Diving

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the most popular diving spots in Sri Lanka, located off the coast of Nilaveli, near Trincomalee. The park is named after the rock pigeons that used to inhabit the island. The island is home to two stunning coral reefs, which are home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and a multitude of colourful fish species. The waters around Pigeon Island are crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and diving.

Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, about 20 km from Galle. The sanctuary was established in 1979 to protect the coral reefs and marine life in the area. The sanctuary is home to over 60 species of coral, including some of the rarest in the world. Divers can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, moray eels, and colourful fish species.

Bar Reef is located off the coast of Kalpitiya, on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. It is the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka, stretching for over 3 km. The reef is home to over 150 species of fish and 70 species of coral. Divers can also expect to see dolphins and whales in the area. The best time to visit Bar Reef is from November to April when the seas are calm.

Kirinda is a small fishing village located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, about 10 km from Tissamaharama. The area is known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, including sea turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks. The waters around Kirinda are also home to several shipwrecks, making it an ideal spot for wreck diving.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka for diving depends on the location. The east coast is best for diving from May to September, while the west and south coasts are best from November to April. During these times, the seas are calm, and visibility is good. It is also worth noting that Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, which can affect diving conditions. The southwest monsoon season is from May to September, while the northeast monsoon season is from November to February.

Diving in Sri Lanka offers a diverse and exciting underwater world. The waters are home to a variety of colourful fish species, including clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Divers can also expect to see sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and even reef sharks. Sri Lanka is also known for its stunning coral reefs, which are home to a variety of coral species, including brain coral, mushroom coral, and staghorn coral.

Before diving in Sri Lanka, it is important to ensure that you are in good health and have the necessary diving certifications. It is also important to choose a reputable diving centre and to follow all safety guidelines.

When diving in Sri Lanka, it is important to be aware of the currents and to stay within your diving limits. It is also important to avoid touching or disturbing marine life and to never feed them. Additionally, it is important to protect the coral reefs by not standing or touching them.