Under Water
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Under Water
Under Water
Sri Lanka is a paradise for underwater activities, thanks to its warm waters, rich marine biodiversity, and stunning coral reefs. Here’s a list of top underwater activities you can enjoy around the island:
Scuba Diving
Sri Lanka offers fantastic scuba diving sites for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Hikkaduwa – Known for coral gardens and a variety of marine life.
- Unawatuna – Dive sites with shipwrecks and reef formations.
- Trincomalee (Nilaveli & Uppuveli) – Best from May to October, with excellent visibility and vibrant coral reefs.
- Kalpitiya – Off the beaten path with untouched diving spots.
- Batticaloa – Famous for the HMS Hermes, a World War II aircraft carrier wreck.
Snorkeling
Perfect for non-divers who still want to enjoy the underwater world.
- Pigeon Island (Nilaveli, Trincomalee) – A marine national park with crystal-clear water and coral reefs.
- Hikkaduwa – Shallow waters and accessible reefs.
- Mirissa – Coral patches and good marine life near the shore.
Turtle Watching & Swimming
- Rekawa (Tangalle) and Kosgoda – Famous turtle conservation areas.
- Hikkaduwa – You can swim with sea turtles close to the shore.
Swimming in the sea
Swimming in the sea around Sri Lanka is a wonderful experience — warm waters, scenic beaches, and plenty of calm spots if you know where (and when) to go. ? Here’s a quick guide to where and when it’s safe and best to swim:
Best Places for Swimming by SeasonSouth & West Coast (November to April)
These beaches are ideal during the dry season.
- Unawatuna – Calm, protected bay; perfect for swimming.
- Mirissa – Beautiful crescent-shaped beach; good for swimming closer to shore.
- Hikkaduwa – Shallow reefs break the waves, making it safe.
- Bentota – Long sandy beach and calm waters, great for families.
- Weligama – Ideal for beginner surfers and swimmers.
Scuba Diving
Sri Lanka offers fantastic scuba diving sites for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Hikkaduwa – Known for coral gardens and a variety of marine life.
- Unawatuna – Dive sites with shipwrecks and reef formations.
- Trincomalee (Nilaveli & Uppuveli) – Best from May to October, with excellent visibility and vibrant coral reefs.
- Kalpitiya – Off the beaten path with untouched diving spots.
- Batticaloa – Famous for the HMS Hermes, a World War II aircraft carrier wreck.
Snorkeling
Perfect for non-divers who still want to enjoy the underwater world.
- Pigeon Island (Nilaveli, Trincomalee) – A marine national park with crystal-clear water and coral reefs.
- Hikkaduwa – Shallow waters and accessible reefs.
- Mirissa – Coral patches and good marine life near the shore.
Turtle Watching & Swimming
- Rekawa (Tangalle) and Kosgoda – Famous turtle conservation areas.
- Hikkaduwa – You can swim with sea turtles close to the shore.
Swimming in the sea
Swimming in the sea around Sri Lanka is a wonderful experience — warm waters, scenic beaches, and plenty of calm spots if you know where (and when) to go. ? Here’s a quick guide to where and when it’s safe and best to swim:
Best Places for Swimming by SeasonSouth & West Coast (November to April)
These beaches are ideal during the dry season.
- Unawatuna – Calm, protected bay; perfect for swimming.
- Mirissa – Beautiful crescent-shaped beach; good for swimming closer to shore.
- Hikkaduwa – Shallow reefs break the waves, making it safe.
- Bentota – Long sandy beach and calm waters, great for families.
- Weligama – Ideal for beginner surfers and swimmers.