Sri Lanka is well known for its huge coastal region and vibrant wildlife. The serene beaches and the beautiful sunset is something to look out for. The succulent food and the expensive local foods are also worth the attraction. The sandy beaches are the perfect place to spend some time around an evening of a bonfire while enjoying seafood. One can also take a walk along the beach while enjoying the calm and serenity of the twilight. Snorkeling in Colombo, Sri Lanka can provide you with an opportunity to engage with the underwater activities and the underwater world where you can witness a complete unnatural beauty.

You can experience snorkeling and enjoy the underwater life which is filled with blue waters. The marine life and great coastal locations are some of the best places to enjoy while being in Sri Lanka. Some of the professionals and experts present there can help provide water sports guidance and assist you if you decide to hit the waters. So this is just about your own self. If you feel like hitting the water then surely you can do that. You do not have to worry as the experts are there to assist you.


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10 Top Places For Snorkeling In Colombo

One of the most enticing things to do in Colombo is Snorkeling. Here are the best places to help you decide where you want to head to with the best prices of snorkeling in Sri Lanka. Snorkeling is a great option for beginners and also for those who have enough experience in this field.

  • Koggala: The Peaceful Spot!
  • Nilaveli: The Coastal Resort Town!
  • Pasikudah: For Pristine Beaches!
  • Hikkaduwa: For A Thrilling Aquatic Trip!
  • Kirinda: The Village With A Buddhist Shrine!
  • Mirissa: For Spotting Whales!
  • Pigeon Island: The Divers Paradise!
  • Weligama: The Sandy Village!
  • Trincomalee: For Beautiful Coral Reefs!
  • Kalpitiya: The Hidden Marvel!

1. Koggala: The Peaceful Spot!

Koggala

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Koggala is located in the southern coastal region. This is a place which is less known among the people. Hence, this place attracts less crowd. Though it was famous for a while but recently it has been attracting very less crowd. For this reason, it might be possible to spot a less-visited or crowded location where one can plan a vacation or a holiday. As far as the divine waters of Koggala are considered this is absolutely an ideal location for snorkeling.

Location: The Koggala Region

Must Read: Scuba Diving In Colombo: 10 Places For Witnessing The Beauty Of Marine Life Like Never Before

2. Nilaveli: The Coastal Resort Town!

Nilaveli

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This is one of the great booming tourist attraction and is one of the main travel locations in Colombo in Sri Lanka. This place is quite costly and is considerably expensive than rest of the nearby places. Even though Snorkeling in Colombo at this particular region might be quite expensive but the list would be incomplete without its name as it is famous for the coastal resort town of Nilaveli. The best time to visit this place is during the month of April and September. During this time the water tends to become more calm than the usual timings.

Location: Nilaveli Town

3. Pasikudah: For Pristine Beaches!

Pasikudah

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The coastal resort town of Pasikudah is being hailed as the accommodation and one of the longest stretches of flawless water along with the areas of deserted beaches. Pasikudah may be enjoyed by anyone who looks to enjoy the long walks into the sea rather than just simply walking on the beach. One can witness the warm waters of the place. Tourists can enjoy other activities such as sailing in their travel itinerary and then tend to snorkel straight off a yacht. There are some other services that are available in Pasikudah region where this kind is possible. So location can be an ideal thing to do in Snorkeling in Colombo.

Location: Resort Town of Pasikudah

Suggested Read: 10 Beach Resorts In Colombo To Experience The Sri Lankan Hospitality

4. Hikkaduwa: For A Thrilling Aquatic Trip!

Hikkaduwa

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Hikkaduwa is a cultural beach hub in the country and is also one of the best places to visit in Colombo. Hikkaduwa is one of the best places to experience while trying to visit snorkeling in Colombo. This one is situated in the capital of Colombo which is prospective as snorkelers may travel via the expressway and then embark on an aquatic trip by diving. One can experience the southern coastal town every day and then taste the cocktails and the lip smacking sea food. Or one can simply enjoy the warmth of the bonfire. Traveling to snorkel in Hikkaduwa is certainly an activity that should be embraced and relished. This particular location is a perfect one for all those skilled snorkelers as well as for those who are an amateur and could learn diving skills from the expert instructors who are always available throughout the season.

Location: Southern Coast of Sri Lanka

5. Kirinda: The Village With A Buddhist Shrine!

Kirinda

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This particular village is home to a pristine beach and a Buddhist shrine on the rocks. In addition to the magnificent beauty, this diving spot is a shelter to little Great Basses Wrecks. The best time to visit this bass is between the months of March and April. There is no particular diving centre in Kirinda. However, the dive centres in Hikkaduwa and Mirissa can take the travelers. The most famous Arthur C Clarke can also put Kirinda on the map when he used it as his base for his diving exploration in order to write his book ‘The Treasure of the Reef’.

Location: Kirinda Village

Suggested Read: Colombo In January: A Detailed Guide To Explore The City Like Never Before!

6. Mirissa: For Spotting Whales!

Mirissa

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Another great location for snorkeling in Colombo is the Mirissa beach. This particular beach has always been one of the first places to enjoy the view of the whales. However, the price is a little high. However, this particular place has turned out to be an,excellent diving spot. There are about 5 diving sites around the Mirissa beach which is perfect for both snorkeling masters and beginners. PADI training courses are provided to beginners and there are travelling centres as well. The other additional info can be obtained from the internet or from the local traveling agencies which might be nearby.

Location: Mirissa Village

7. Pigeon Island: The Divers Paradise!

Pigeon Island

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This is the perfect place for those tourists who love adventure. Pigeon Island is the best place for snorkeling in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The isolated island is also home to one of the main marine national parks in the country and a divers paradise. The island can be reached by taking a boat ride which takes about 15 minutes. While one side of the island is filled with magnificent clusters of coral reefs which are bordered by clear water.

Location: Pigeon Island, Sri Lanka

Suggested Read: A Guide To The Tropical Seduction Of Colombo In November

8. Weligama: The Sandy Village!

Weligama

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Weligama is another blissful snorkeling spot in Sri Lanka. It is located about 30 kms east of Galle. It is often called as a ‘sandy village’. This place may also be explored by taking the Catamaran ride on the surface of the water and gives the chances to take a ride and explore the sea. The best time to visit the place is during the months of November to mid of April where the enthusiastic snorkelers can dive deep and witness the whales and sharks during this time.

Location: 30 km East of Galle

9. Trincomalee: For Beautiful Coral Reefs!

Trincomalee

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Trincomalee is called to be the gem of the eastern coast of Sri Lanka which is a paradise for the snorkelers. This Nilaveli beach is the most popular launching pad for the divers. The pigeon island is located at a distance and is one of the closest places which is home to some of the beautiful coral reefs for colourful fishes, anemone and nudibranch and other marine animals and plants.

Location: Eastern Coast

Suggested Read: Colombo Honeymoon: 10 Best Places To Visit With Your Love

10. Kalpitiya: The Hidden Marvel!

Kalpitiya

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This place is hidden from all the tourist rush. However, the Kalpitiya stands completely isolated from the world as it lies in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka. The largest coral reef in Sri Lanka lies just an hour away from the Kalpitiya on boat. This reef is a shelter to a wide range of tropical fishes where one can spot the manta rays, the reef sharks and the occasional turtles.

Location: Puttalam District

Further Read: Galle Face Green- An Urban Park In Sri Lanka’s Colombo With a Historical Past

There are some of the best spots for snorkeling in Colombo where tourists come to visit from all over the world. There is no specific time when the crowd might be too much but it is quite in a rush throughout the year. One can try visiting most of the places in Colombo while also trying some adventure sports at the same time. One such activity is snorkelling and is available in a number of places across Colombo. So, plan a trip to Sri Lanka and indulge in the fun!

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Frequently Asked About Snorkeling In Colombo

When is the best time to visit Colombo?

The best time to visit Colombo is from November to April as the weather is perfect for snorkeling and relaxing at the beaches.

Is it allowed to dive in Sri Lanka?

Yes, diving is allowed in Colombo and there are a lot of spots available for all scuba diving lovers.

Is Colombo expensive?

No, Colombo is one of the best options for all travelers who are looking for a spot for a budget vacation.

How many days are enough to explore Colombo?

There are a plethora of things that you can try and places that you can explore in Colombo. You must plan a 3 or 4 days vacation to make the most out of it.

Where can I spot whales in Colombo?

You can spot whales near the town of Mirissa in Colombo.


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Category: Colombo, Sri Lanka

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