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Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka is an exciting experience along the waves with swarming marine life. The spectacular landscapes mixed with colourful coral reefs and shoals of tropical fish welcome you as you step into the crystal-clear water. Renowned dive centres such as Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee showcase vibrant marine life, revealing a glimpse of maritime history on the island. With its pleasantly warm, calm, and clear waters, Sri Lanka is ideal for both beginners and experienced scuba divers. This Indian Ocean paradise offers an unforgettable underwater experience, leaving visitors with cherished memories.
Factors Affecting Scuba Diving In Sri Lanka
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When planning for scuba diving in Sri Lanka, these below-mentioned factors can influence your experience.
- Health Conditions
- Finning Techniques
- Water Conditions
- Aquatic Life
- Safety Precautions
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Levels Of Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka
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Discover Scuba Diving: This is simply for an introductory experience regarding scuba diving under the very close supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) instructor. No prior experience is required. This procedure shall be followed by a short briefing, after which you are free to go down to 12 metres deep.
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Open Water Diver: This is the first level of certification for recreational scuba diving: some classroom sessions, confined water training, and four open water dives. At the end of the course, you can dive up to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet).
Duration: 2-3 days
Advanced Open Water Diver: Upon completing this course, one can try different diving styles, such as deep diving, underwater navigation, night diving, and many more. This course includes five adventure dives up to a maximum depth of 30 metres (100 feet).
Duration: 1-2 days
Rescue Diver: The course teaches you how to prevent and manage problems for yourself and others. Dive rescue techniques — emergency management, first aid.
Duration: 2 days
Divemaster: This professional-level rating aims to train you as a dive leader so that you can supervise dive activities and assist instructors with diver training. Extensive training is provided in dive theory, skills, and the environment. You must be at least 18 years old and have 40 dives logged. You can also get scuba diving certification in Sri Lanka.
Duration: About 4 – 6 weeks
Popular Spots For Scuba Diving In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has many places that allow tourists to have a fantastic scuba diving experience. Here are a few places to do Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka.
1. Kirinda
Photo: Medika92 / Wikimedia Commons
Kirinda provides an excellent diving experience with its living coral reefs and plentiful marine life. Divers may see interesting underwater rock formations with colourful fish, rays, and sometimes even whale sharks. The clear waters allow for good visibility and are one of the best places for underwater photography. The site also includes historical shipwrecks, which give it an air of mystery and discovery. Such serene and not-so-crowded surroundings make the charm suitable for diving. Kirinda has everything a diver would want, adventure and peace in a pristine natural environment.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
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2. Passikudah
Photo: Knthabrew / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its peaceful, shallow waters and beautiful coral reefs, Passikudah is suitable for beginners and advanced divers. This bay is transparent, and it is easy to get a full view of all the colourful corals with a wide variety of marine species, like reef fish and turtles. The gradient of the seabed is very gentle, making the dive very easy to navigate and providing a relaxed environment for an enjoyable experience. The quiet underwater environment in Passikudah ensures a memorable and peaceful dive.
Minimum Depth Level: 3 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 18 metres
3. Trincomalee
Photo: Sajeevan Balachandran / Unsplash
Trincomalee is a paradise for divers, with some of the finest diving spots in Sri Lanka. Underwater at Trincomalee lives many vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life, including fish schools, sea turtles, and reef sharks. These clear, warm waters provide excellent visibility for exploration and underwater photography. Its dive sites offer a variety of experiences for beginner and experienced divers. The historical surroundings combine with its natural beauty to enrich every dive.
Minimum Depth Level: 6 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
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4. Unawatuna
Photo: Marius Dobilas / Shutterstock
Unawatuna is one of the more famous places, with its beautiful coral gardens and different marine life. Tourists can see dives on colourful reefs, become acquainted with schools of tropical fish, and see some larger species like barracudas and reef sharks. The bay’s calm and clear waters make it an excellent location for both beginners and advanced divers. The vibrant underwater scenery and the laid-back feel will create a delightful and unforgettable diving experience at Unawatuna.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 25 metres
5. Barracuda Reef
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One of the unique features of Sri Lanka is the Barracuda Reef, which is a must-visit site for diving enthusiasts because of its stunning biodiversity under its waters. The reef hosts a wide variety of colourful corals and large schools of fish, including barracudas, as its name suggests. Other marine creatures like moray eels, rays, and many more populate this reef. Its dynamic underwater landscape and visibility make this site exciting and pleasing for a dive.
Minimum Depth Level: 6 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
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Best Time For Scuba Diving In Sri Lanka
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The best time for scuba diving varies from place to place. The southwest and the southern coastal areas, including Unawatuna and famous Hikkaduwa beaches, can be best visited between November and April, with relatively straightforward underwater views. On the other hand, the East Coast, especially Trincomalee and Passikudah, is better visited between May and October.
Price Of Scuba Diving In Sri Lanka
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The price of scuba diving in Sri Lanka varies from place to place. However, Scuba Diving costs are reasonable, with LKR 14,000 (₹3890) to LKR 28,000 (₹7781.2) for the initial or beginner-level diving. The range continues to vary based on preference and place.
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The beaches of Sri Lanka offer the best scenic views and a blend of exhilarating activities such as Scuba Diving. Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka offers a time filled with venture, beauty, and adrenaline highs. Visitors can see the beauty of the sea up close underwater, taking in the marine reefs. Book your opportunity to experience Sri Lanka Scuba Diving with TripXL now and discover the shimmering blue sea.
Cover Photo: NEOM / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
