If you are a scuba diving buff, then the beaches of Sri Lanka with its mesmerizing coastal topographies and warmer waters will hit just right. Locations such as Hikkaduwa, Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa are the key diving sites in this island nation, which lies adjacent to the Indian Ocean. Many forms of underwater flora gather from various helminthic layers underground, ready for that ultimate discovery.
Hikkaduwa is located on the south west of Sri Lanka, known for its vibrant coral reefs and excellent marine life. Diving here reveals everything from parrotfish and angelfish to turtles and small reef sharks. Inevitably, the waters in Hikkaduwa are easier and perfect for beginner diver, but there is a great amount of depth to some areas with more complex reef formations that experienced divers can easily get lost in.
On the eastern coast, Trincomalee is known for its aquatic bounty as well as exceptional underwater archaeological finds. Best known for the sunken ships of the World War II era, this is shipwreck country. These wrecks have since become artificial reefs, luring a rich abundance of fish species and making them some of the most intriguing points to explore for any advanced diver that has an interest in marine history and biodiversity. But the eastern coast has its charms; Batticaloa is another great diving spot, and it houses amazing shipwreck sites as well, including the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. A variety of larger marine life frequents this site, catering more to the experienced diver.
Scuba diving in Sri Lanka is a heady mix of exploring the unknown and feeling that deep, enveloping beauty around you. With colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks brimming with life, the waters around Sri Lanka beckon divers to dive into a world of color, history, and wonder making it one of the destinations for anyone who loves to explore underwater.
