Discover Sri Lanka's underwater wonders with our diving partners scattered across the island. From the vibrant reefs of Kalpitiya to the historical shipwrecks of Trincomalee, our dive sites cater to all levels of experience. Explore popular destinations like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa, or venture off the beaten path to hidden gems in Kirinda, Negombo, Jaffna, and more.
Diving on Sri Lanka’s West and South Coasts
The dive sites along Sri Lanka’s west coast are accessible from November through early April, offering favorable conditions during this period. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 meters, with water temperatures hovering around 28-29°C. While the west coast has faced challenges such as coral bleaching from the El Niño event in 1998 and damage from the 2004 tsunami, which impacted coral growth, it remains a prime destination for diving enthusiasts.
Despite the coral loss, the west and south coasts are renowned for their intriguing deeper dive sites and a variety of shipwrecks. Here, divers can encounter an array of marine life including moray eels, nudibranchs, lionfish, angelfish, and numerous tropical fish. For those lucky enough, there’s a chance to spot more elusive creatures such as Napoleon wrasse, sea turtles, stingrays, scorpionfish, or even an octopus.
Each dive presents a unique opportunity to explore the rich underwater world of Sri Lanka, where adventure and discovery await.
Kirinda Scuba Diving
Kirinda, a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s diving scene, truly warrants special attention. Renowned for its stunning Great Basses, Kirinda features a remarkable underwater limestone formation stretching approximately 40 kilometers. This unique geological structure, with its intricate caves, vibrant soft corals, and dramatic vertical walls, sets Kirinda apart as an exceptional diving destination.
The site’s powerful waves and surges add to its allure, presenting a thrilling challenge for experienced divers. However, these same conditions make Kirinda virtually inaccessible during the two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. For optimal diving experiences, the best time to visit is between mid-March and mid-April, during the brief inter-monsoon period when conditions are generally at their finest.
Situated about 5 kilometers southeast of the Palatupana entrance to Yala National Park, the coastal village of Kirinda offers divers an exclusive and unforgettable underwater adventure. Read more ...
Scuba Diving on Sri Lanka's East Coast
Sri Lanka's east coast offers exceptional diving conditions from mid-March to the end of October, with excellent underwater visibility during this period. The area is home to vibrant coral reefs and an array of exotic marine life, largely unaffected by the 1998 El Niño event, which preserved its underwater beauty.
One notable dive site is the British Sergeant wreck in Batticaloa, a technical dive location situated at a depth of 24 meters. Most dive sites along the east coast are in relatively shallow waters, ranging from 10 to 20 meters deep. However, there are deeper sites such as Klathe Par (20-35 meters) and Dijamba Gala (33 meters) in Trincomalee that offer additional exploration opportunities.
Each day, we carefully select dive sites based on sea conditions and diver experience to ensure the best possible experience. We handle all the logistics of finding the ideal spots and partners, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying your underwater adventure while in Sri Lanka.
