Located off the southern coast near Kirinda, the Great and Little Basses Reefs offer epic dive experiences for advanced divers. Known for dramatic drop offs, underwater caves and centuries old shipwrecks, this remote site teems with pelagic fish, reef sharks and rare marine species. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling and historic underwater adventures.

• Advanced diving with epic visibility
• Historic shipwrecks and reef walls
• Strong currents, seasonal dive site
• Rich pelagic and reef fish populations
• Best conditions – March to April
• Limited access, boat required

The Basses Reefs, divided into Great Basses and Little Basses, lie about 10 km offshore from Kirinda, along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. These are not your everyday dive sites. Reserved for experienced, certified divers, Basses offers deep sea drama, intense biodiversity and fascinating maritime history beneath its turquoise surface.

This remote reef system is famous for its sharp drop offs, powerful currents and the 18^th century wreck of a treasure laden Indian ship, as well as WWII aircraft remains. Between March and April, when seas are calm and visibility is superb, divers descend into a world of giant groupers, tuna, barracuda, reef sharks and vast coral towers.

One of the most exhilarating moments? Exploring the base of the Great Basses Lighthouse, which emerges like a phantom from the sea. The surrounding reef is alive with schools of snapper, moray eels, manta rays and the occasional whale shark.

Due to its remoteness, trips must be arranged with specialized dive operators out of Kirinda or Mirissa, with early morning departures. Sri Lanka Tailor-Made recommends Basses Reefs for serious divers seeking adrenaline, isolation and marine wonder, because few underwater sites match its intensity, beauty and mystery.