka. The village also has various attractions like Buddhist shrines and rock formations but if youre not in for exploring the land further, the gray sharks and tuna will definitely sway you away. So, get going and pack your diving suits right away!
Price: NA
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6. Kalpitiya
Known for stunning views, comprising 14 islands and located on the northwestern province of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya also makes to the list of best diving sites on the island country. The Bar Reef, one of the largest in Sri Lanka has a wide variety of vibrant coral reefs and fishes in the region. The online package deals for this site include sunset cruises, whale watching, and dolphin watching. Dont miss it while youre on board for some fun scuba-time!
Price: Starting from INR 3,000
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7. Weligama
Known as the Sandy or fishing village, Weligama lies 30 km east of Galle. Some of the great diving sites here include Yala Rock which consists of rock formations as high as 15 meters. For a different Scuba experience, this site is recommended as it also has caves opening to the corals and fishes. Experiencing the true side of this country will surely be done when you trySri Lanka diving with whales which is famous amongst the tourists.
Price: Starting from INR 2500 onwards with one boat dive
8. Barracuda Reef, Hikkaduwa
You can find a wide variety of aquatic creatures including lionfish in the Barracuda reef. Being on the top famous diving sites, this reef never disappoints the divers, which is located off the coast of Mount Lavinia near Colombo. If knowing about the various prices of scuba diving in Sri Lanka is in your agenda, then we say head straight to this site and find out what all is in store for you!
Price: NA
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9. HMS Hermes
Batticaloa, in the north-east, you can descend to the World War II artifact, HMS Hermes. The extraordinary and lavish remains of what once used to be the worlds first purpose-built aircraft ship. So, all the history buffs, this is something you cant miss for sure! If you wish to find out the cost of scuba diving in Sri Lanka then you must visit this place soon!
Price: NA
10. Taprobane Reefs
Tagged as one of the most pristine diving sites, the Taprobane reefs are known for large coral domes instilled in in the bed amongst other marine plants. This site is also abundant in large rays and schooling fish, so youll have a wonderful diving experience swimming with some of the tiniest little marine creatures in here.
Price: Starting from INR 2800 onwards for a boat dive per person
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11. Bull Dog Reef
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One of the most charming corals in the whole of Kalpitiya can be found in this reef. Known for a stunning underwater photography, divers can capture the beautiful marine life in their cameras. Some of the species common to this region are crocodile fish, panther turbots and white-eared moray eels. You can also spot a Napoleon fish if you're just in time. Head to this place for the best experience of sea diving in Sri Lanka.
Price: INR 1100 onwards
12. Gorgonian Gardens
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If you wish to see a seabed full of gorgons, head straight to this place for scuba diving in Sri Lanka, Colombo and you can go as deep as 35 metres to witness a spectacular forest covered with the gorgons. There exists a certain sense of harmony that youll get to experience in the beautiful synchronization that triggerfishes in this region display.
Price: NA
- Although the prices at the diving schools hike during the peak season, it is advised to go in a group to avail maximum discounts and great deals with them.
- For certificate divers, it is better to carry your own gear, such as your suit and mask in order to avoid any unnecessary hassle later on.
- Booking well in advance for all your inclusions to avoid any scams.
- Scuba diving in Sri Lanka is indeed a fun packed experience but can also be tiring. Make sure to go for a relaxing spa before you head on to another site. Kudos!
Tips for scuba diving in Sri Lanka
- Although the prices at the diving schools hike during the peak season, it is advised to go in a group to avail maximum discounts and great deals with them.
- For certificate divers, it is better to carry your own gear, such as your suit and mask in order to avoid any unnecessary hassle later on.
- Booking well in advance for all your inclusions to avoid any scams.
- Scuba diving in Sri Lanka is indeed a fun packed experience but can also be tiring. Make sure to go for a relaxing spa before you head on to another site. Kudos!
Further Read: 22 Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya: The Mini London Of Sri Lanka!
Feeling the urge to experience scuba diving in Sri Lanka? Don’t wait anymore, pack your gear, book a trip to Sri Lanka today and head to this amazing country for an electrifying experience! Make sure you pack a few extra clothes in case the charm of this place changes your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Sri Lanka
Q. Is Sri Lanka good for scuba diving?
A. Yes, Sri Lanka is an amazing place for scuba diving. After all, it is an island country. You will find a number of diving spots around Colombo and Hikkaduwa.
Q. Where is the best diving in Sri Lanka?
A. Lucky for you, you will find a number of diving spots in Sri Lanka. Here are a few places where you can go scuba diving:
1. Scuba diving in Hikkaduwa
2. Scuba diving in Colombo
3. Scuba diving in Unawatuna
Q. When is the best time to go scuba diving in Sri Lanka?
A. October to May is the best time to go scuba diving in Sri Lanka if your are in the west and south-west coast. If you want to go scuba-diving in the north coast, then May to October will be the bes time.
Q. Are there any shore dives in Sri Lanka?
A. There are hardly any shore diving site in Sri Lanka. Most operators carry out boat tours for diving that may take from 10 to 45 minutes to reach.
Q. Can I get my PADI certifications in Sri Lanka?
A. Yes, there are a number of diving schools from where you can get your certification in diving. It takes about 3-4 days to get certification and it will cost you fromEuro 350 to 450.
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A lawyer from outside and a writer within, Arushi is someone you’ll find eating right after she had her meal. She prefers the company of animals over humans and with a dream of traveling the world someday, she strongly recommends Bali for a chill-out vacay!
