Indian Ocean · Sri Lanka

DIVE
SRI LANKA.

An island with two diving seasons, reefs, rocky habitats and a remarkable collection of shipwrecks. Start here to understand where — and when — to dive Sri Lanka.

The essential idea

Two coasts.
Two seasons.

Sri Lanka's monsoon pattern shifts the main diving season around the island.

The west and south are generally at their best from roughly November to April, while the east coast becomes the main focus through much of the opposite season.

West & South

Colombo → Hikkaduwa → Unawatuna

Generally November–April

Wrecks, reefs, rocky sites and macro life.

East

Trincomalee → Batticaloa

Generally March–October

Reefs, rock formations, marine life and significant wreck diving.

Where to dive

Main diving regions.

West Coast

Colombo

Wreck diving is the defining feature, with reefs and marine life adding variety.

Roughly November–April
Southwest

Hikkaduwa

Reefs, rocky sites and wrecks in one of Sri Lanka's established diving areas.

Roughly November–April
South

Unawatuna & Galle

A mix of reefs, rock formations and wreck diving along the southern coastline.

Roughly November–April
East Coast

Trincomalee & Nilaveli

Seasonal access to reefs, rock formations and diverse marine life.

Roughly March–October
East Coast

Batticaloa

Known for deeper wrecks, including HMS Hermes, alongside other east-coast sites.

Roughly March–October
Underwater

More than one kind of diving.

01

Wrecks

Recreational and technical wreck diving.

02

Reefs

Coral reefs and rocky formations.

03

Macro

Small marine life for divers who look closely.

04

Marine Life

Encounters vary by habitat and season.

Explore

Dive Sites

Browse sites and wrecks by region.

Explore sites →
Plan

Dive Centres

Find local operators around Sri Lanka.

Find a centre →