Review diving in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka out of many years of conflict opened slowly to tourism and now welcomes travelers with open arms. Most of the tourists visiting Sri Lanka explore the ruins of temples, visit the fortress of Sigiriya and walk through tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. Located near the Maldives, the seabed of the Sri Lanka is not as famous is neighbour. But Sri Lanka has many healthy coral reefs sheltering a fabulous marine life. The government has taken steps to protect its heritage by creating marine sanctuaries. Sri Lanka also has the chance to count many shipwrecks to explore. This remote coutry has definitly many assets to attract new and experienced divers looking for an original diving trip.Fin out the 10 best dive spots in Sri Lanka.

Best time to go diving in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate alternates between monsoon and dry season. The best time to dive in the west and south runs from December to March. In the eastern part, the months of May to September are the best to take advantage of the dry season.

Scuba Diving condition

Visibility is not as good as in Maldives, you can expect from 15 to 30 metters visibility.

Currents is not too strong be becarefull while diving during full moon and black moon.

Level required: There are dive sites for everyone, from beginners to expert.

Water temperature doesn’t change that much all yearlong with 27 to 29°C.

What can I see while diving ?

Amazing wrecks dive

Some wrecks Sri Lanka are now famous worldwide, as the British Sergeant or GMS Hermes.

The British Sergeant wreck

This steam boat is probably the most known. Sunk in 1942 after an air raid of the Japanese army, the ship lies at 24 meters deep. Its 122 meters long allow numerous penetrations, divers can easily venture into the ship guts. The wreck is full of life, you’ll encounter trevallies, snappers, imposing schools of batfish, barracuda patrol and all the comon species of the Indian Ocean.

The GMS aircraft carrier Hermes

This dive site is for experienced or technical divers cause the GMS Hermes awaits at 50 meters deep. This vessel is considered as the first aircraft carrier in the world. As the British Sergeant, she was sunk by Japanese aircraft in April 1942. On that dive spot sometimes you will have the chance to observe eagle-rays and white tip skarks.

From Colombo, wrecks of the “Pécheur Breton” are accessible: T. Sierra, Chief Dragon and the Taprobane East. From Unawatuna the Tango wreck is also really interesseting.

A beautiful marine life

For diving holidays, Sri Lanka is a country that has much to offer.Knowed for its marine mammals, travelers can observe whales humpback, minke, sei, blue, sperm whales and dolphins during the high season from January to March. Large pelagic species such as whale sharks, Manta Rays and turtles also appreciate the warm and clear waters of Sri Lanka.