Snorkeling & Scuba Hotspots Around the Island - Sri Lanka Tailor-Made
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Reefs, wrecks, and rays beneath turquoise waves

Snorkelling & Scuba Hotspots Around the Island

From shallow coral gardens to mysterious shipwrecks, Sri Lanka’s coastline hides a vibrant underwater world. Snorkelling and scuba diving here reveal rainbow hued reefs, curious sea turtles, playful reef fish and even gentle giants like whale sharks and manta rays. With sites dotted around the island, from the calm waters of Pasikuda to the marine rich depths of Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee, there’s a dive for every level. Whether you are a beginner floating above a reef or a seasoned diver exploring submerged WWII relics, Sri Lanka delivers underwater magic. Dive responsibly, support local marine conservation and surface with stories that will outshine the sun.

Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary

Closest Town

Kalpitiya

Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef system, home to over 100 species of coral and 300 species of fish. Ideal for shallow reef snorkelling and conservation focused dive tours.

Basses Reefs (Great & Little Basses)

Closest Town

Kirinda

A remote, advanced level dive site with dramatic reef drops, underwater caves and historical shipwrecks. Best explored March to April with a certified dive operator.

Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary

Closest Town

Hikkaduwa

Perfect for beginner snorkellers, this shallow coral garden offers sightings of turtles, clownfish and vibrant corals just a few meters from the beach.

Mirissa Coral Reefs

Closest Town

Mirissa

Gentle reefs ideal for snorkelling, with chances to spot turtles, parrotfish and the occasional reef shark in calm, clear waters.

Nilaveli & Pigeon Island Marine Park

Closest Town

Trincomalee

One of the best spots in Sri Lanka for snorkelling. Offers stunning coral gardens, reef sharks and turtles in shallow turquoise waters around Pigeon Island.

Pasikuda Bay

Closest Town

Pasikuda

Calm, shallow waters with coral beds and small reef fish. A family friendly snorkel spot with high visibility and gentle currents.

Taprobane North Wreck Dive

Closest Town

Mount Lavinia

This sunken World War I shipwreck rests at 20 to 30 meters depth and is covered in marine life. A thrilling dive for advanced divers near Colombo.

The Cargo Wreck (Pecheur Breton)

Closest Town

Colombo

A popular shipwreck dive near Mount Lavinia, now an artificial reef teeming with snapper, lionfish and groupers. Accessible to intermediate divers.

Unawatuna & Jungle Beach

Closest Town

Unawatuna

Popular for beginner snorkelling with calm waters, coral gardens and sea turtles. Diving sites nearby include reef walls and mini caves.

Weligama Bay

Closest Town

Weligama

A rising spot for beginner divers and snorkellers. Soft corals, small reef fish and the occasional turtle await just offshore.

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