Description
Sri Lanka is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with its clear blue waters and abundant marine life. The island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with the east and south coasts offering some of the best dive sites in the country.
The east coast of Sri Lanka is known for its unspoiled coral reefs and rich marine life, with the best time to dive being from April to September. Pigeon Island, located off the coast of Nilaveli, is a popular snorkeling and diving spot, with its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The area is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
The south coast of Sri Lanka is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling, with the best time to dive being from November to April. The area around Unawatuna is known for its diverse marine life, including reef fish, eels, rays, and sea turtles. The nearby wreck of the Rangoon is a popular dive site, with its sunken ship attracting a variety of marine life.
The west coast of Sri Lanka is less popular for diving, but there are still some good sites to explore, particularly around the waters of Kalpitiya. The area is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The best time to dive in the area is from November to April.
Overall, scuba diving and snorkeling in Sri Lanka offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the country's vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes. With its warm waters, clear visibility, and diverse marine ecosystems, Sri Lanka is a great destination for both experienced and novice divers and snorkelers.
Hikkaduwa Diving Tours
Hikkaduwa is a popular coastal town in Sri Lanka, known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life. As such, Hikkaduwa Diving Tours are a popular attraction for visitors looking to explore the underwater world. The town is home to several diving schools and tour operators who offer scuba diving, snorkeling, and other underwater activities. Divers can explore the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, which is a protected area that boasts a diverse array of fish, coral, and other marine creatures. The diving conditions are generally good, with good visibility and warm waters throughout the year. Hikkaduwa Diving Tours are suitable for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced divers.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a port city located on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and historic sites. One of the most famous attractions in Trincomalee is the Koneswaram Temple, a Hindu temple located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Another popular attraction is Pigeon Island, a marine national park known for its coral reefs and diverse marine life. Trincomalee is also a popular destination for whale and dolphin watching, with sightings of blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins common during the season from May to October. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant marine life, Trincomalee is a must-visit destination for those traveling to Sri Lanka.
Nilaveli Pigeon island
Nilaveli Pigeon Island is a small islet located off the coast of Nilaveli in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The island, which was declared a national park in 2003, is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving due to its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, including various species of tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Visitors can take a short boat ride to the island and explore its clear waters, or relax on the beautiful white sand beaches. The island is also a nesting site for the endangered Blue Rock Pigeon, from which it gets its name, and visitors can witness these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
Kalpitiya Bar Reef
The Kalpitiya Bar Reef, located off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a spectacular coral reef system that is considered one of the best in the country for diving and snorkeling. The reef stretches for over 300 square kilometers and is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the reef, or join a guided diving or snorkeling excursion to get up close with the fascinating underwater world. The area is also known for its strong winds and calm waters, making it a popular spot for kite surfing and windsurfing.