Sri Lanka is one of the most attractive and nature-friendly islands. You can find South Asia’s best Scuba Diving sites in Sri Lanka, located southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean. The location of the Indian Ocean is a top advantage for scuba divers and Snorkelers.
Sri Lankan main diving spots are located on the island’s Southern, Western, and Eastern coasts. Sri Lanka is an all-year-round (January to December) Scuba diving site as well as It is known to have some of the best dive spots in all of Asia. Divers have seen many colorful corals, fascinating fishes, Turtles, Whales, Sharks, Dolphins, and famous wrecks.
You don’t have to worry about diving and swimming in deep water because you can find the best scuba diving centers and courses in Sri Lanka, equipment, friendly staff, and provides essential guidance & signals for your support. Most reputed dive centers offer PADI certifications that may take about 3 to 4 days to complete. After 30 minutes of basic training, anyone can dive because Sri Lanka is the best place for dive beginners.
Main scuba diving sites in Sri Lanka
Nil Diya Pokuna Cave, Karandagolla, Ella
Map of The Best Scuba Diving sites in Sri Lanka
Southern Coast
Season October to May Best Visibility 01 st of January to 31 st of March
Travel
Own vehicle, Bus, Train, Taxi
01 Unawatuna
The Unawatuna can arrive from Galle 5.9 km within 16 min. There are world-class and world-famous beaches in Sri Lanka. It has 16 different dive sites and can dive as deep as 32 meters. Unawatuna is mostly famous for Wreck Dives, Corals, Reef Dives, and Night Dives. This area has attractive hotels, Villas, food collections, and beach parties for entertainment and mind relaxation. The most attractive Jungle beach and Japanese Peace Pagoda are located in this area.
Scuba Diving Site in Unawatuna
Map credit Unawatuna Diving Centre
- SS Rangoon (32m)
- SS Orestes (24m)
- Goda Kupatha (18m)
- Goda Gala (Lord Nelson Wreck) (15m)
- Galapita Gala (25m)
- Galle Ship Wreck (Tango) (24m)
- Ralagala Wreck (20m)
02 Hikkaduwa
This is one of the best and most famous scuba diving sites in Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa can arrive from Galle 20.9 Km within 39 min. This is the best entertainment place in the Southern area, best for nightlife and attractive hotels, Villas, food collections, and beach parties.
Hikkaduwa beach has marvels in diving spots and snorkeling places. This is the best place for watching turtles, shallow coral, reefs, and colorful reef fishes. This is the place to find the best diving centers and schools. As well, you can get a PADI license after training with these diving centers. Read more…
03 Underwater museum Galle
Sri Lanka Navy constructed Sri Lanka’s first underwater museum under the Sri Lanka Government’s supervision. The underwater museum’s primary purpose is the redevelopment of fish and coral breeding. The Museum’s depth of around 50 Feet(15 Meters) is a good experience for adults, Children(Above 11 years), experienced scuba divers, and scuba beginners. The museum opens all days for visitors, but 1 st of November to 30 th of April is the best time to visit. “PADI open water license” is required for this diving experience. Read more…
04Beruwala
Beruwala is located on the South West Coast. Beruwala can reach from Colombo 60 Km within 2 hr. These nearest places are Brief Garden – Bevis Bawa, Barberyn Island Lighthouse, Kande Viharaya Temple, Kalutara Bodhiya, Ventura beach, and Moragalla beach. Read more…
05 Kirinda (Great Basses & Little Basses)
Kirinda is located on the South East Cost. These nearest traveling places are Yala National park, Lunugamvehera National park, Kumana National park, Bundala National park, Ridiyagama Safari Park, Birds Resort Hambantota, Kataragama, and Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya. Read more…
06 Weligama
Weligama is located on the South Coast, and this name means “Sandy Village” because of its famously beautiful beaches. The nearest are Mirissa beach, Polhena beach, Hiriketiya beach, and Coconut Tree Hill. This area is most famous for Whale watching and Dolphin watching. Read more…
Western Coast
Season October to May
Travel
Own vehicle, Bus, Train, Taxi
01 Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is the most beautiful lagoon on the West Coast, which consists of 14 islands. In history, this area was most famous for pearls. Bar Reef (307 square km) is one of the largest biodiversity coral reefs in Sri Lanka and has various coral, tropical fishes, manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles. This area has many tourist activities like Scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and dolphin watching. Read more…
02 Colombo
Colombo is the biggest central city and commercial capital in Sri Lanka. This area has attractive hotels, Shopping malls, food collections, and beach parties for entertainment and mind relaxation. This is an excellent place for wreck diving and the experience of colorful coral reefs and colorful reef fishes. You can dive 10m to 57m in this area as well as Taprobane Reefs and Gorgonian Gardens are the most popular dive sites in this area. Read more…
03 Negombo
Negombo is the capital city of Western Province and Lagoon which is located on the West coast. This can arrive from Colombo 38 Km within 51 min via Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Negombo is the capital city of Western Province and Lagoon which is located on the West coast. Bandaranaike International Airport has only 7.8 km and can arrive within 17 min.
Negombo has several colorful coral reefs and colorful reef fishes. Derana Gala, Diyamba Gala, Barracuda point, Hanova, and Lobster Reef is the most famous sites in Negombo. This area also has attractive hotels, food collections, and beach parties for entertainment and mind relaxation. Read more…
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Eastern Coast
Season March to October Best Visibility 01 st of June to 31 st of August
Travel
Own vehicle, Bus, Train, Taxi
01 Trincomalee
Trincomalee is the most significant natural harbor in Sri Lanka and the second-largest natural harbor in the world. Nilaveli and Pigeon Island are most famous for diving and snorkeling. Trincomalee beach has clear water beaches to explore shallow coral, reefs, and colorful reef fish.
Pigeon Island is one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots I have ever seen. This is the most beautiful place and an unforgettable spot for divers. You can see Whales, Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles, many colorful corals, famous wrecks, and fascinating fishes. Do not forget to be ready and follow the guidance for perfect diving. Read more…
Scuba Diving Site in Trincomalee
Map credit Cross Country Travels Sri Lanka
02 Underwater museum Trincomalee
This is located near the world-famous natural Harbour and Sandy Bay beach in Trincomalee, with a depth of around 60 Feet(18 Meters) and an expansion of about 13,000square feet. This main purpose is the regeneration of fish and coral breeding. The museum opens all days for visitors, but 1 st May to 30 th September is the best time to visit. It would be best to enter this area through a registered boat company or diving school because this is a high-security zone that the Sri Lanka Navy rules. “PADI open water license” is required for this diving experience. Read more…
03 Pasikuda and Vakarai
Passikuda is most famous for its range of reefs and boiler wrecks. It is famous for the British Sergeant Wrecks during World War II. This is a very suitable place for underwater photographers. This area has attractive hotels, food collections, and events for entertainment and mind relaxation. Read more…
04 Kalmunai
Kalmunai is the biggest town in the Ampara District. Kallady Beach and Kallady Bridge are located near this town. Read more…
05 Batticaloa
Batticaloa is the capital city of Eastern Province. This nearest is located at Batticaloa Fort, Batticaloa Lighthouse, Batticaloa Eco-park, and Batticaloa Lagoon. Read more…
Nil Diya Pokuna Cave, Karandagolla, Ella
Season All days (Best for July, August & September)
Travel
Own vehicle, Bus, Train, Taxi
Nil Diya Pokuna is near 16 Km from Ella town, which is located on Karandagolla Cave. This is an underwater pond established in a tunnel complex and believed built by king Ravana. This is a very adventurous trip that will be an unforgettable diving experience. This pond water is very clear and never open to sunlight. The water shows blue color when put on the light. If you prepare for this dive, you should be ready with a special arrangement because this is an adventure diving experience. Mostly a small group is better for this trip. Read more…
Take only memories, Enjoy your trip, & Leave only Footprints
