Galle, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa

Before each scuba outing check certification and age/medical restrictions, maximum planned depth, no-decompression limits, currents, surge, recent visibility, vessel safety, emergency oxygen, communications, diver recall, nearest reachable hospital and recognized evacuation arrangements. The Conch and Orestes have conflicting published depth figures; only the real operator briefing can determine a safe profile. Do not enter underwater caves or wreck overhead environments without specific training and legal permission. For snorkeling, use a buddy, pay attention to shorebreak and boat traffic, and do not stand on coral. For freediving, no solo breath holds, hyperventilation or unsupported depth attempts. DAN recommends at least 12 hours after a single no-stop dive and 18 hours after multiple dives or days before flying; longer after decompression diving. Sources: Sri Lanka Sub Aqua Club | shipwreck inventory, Divers Alert Network | flying after diving.

Galle has conventional hospital care, but the research did not establish an operational local recompression chamber or a tested time-to-chamber pathway from these beaches. The Sri Lanka Navy confirmed on 1 October 2026 that its diving unit operates a recompression chamber at Trincomalee Naval Dockyard, outside this region. A distant chamber is not proof that an emergency transfer will be available or clinically appropriate at any hour. For suspected decompression illness, activate 1990 emergency medical services, supply oxygen if trained and equipped, obtain medical guidance, and coordinate through a dive-medical service and insurer. Never fly a symptomatic diver as a self-arranged transfer. Source: Sri Lanka Navy | hyperbaric facility report, 1 October 2026 and 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation | national ambulance service.

Hikkaduwa is a protected marine tourism setting listed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its coral reef has peer-reviewed evidence of bleaching and human impact; avoid contact, standing, sediment disturbance, coral collection, unapproved anchoring and chasing or feeding turtles. Respect marine park restrictions and locally specified swim or boat areas. Galle's historic shipwrecks include prior-approval archaeological sites; do not remove artifacts or penetrate structures. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard documents turtle conservation work in Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, but this does not authorize feeding, handling or hatchery tourism. Sources: Department of Wildlife Conservation | marine tourism, National Science Foundation Sri Lanka | Hikkaduwa reef research, Sri Lanka Coast Guard | turtle conservation and Sri Lanka Sub Aqua Club | shipwreck inventory.