DiveJourney

🇸🇷Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Sri Lanka

Quick Facts

  • • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • • Highlights: Explore Sri Lanka's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Sri Lanka. With 8 documented dive spots across 4 regions, Sri Lanka offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Sri Lanka a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

8
Dive Spots
4
Regions
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Regions in Sri Lanka (4)

Bay of Bengal

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Laccadive Sea

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West and South Indian Shelf

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South India and Sri Lanka

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Dive Spots in Sri Lanka (8)

Aluth Gal Mattha

Aluth Gal Mattha features a reef system with a maximum depth of 25 meters (82 feet) and good visibility, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Expect to see various corals and schools of fish in the area. The best diving conditions are from November to April, with water temperatures averaging 27°C (80°F).

5.9992, 80.2249

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Car Wreck (Chief Dragon)

The Chief Dragon wreck is an old cargo ship sunk in 1983, located at a depth of 20 to 35 meters (66 to 115 feet). The wreck measures approximately 112 meters (368 feet) long and 22 meters (72 feet) wide, featuring several car chassis on the top deck. This site requires multiple dives to fully explore.

6.9124, 79.8195

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Dalawella beach

beginner friendly, enclosed lagoon with beach entry, sandy bottom with chunks of reef formations to swim around, quite shallow all over. Best time to visit is in the mornings, in the afternoon the tide comes over the reef wall at the back and swell can get strong and drag you around. Perfect place to see turtles and various fish, but beach does get crowded as many tourists visit to see the turtles which can ruin the vibe. But this is mainly at the shore, pop your snorkel on and head out into the lagoon and its far more peaceful and enjoyable!

5.9994, 80.2639

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Fort Frederic

Fort Frederic is a reef located approximately 15 minutes from Uppuveli Beach, accessible via shore entry. The site features a mix of corals, stones, and sandy areas. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including snappers, rays, and moray eels. Note that there is a net present in the area, which may affect visibility and access to certain parts of the reef. This site is suitable for divers who are becoming accustomed to deeper dives following their open water training.

8.5739, 81.2486

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Navy Museum

Located approximately 20 minutes from Uppuveli beach, the Navy Museum dive site features two shipwrecks and several statues. The dive area includes a long reef with a maximum depth of 18 meters. Divers can observe various marine life, including octopus, schools of snappers, and occasionally rays and turtles. The predominant underwater structure consists of hard corals.

8.5656, 81.2531

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Ss British Sergeant Wreck

The SS British Sergeant wreck is located at a depth of 24 meters (80 feet) off Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. The wreck is split into two sections, featuring large structural openings that attract schools of fish and allow divers to swim through and explore various entry points within the wreck.

8.0033, 81.5108

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Suwame Rock

Suwame Rock is a dive site located near Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, with a maximum depth of 23 meters. The site features a replica statue of Lord Ganesh, stone columns, and blocks of stone, with notable marine life including porcupinefish, pufferfish, crayfish, and trumpetfish. Visibility is generally good, and there is no current, making it best to dive here between January and April.

8.5856, 81.2628

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Thermopylae Sierra

Thermopylae Sierra is a wreck dive site located 23 meters deep off the coast of Lunawa, Sri Lanka. The 165-meter-long former Cypriot ship sank in 2012 and is now home to barracudas, parrotfish, surgeonfish, snappers, and octopuses. Whale sharks have been occasionally observed in the area.

6.8138, 79.8548

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in Sri Lanka for beginners?
Sri Lanka offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in Sri Lanka?
Water conditions in Sri Lanka vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in Sri Lanka?
Guide requirements in Sri Lanka depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in Sri Lanka?
Key safety considerations for Sri Lanka include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.