Diving in Sri Lanka is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the island nation. Located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka boasts some of the world's most beautiful diving sites, with stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and historic shipwrecks. The best time for diving in Trincomalee, Passikudah, and other east coast destinations is between May and September, with clear waters and good visibility. During this time, divers can explore a variety of dive sites and encounter marine life such as whale sharks, reef fish, and colorful corals. Meanwhile, the southern coast of Sri Lanka, including Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Hikkaduwa, is best for diving between November and April, as the waters are calm and clear. This area also has a range of dive sites, including historic shipwrecks and colorful reefs, making it a popular destination for divers of all levels. Sri Lanka's marine conservation efforts have helped preserve and protect the underwater environment, making it a thriving ecosystem. Diving schools and centers are available throughout Sri Lanka, providing training, equipment rental, and guided dives. For those new to diving, there are introductory courses available that teach the basics of diving and safety guidelines. Experienced divers can opt for advanced courses, including wreck diving, night diving, and deep diving.
Prominent scuba diving sites in Sri Lanka include:
Pigeon Island (Trincomalee): A marine sanctuary with crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral formations.
Bar Reef (Kalpitiya): One of the largest shallow-water coral reefs globally, known for its rich biodiversity and colorful underwater landscapes.
Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary (Hikkaduwa): A popular diving spot with various coral formations and a wide array of tropical fish.
Great Basses Reef and Little Basses Reef (Kirinda): Remote and challenging dive sites known for pristine coral formations and encounters with large pelagic species.
Weligama Bay (Weligama): Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, offering calm waters and opportunities to spot marine life like sea turtles.
Rumassala (Unawatuna): Known for its underwater caves and diverse marine species, providing a unique diving experience.
Medhufaru (Passikudah): A relatively less-explored diving site with clear waters, coral gardens, and various fish species.
There are over 50 wonderful historic shipwreck sites around the country where commercial diving centers take their customers . Here are some of the most notable shipwrecks that attract divers from around the world:
SS Conch (Colombo): Sunk during World War II, the SS Conch is an artificial reef teeming with marine life, including schools of fish, making it a favorite among divers.
SS Rangoon (Trincomalee): This British steamship, sunk in 1871, lies in shallow waters with an intact engine room and a fascinating array of marine species, providing a historical underwater adventure.
British Sergeant Wreck (Hikkaduwa): The remains of this cargo ship, sunk in 1942, have transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life, including rays and colorful fish.
Earl of Shaftesbury Wreck (Hikkaduwa): This 19th-century British shipwreck offers a captivating dive with well-preserved artifacts and a variety of marine species calling it home.
HMS Hermes (Batticaloa): A British aircraft carrier sunk during World War II, the HMS Hermes is one of the world's first purpose-built aircraft carriers and offers an extraordinary dive for history and wreck enthusiasts.
SS Worcestershire (Colombo): Another World War II casualty, the SS Worcestershire, lies in Colombo's waters and serves as a fascinating site for wreck exploration and underwater photography.
Medhufaru (Passikudah): Though not a shipwreck, Medhufaru is an excellent dive site with remnants of a submerged ancient city, providing a unique experience for divers intrigued by underwater archaeology.
RMS Coromandel (Trincomalee): A British passenger steamer sunk in 1944, the RMS Coromandel now sits as an underwater relic, attracting marine life and offering a glimpse into maritime history.
If you prefer gliding through the clear turquoise waters, discovering fascinating coral reefs, and encountering a kaleidoscope of tropical marine life, snorkeling is waiting for you
Coral Gardens (Hikkaduwa): Perfect for snorkelers, Coral Gardens is a shallow area with vibrant coral formations and a multitude of colorful fish.
Elephant Rock (Mirissa): This submerged rock formation near Mirissa offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities with clear waters and abundant marine life.
Pigeon Island (Trincomalee): In addition to being a popular scuba diving site, Pigeon Island also offers excellent snorkeling experiences with its shallow coral reefs.
Unawatuna Bay (Unawatuna): The calm waters of Unawatuna Bay make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant underwater world.