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Scuba diving in Colombo is a mesmerising experience that unveils the beauty of Sri Lanka’s underwater world. With its rich marine biodiversity, stunning coral reefs, and intriguing shipwrecks, Colombo and its surrounding regions offer some of the best dive sites in the country. The diving conditions vary from shallow reefs to deep-sea wreck dives, catering to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first dive or an experienced diver eager to explore hidden underwater treasures, Colombo’s dive sites promise an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.
Top 10 Places For Scuba Diving In Colombo
These Top 10 Places for Scuba diving in Colombo combine history, modernisation, and scenic beauty in tropical getaway.
1. Second And Third Reef, Negombo
Photo: Alex P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located near Negombo, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach resorts, the Second and Third Reefs are known for their diverse underwater topography. These reefs feature rocky outcrops, vibrant coral formations, and sandy patches, making them a haven for marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of barracuda, trevally, snapper, and even occasional sightings of turtles and rays. With depths ranging from 6 to 18 meters (20 to 60 feet), these reefs cater to both beginner and advanced divers. The water clarity here allows for excellent photography opportunities, making it a must-visit site.
Location: Just off the coast of Negombo
2. Cargo Wreck
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The Cargo Wreck, located off the coast of Unawatuna, is one of the most intriguing dive sites in Sri Lanka. This sunken cargo ship, believed to have gone down in the 1940s, has since become a thriving artificial reef. Divers can explore the ship’s remnants, now encrusted with soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. The wreck is home to an abundance of marine species, including snappers, groupers, barracuda, and even the occasional reef shark.
Location: Off the coast of Unawatuna
3. Gorgonian Gardens
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Gorgonian Gardens is a stunning dive site situated approximately 25 kilometers (15.53 miles) north of Colombo. This site is renowned for its breathtaking coral formations, particularly the striking gorgonian sea fans that sway with the ocean currents. The depth ranges from 18 to 30 meters (60 to 100 feet), making it a fantastic location for advanced divers looking to explore deeper waters. Apart from the coral formations, this site is teeming with reef fish, lionfish, moray eels, and a variety of nudibranchs.
Location: About 25 km (about 15.53 mi) north of Colombo
4. Great Basses Reef
Photo: Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the Great Basses Reef is one of the most thrilling dive locations in the country. Accessible only by boat, this remote site offers an exhilarating dive experience. The reef is known for its abundance of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and vast schools of colorful fish. The visibility in the waters here is exceptional, often ranging between 15 and 30 meters (50 and 100 feet), providing a crystal-clear view of the reef and its inhabitants.
Location: Off the southern coast of Sri Lanka
5. Weligama
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Weligama, often referred to as the ‘Sandy Village,’ is a diver’s paradise with unique underwater features. This site is home to the impressive Yala Rocks, which rise up to 15 meters from the seabed. These formations provide excellent hiding spots for various species of fish, including groupers, moray eels, and clownfish. Additionally, Weligama is one of the few locations in Sri Lanka where divers have the chance to encounter blue whales and dolphins.
Location: Matara District, Southern Province, about 30 km east of Galle
6. Barracuda Reef
Photo: Jesse van Vliet / Unsplash/ Image For Representation Only
Barracuda Reef is an excellent dive site near Mount Lavinia, close to Colombo. This reef is famous for its exotic marine species, including lionfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. It is also one of the best places to spot reef sharks in Sri Lanka. Divers can often see sea turtles gracefully swimming alongside them. The reef’s shallow and moderate depths make it suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
Location: Off the coast of Mount Lavinia near Colombo
7. Kalpitiya
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Kalpitiya is one of Sri Lanka’s top destinations for scuba diving, offering a spectacular underwater world with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species. It is home to the Bar Reef, the largest reef in Sri Lanka, stretching over 3 nautical miles and hosting an extensive variety of fish and coral formations. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it an ideal spot for both snorkeling and diving. Diving in Kalpitiya is unique due to the abundance of dolphins and whales in the region.
Location: Puttalam District, North Western Province of Sri Lanka
Depth: 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet)
Marine Life: Spinner dolphins, angelfish, clownfish, groupers, parrotfish
8. Mirissa
Photo: Conner Baker / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While Mirissa is mainly known for its spectacular whale-watching tours, it has recently gained popularity as a fantastic scuba diving destination. This coastal town boasts five prime dive sites, each offering a unique underwater experience. The area is known for its gentle waters, making it a perfect spot for first-time divers looking for a relaxed and immersive experience. The marine biodiversity in Mirissa is impressive, with sightings of turtles, reef sharks, and large schools of tropical fish.
Location: Southeast coast of Sri Lanka
Depth: 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet)
Marine Life: Reef sharks, turtles, clownfish, butterflyfish, eels
9. Passikudah
Photo: NEOM / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Passikudah is a renowned diving site on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, famous for its historical shipwrecks and colorful coral gardens. The British Sergeant wreck, a British naval ship that sank during World War II, is the main attraction here, drawing divers interested in exploring its structure and the marine life that has made it their home. The calm, shallow waters make it an excellent site for beginners, while deeper areas offer challenges for advanced divers.
Location: Batticaloa, Eastern Province
Depth: 12 to 30 meters (40 to 98 feet)
Marine Life: Snappers, angelfish, groupers, moray eels, octopuses
10. Unawatuna
Photo: Ruchira159 / Wikimedia Commons
Unawatuna is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous beach towns and offers excellent scuba diving opportunities with over ten diverse dive sites. Some of the most notable spots include the Ralagala Wreck, Goda Gala Diyamba, and the Galle Shipwreck, each offering a unique diving experience. Unawatuna’s dive sites are known for their vibrant coral formations and a wide range of marine species, making them a favorite among underwater photographers.
Location: Unawatuna Beach, Southern Province
Depth: 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet)
Marine Life: Reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, clownfish, parrotfish
Scuba diving in Colombo offers an unforgettable experience for all levels of divers. Whether you are looking for shipwrecks, coral reefs, or encounters with marine giants, Sri Lanka’s coastline has it all. With numerous dive schools and guided tours, you can explore the best sites safely and comfortably. Book your dive with TripXL today and uncover the hidden wonders beneath Colombo’s waters!
Cover Photo: Richard Segal /Pexels / Image For Representation Only
