Boasting a wide variety of dive sites and year-round diving opportunities, those lucky enough to dive Sri Lanka's exceptional wrecks and reefs will be amazed by the variety of marine life and range of experiences on offer.
Visibility
80–100 feet (25–30 meters)
Average Water Temperature
82
Wreck Diving
Whale Encounters
Boasting a wide variety of dive sites and year-round diving opportunities, those lucky enough to dive Sri Lankas exceptional wrecks and reefs will be amazed by the variety of marine life and range of experiences on offer.
Diving in Sri Lanka is almost exclusively land-based, and although there are no dive-specific resorts, there are many dive operators linked to the hotels.
Located off the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an island country boasting almost 1,000 miles (1,600km) of coastline, much of which remains relatively undeveloped. As a key stopping-off point on the ancient Silk Road, and with an important maritime and trading history, visitors to Sri Lanka will find themselves immersed in a rich blend of cultures and heritages.
Below the water, Sri Lanka is no less diverse, with a variety of marine habitats ranging from wrecks to healthy reef systems with submerged ruins, caves, and dramatic offshore sites. Marine creatures big and small can be found diving Sri Lankan waters, with seasonal sightings of blue whales and sperm whales, as well as a plethora of pelagic hunters, the full catalog of Indian Ocean reef fish, and some reasonable macro sightings.
Where you dive in Sri Lanka will depend on the seasonal monsoon, and dive sites are open either on the east of the country from May to September, or the west from October to April. The majority of diving is concentrated around the southwest coastline and the capital, Colombo, however, the famous aircraft carrier wreck HMS Hermes is situated on the east of the island.
These are the main dive areas in Sri Lanka:
Diving Sri Lanka is possible year-round, although where you dive will be determined by the monsoons.
Divers exploring Sri Lanka will discover creatures big and small in the islands clear waters. Indian Ocean species abound, with sweet lips, clownfish, triggerfish, and batfish living on colorful reefs festooned in a patchwork of soft coral. Patrolling the reefs and walls, divers can expect to encounter barracuda, goliath grouper, humphead parrotfish, and Napoleon wrasse, while large schools of jack and trevally circle just out in the blue. Add in eagle and bull rays, several varieties of moray eel, and a couple of species of turtle, and the reefs are constantly delivering exciting encounters and great photo opportunities.
Most dive sites also offer a good smattering of macro, with ornate nudibranchs and other critters like shrimps a regular discovery. At the opposite end of the scale, the oceans biggest resident, the blue whale, along with sperm whales, whale sharks, and dolphins, can be spotted from the surface or heard underwater over the winter months.
Very few dives are from the shore, with operators using small boats to transport divers the 10 to 45-minute journey to the dive sites. Dives are normally two tank dives done in the morning.
Sri Lanka is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best technical wreck destinations in Asia. Many of the island's deeper wrecks are only now being discovered, and while there are dozens of shallower wrecks offering opportunities for recreational divers, these deep wrecks provide a new and exciting frontier for technical wreck specialists keen to expand their repertoire.
Explore other exciting deep wreck diving destinations such as Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll.
On the east coast, the huge natural harbor of Trincomalee hides several military wrecks including the world-famous aircraft carrier, HMS Hermes (174ft/53m), the MFA Athelstane (138ft/42m), and the HMS Hollyhock (138ft/42m). The west coast Colombo region has numerous older wrecks to explore such as the SS Worcestershire (187ft/57m), the Taprobane North Wrecks 131ft (40m) and the MV Tricolor (213ft/65m), still under exploration.
Many visitors to Sri Lanka make the journey specifically for the islands world-class whale encounters, with whale watching an increasingly popular activity. Home to the biggest population of blue whales in the world, sightings are most frequent during March and April, although they may be spotted year-round. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and various dolphin species may also make an appearance.
Please note that swimming with whales in Sri Lanka is illegal, and whale-watching regulations are in place but rarely enforced. If you choose to participate in whale-watching activities in Sri Lanka, choose a government-approved operator that does not offer any in-water experiences with the whales. Download the full regulations from the International Whaling Commission's website.
Diving is possible in Sri Lanka year-round, with coastal regions enjoying average air temperatures of 77-86oF (25-30oC). During the summer months of May to September, the east and north coasts enjoy dry, sunny days while the west and southwest coasts are hit by rain. Over the winter months of October to February, the seasons reverse, with the west and southwest dive sites favorable for diving while the east and north regions experience the monsoon.
December to mid-April is peak tourist season and the southwest of the island can become busy.
Flights from the US into the main airport of Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) will transit through the European or Middle Eastern hubs. Direct flights are available from Europe and Asia. Once in-country, it is relatively easy to get around with trains, buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks all readily available.
Visitors have a choice of diving on the northeast or southwest side of the island, depending on the time of year. There are accommodation options for all tastes and budgets, from homestays and lodges to hotels, resorts, and villas. There are also a good number of eco options. Numerous dive operators in the main dive areas work with the hotels to offer day trips by small boat out to the wrecks and reefs.
Sri Lanka is a diverse country full of rich cultural experiences, plenty of activities, and loads of amazing wildlife. For those who want to stay near the ocean, the south coast has some world-class surf venues, and the islands many miles of coastline offer up countless undeveloped palm-fringed beaches.
Nature lovers can take whale and dolphin watching trips as well as revel in the top-side wildlife in one of the countrys several national parks. A quarter of Sri Lanka's habitat is protected and 16% of species are endemic, making for a unique safari trip.
Sri Lanka has a wealth of well-preserved UNESCO sites, from the sacred city of Kandy to a towering rock fortress, ancient cave temples, and 10th-century ruins. Add to this the Tea Country mountain region with its lush green jungle and tea plantations, high-end accommodation, and cooler climes, and there really is something for everyone.