With Maldives located just a stone’s throw away, most oversee Sri Lanka as a diving and snorkelling zone. Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean has a number of reefs along its coast line providing magnificent diving and snorkelling experience offering colourful coral reefs, multitudes of jewelled tropical fish and mysterious ship wrecks. There are an identified 200 species of coral and more than 500 species of fish from three species of Angel fish and thirty five species of Butterfly fish to larger fish as Jacks, Parrotfish and groupers. While the sea is governed by the monsoons, the waters in the west coast in calmest from November to April while in the east it is ideal for diving between April and September.
While the coast is fringed by a number of small reefs, four areas have been declared coral reef protected areas and offer a spectacular experience of a submerged kingdom. Hikkaduwa, being the oldest is famous among locals as well as tourists for its extensive coral reef and colourful species of marine life. There is an old diving school in the town from which beginners can learn and obtain their own diving license. Few kilometres offshore from Kalpitiya is Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef, ‘Bar reef’ and usually untouched by tourists. Its splendid beauty and peaceful environment is ideal for fish photography as there are a large collection of fish in this undisturbed location, and even an occasional glimpse of a reef shark, manta rays or even a turtle.
Pigeon Islands in Trincomalee is the only preserved coral sanctuary in the east coast of Sri Lanka but offers a splendid diving and snorkelling experience. Creating the illusion of a rose garden under water are corals the size of a car tire! Put on a mask and swim among these colourful beauties accompanied by the hundreds of fish that call the reef their home. The shallow beaches that stretch on for miles make is a safe location for snorkelling even for children. Being a famous port since ancient times, there are also a number of ship wrecks to explore, including a British Air Craft Carrier, Herms from the Second World War. Rumassala Marine Sanctuary within the Galle Bay is the fourth sanctuary and perfect for snorkelling. The famous Arthur C Clarke put Kirinda on the map with his book ‘Treasures of the reef’. The Great and Little Base reefs in Kirinda offer spectacular diving sights as well as the beaches of Waligama.
Sri Lanka travel is a spectacular experience. The Island offers a variety of attractions to suite ones need whether it be a cultural or heritage location, white water rafting or a swim among the whales. There are a number of Sri Lanka tours packages available and Jetwing Travels is ready to tailor make one to suite your needs.