Sri Lanka being a tropical island, its glorious land that is being decorated by the golden rays of the sun year around has become one of the eye-catching tourism destinations in the South Asian region. Being an island that is entirely nourished by the tranquil Indian Ocean, water sports like scuba diving and Snorkeling in Sri Lanka offer incredible experiences. The immense water resources, magnificently multi-colored coral reefs, greater diversity of marine creatures, interesting ship wrecks along the coastal lines and importantly the equatorial climate and perfect ocean currents make Sri Lanka as one of world class diving and Snorkeling destinations in the world.
The country’s splendid Snorkeling and diving sites could be categorized by the regions such as Western and Eastern coasts where some of the Southern spots can be included under the Eastern category.
The Eastern coastal region, which is comparatively calmer than the Western coast includes prominent hotspots such as Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pigeon Island and Marble Beach which are home for pure white coral reefs and secluded swimming and Snorkeling experiences. Arugam Bay is another hotspot that is famous for its bay and beaches. The bay is one of world class Snorkeling spots in world that is ideal for beginners. The die-heart scuba divers can engage in a small distanced boat ride away from the bay to experience the deeper coral and marine life. Tangalle and Hambantota are Southeast spots adjoining the Yala National Park coastlines.
In contrast the slightly rougher water in the Western Snorkeling and scuba diving sites in Sri Lanka include Hikkaduwa to Unawatuna towards the down South part of the country. Snorkeling and scuba diving here are facilitated and assisted well. The crystal clear lagoons along the Western coats of Negombo to Kalpitiya are located very closer to the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka, the Bar reef. This part of the country consists of very peculiar marine life including turtles, manta rays, sharks and a splendid spectrum of coral banks.
Though the climate and the weather in Sri Lanka are perfect for peaceful Snorkeling and diving in Sri Lanka, due to the monsoon seasons prevailing in the east and west parts of the country, it is advisable that diving and Snorkeling in the Western coast is best from November to April where as April to September is the best period to enjoy diving and Snorkeling in the Eastern coast.
The highlight of Sri Lankan Snorkeling and scuba diving is, the value addition provided by the water sports operators and the respective tourist’s hotels and resorts. These underwater activities are guided and conducted by well experienced and professional trainers who are UDI and PADI instructors. This will definitely ensure the safest enjoyment of the tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Also any sort of equipment required for the excursions could be adequately rented out. Moreover the specialized water sports resorts and hotels in Sri Lanka’s coastline offer these water sports as a package where the hotel itself takes the tourists to the exact place in the ocean while providing security, accommodation, transport and food.