Diving in Sri Lanka

Scuba diving in Sri Lanka is immensely rewarding off the northwest coast, south coast from Bentota right down to Yala and the east coast in Trincomalee. However, many reefs are offshore and you often need a boat and a guide to get to the best dive spots. Sri Lanka is also very popular for shipwreck diving. The monsoon weather patterns in Sri Lanka ensure that one half of the island’s coastal waters are always in season for diving, snorkeling, and swimming with good underwater visibility which ranges from about 50 to 100 feet. diving in Sri Lanka
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Diving Spots55

Beruwala, West Coast: November to May is the best time to dive off the shores of Beruwala. About half an hour away from the shore are two diving sites: Shark Point and Baracuda Rock. The currents can be strong here.

Bentota, West Coast: Best time to dive here is from November through May. A large dive site Canoe Rock with coral and exotic fish is found here.

Hikkaduwa, West Coast: November through May is the best time to dive here. Hikkaduwa is an interesting youthful coastal town and has about 20 dive sites within easy reach. There are also PADI dive centres where if one stays long enough you could get your license. A deep rocky formation called Deep Rock, Kiralagala, and the ship wreck Conch are interesting dives.

Unawatuna, South Coast: November through May is the best time to dive here. Diving in Unawatuna is excellent with diving sites consisting of rocky formations and black coral, many ship wrecks, and numerous varieties of fish.

Weligama, South Coast: December through April is the best time to dive here. Situated in the deep south, Weligama is excellent for snorkelling and diving with beautiful rock formations undersea and a variety of marine life. The dive sites include Mirissa Point, Bridge Rock, Yala Rock, and Prince Heinrich Patch. There is also a 40 km long reef known as the Basses starting 20 km south east of Kirinda and extending right below Kumana. With sandstone reefs, ravines, pillars, pinnacles, caves and crevices as well as ship wrecks – the Basses is considered the best diving site in Sri Lanka.

Negombo, Northwest Coast: Diving is best here from December to April. Diving sites are divided into two sections in Negombo – closer dive sites which are within about 8kms from the shore and the further site – also known as the `Third Reef’ which is about 22 kms from the shore. Numerous species of fish, marine turtles, Moray Eels, sting rays can be spotted.

Kalpitiya, Northwest Coast: February through April is the best time for diving off Kalpitiya. The Bar Reef with nooks and crevices surrounds Kalpitiya and is ideal for spotting Moray Eels, large Groupers, and Sting Rays.

Trincomalee, East Coast: April through October is the best time to dive here. There are several dive sites here including Swami Rock, Eel Rock, Sitanampara, Coffin Ray Point and Pigeon Rock to name a few. Numerous species of marine life including Sting Rays, Moray Eels can be spotted here. The Irrankandy ship wreck which is about 40 minutes off shore is surrounded by schools of exotic species of fish and worth exploring.

White Water Rafting

For those love action packed rafting adventure in Sri Lanka why not try an exciting rafting ride starting from Kitulgala along the Kelani River. The Kitulgala & Kelani River is popular as for 1957 blockbuster movie “Bridge on the River Kwai” in which the bridge was blown when the train was crossing the river was filmed in Kitulgala. This place is worthwhile for visiting and photographing as you pass the rapids of Kelani River. White Water Rafting

Take a tour of the surroundings the old fashioned way, climb aboard on a gentle giant and journey through the gardens of the hotel. A large wooden platform is secured atop the elephant; this platform could hold up to four passengers comfortably. As the elephant waddles through take in the view of Habarana and the surrounding wilderness. Be prepared to stoop down low to avoid collision with the tree branches that invade the path.

White water rafting in Kelani river dose not requires higher degree of rafting skills or swimming experience, even for the people who are experimenting it for the first time, families and small group’s can go for a thrilling ride down the Kelani River. This is because the rapids of Kelani River are graded as 2 and 3. Some of the rapids of the Kalani River are named with unique names such as Virgin’s Breast, Killer Falls, Butter Crunch and Head Chopper. Kitulgala is easily accessible both from Colombo and Kandy. It is possible to arrange a Rafting Excursion with transport or without transport depending on your requirement.

Your safety is our main concern that’s why we only use best quality boats and safety equipment (every rafter is given a life jacket and a helmet) which are up to international standards. And not only that our instructors are highly experienced local staff whom will guide you through out the tour. They will tell you what to do and what not to do. The instructors are experienced enough to handle the boat in extreme conditions.

 Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, despite being a small Island it is gifted with many wildlife attractions such as Big Games Parks, Rain Forests and Scenic Forests & Mountainous Reserves. Sri Lanka is popular for its large population of Leopards and Elephants. But there are many other species like Sloth Bears, Crocodiles, Different verities of Deers, Monkeys, and over 400 verities of Birds which over 200 are resident and 26 are endemic. Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Following are the most visited and most popular National parks and Protected Reserves in Sri Lanka.
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Yala National Park

Located in the southernmost part of Sri Lanka and it’s a 6 to 8 hours of drive from Colombo/Airport. Popular for its Leopards density. This is the most visited and most popular National Park in the country.
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Udawalawe National Park

Famous for its large Elephant population and the best and the easiest place to watch Elephants. It’s a 4 hours drive from Colombo/Airport.
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Wilpattu National Park

The largest National park of Sri Lanka and it was very popular for its Leopards population. But the Park was closed for nearly 20 years due to recently ended war. Now it is opened for the public. The Jungle is very beautiful and very wild. The thickness of the jungle makes it little difficult to spot the animals. It is located in the North-West province of Sri Lanka and its 4 to 5 hours of drive from Colombo/Airport.
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Sinharaja Rain Forest

UNESCO named a World Heritage site of the world. A natural rain forest and a very important bio diversity area. Though you cannot spot big mammals it is a beautiful place to see Flora, Reptiles, insects, birds and butterflies. To explore Sinharaja Rain Forest you must walk and cannot go by jeeps or any other vehicle.
Horton Plains National Park – A scenic plain in the Central highlands of Sri Lanka is another World Heritage site and undoubtedly one of the world’s best nature reserves. It was a home for large number Elephant population but they were killed during the colonial era. Horton Plains is the birth place of many rivers in Sri Lanka. Horton Plains can be accessed from Nuwara Eliya and Ohiya and its 6 hours drive from capitol Colombo/Airport.
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Wasgamuwa National Park

Located in the North Central province of Sri Lanka and its popular for its aggressive and large herds of Elephants. It is approximately 5 hours drive from Colombo/Airport. Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka
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Knuckles Mountain Range Nature Reserve

Located in the Central province of Sri Lanka is very scenic mountainous and plain like nature reserve. It’s a trekker’s paradise. There are many trekking and hiking possibilities. Knuckles mountain range is popular for its scenic landscapes and rural and authentic Sri Lankan villages. It is approximately 6 hours drive from Colombo/Airport.

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We operate Safari Jeep Tours, Hiking Trails and Tented Safari Camps inside the above National Parks and Nature Reserves. Safari Jeep Tours can be arranged from Half days to full days with guides, entrance fees, Jeeps and refreshments in Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu and Wasgamuwa while Horton Plains, Knuckles Mountains and Sinharaja Rain Forests are explored by walking with a guide. If you are interested in camping inside in any of these National Parks, we have a tested product which offers you an unforgettable camping experience in the heart of the wilderness. See the following links for further details on Camping,