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An island nation teeming with the most enthralling natural beauty, going underwater while in Sri Lanka is the most surreal experience to be a part of. A country that offers its curious and adventure-enthusiast travellers some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world, Sri Lanka is truly a diver’s paradise. Known for its stunning beaches and coastlines, the experience of diving in Sri Lanka offers you a glimpse into the vibrant coral reefs and the rich marine life amidst the crystal clear waters.
Quite rightly referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka makes for a fantastic destination for all the water babies out there. With its warm waters and diverse marine life, the experience of best diving in Sri Lanka caters to all levels, irrespective of whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned diver. Experience the underwater world in all its glory with these top places for underwater diving in Sri Lanka.
Best scuba diving sites in Sri Lanka for an all-immersive experience
Trincomalee
Among the popular sites for diving in Sri Lanka, Trincomalee is located on the east coast of the country. A renowned destination to experience the best diving in Sri Lanka, scuba diving in Trincomalee is carried out in different sites of the region, including Swami Rock and the Pigeon Island. While the Swami Rock offers an immersive experience, offering you a range of depths from 10 to 30 metres, the Pigeon Island, on the other hand, is a protected marine sanctuary that is perfect not only for diving but also for snorkeling purposes.
Witness the colourful marine life amidst the clear waters while also maintaining the rules of conservation.
Hikkaduwa
Another well-known spot for scuba diving in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is a vibrant coastal town that offers you the chance to witness the stunning underwater ecosystem. Located on the southwest coast of the country, the diving sites here include the Coral Gardens or the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, which is renowned for its exceptionally beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. A scuba diving destination in Sri Lanka that offers excellent visibility, divers can also witness deeper wrecks like the Conch, which is a sunken boat that is among the major attractions.
Mirissa
A charming coastal town situated on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa, with its tranquil beaches and whale watching tours, also makes for a great destination for underwater diving in Sri Lanka. Offering great visibility with its warm and inviting waters, the divers here are able to witness stunning coral reefs that are teeming with marine wildlife which includes moray eels and angelfish, along with occasional sightings of the whale shark. A destination for the seasoned divers out there, Mirissa also offers you opportunities to explore the underwater caves and deeper reef systems.
Bentota
An all-in-one diving spot in Sri Lanka, Bentota is a lovely coastal town that offers scuba diving opportunities for both beginners and professional divers. With a range of diving sites that include the popular Turtle Reef, boasting of an impressive number of sea turtles, the diving sites in Bentota feature shallow reefs as well as deeper wrecks and coral gardens for you to discover. With its clean waters, easy accessibility and diverse diving options, Bentota is the ideal spot for diving in Sri Lanka.
Negombo
A scuba diving destination located towards the north of Colombo, Negombo offers its divers some of the best opportunities to witness underwater wrecks. The popular sites here include SS Rangoon and Wreck Point, which offers you an excellent glimpse into the blend of marine life and history. With the waters here being home to numerous shipwrecks, which in turn have created some of the most beautiful artificial reefs, the marine life here is also fascinating. A great diving destination in Sri Lanka for beginners due to its calm waters, Negombo is a great place for diving amidst tranquillity.
Unawatuna
Another one of the top destinations for diving in Sri Lanka, Unawatuna, located on the southwest coast of the country, offers its divers a mix of shallow and deep dives. With the Unawatuna Reef lying just off the coast, this place is home to a variety of fishes that include groupers, snappers and parrotfish. For those interested in wreck dives, the Rangoon wreck is a popular site to go for underwater diving in Sri Lanka.