Dive Sites in Sri Lanka

By: Grace Tham

One of the locations that we will be visiting when we are in Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is one of the most popular beach spots located on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Many tourists from all over the world, visit Hikaduwa as their first destination as Hikkaduwa is located very near to Colombo International Airport. During the month of March to October, Hikkaduwa suffers from the monsoon season and during these times, many shops are closed for the season. Being one of the most famous beach spots, Hikkaduwa is famous for two water sports. First is surfing as during the non monsoon season, surfers can surf waves up to 3 - 4 feet high, while the second water sport is of course non other than scuba diving!

Scuba diving in Sri Lanka has existed for more than 20 years. Although scuba diving in Sri Lanka is not as famous as Maldives but Sri Lanka definitely has some killer spots that wreck divers, coral reef divers, cave divers or even micro divers would love to visit. Diving in Sri Lanka is very well known for their wreck dive. Being located in the Indian Ocean, it is no surprised that this route was traveled by many ships for trading or even battleships. According to the Poseidon Dive Station, a PADI five star dive center; there are about 10 shipwreck dive stop. Below are the dive locations, depth and some information about those sites;

As for reef & rock formations dives, there are about 10 dive sites but here I would only like to highlight the interesting dive sites available in the west coast. Cave, approximate 8 - 16 meters, in this dive, divers can enjoy diving in a small but beautiful cave near to Wallduwa. It is a great place for turtle, nudibranches and also other soft corals discovery. As for deep dive lovers, divers can opt for sites such as Black Coral Point; 16 - 30 meters, Kirala Gala 21 - 38 meters and Pathapara 32 - 36 meters. In these sites, divers can enjoy viewing groups of trigger fish, barracudas, spotted eagle ray and soft corals.

The dive center in Sri Lanka usually charges divers in Euro. It is no surprise if European market is their main target clients as the diving expedition is not only interesting but it is also nearer to their home countries compared to countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. With the versatility available in the west coast of Sri Lanka, it has definitely helped to boost their eco-tourism economy in the country.

Being a Batch 3 Travel & Recreation student from Taylor's University and also a diver, I am lucky and fortunate to be given this opportunity to explore the beautiful marine life in the Indian Ocean. Can't wait to dive in Sri Lanka! :)