Diving and Snorkelling

What Awaits You When Diving in Sri Lanka

Marine Life
Sri Lanka’s surrounding waters are a treasure trove of diverse marine life, offering an experience that spans from the awe-inspiring to the delightfully minute. Divers can encounter vibrant reef fish, such as clownfish, sweetlips, batfish, and titan triggerfish, along with larger species like giant barracudas, humphead parrotfish, and humphead wrasse. Honeycomb moray eels and sea turtles also frequent the reefs. For those fascinated by smaller sea creatures, the dive sites are rich with macro life—nudibranchs, shrimp, crabs, mollusks, as well as both hard and soft corals, and sponges.

In deeper waters, the more fortunate divers may even spot blue whales, sperm whales, reef sharks, whale sharks, and playful dolphins, including both spotted and bottlenose varieties. Whether snorkeling or diving, the kaleidoscope of marine colors and activities guarantees a breathtaking underwater display.

Shipwrecks
With its strategic position along ancient maritime routes, Sri Lanka has been a significant hub for ships traversing the central Asian waters for centuries. Inevitably, this also means that many vessels have found their final resting place along the island’s rugged shores. Sri Lanka is unique in having a high density of shipwrecks compared to other South Asian destinations.

Of the hundreds of wrecks scattered around its coast, about 75 are accessible to divers. Many lie at depths between 30-40 meters, within the range of recreational diving, while wrecks beyond 40 meters require more advanced training to explore. Some of these sunken ships are still being discovered by local divers, and many are adorned with stunning corals, surrounded by fascinating marine life and macro critters. These wrecks offer a compelling glimpse into history, with artifacts like cannons and crockery lying preserved on the ocean floor.

Sri Lanka’s underwater world is not only diverse but also deeply steeped in mystery and wonder, making it a must-visit destination for both novice and seasoned divers alike.