Snorkeling

Best time and popular spots

November to April

• West coast

Kalpitiya: for Coral Reef

Kalpitiya has the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka. Even though the beach is not crowded, there are some wonderful shallow snorkeling and scuba diving spots just offshore.

Colombo City: for Shipwrecks

Colombo is one of Sri Lanka’s top snorkeling destinations, with stunning vistas of shipwrecks. When it comes to snorkeling here, it is highly recommended that you take a guide with you.

Negombo: for Clown Fish and Sea Anemones

Negombo is located 60 minutes north of Colombo, provides access to colorful inshore reefs filled with fish, as well as the offshore reefs of Final Frontier. The reef is popular among Clownfish and Sea Anemones.

• South Coast

Mirissa: for Blue Whales, Dolphins and Turtles

Mirissa has evolved into Sri Lanka’s premier whale-watching location. It is a fantastic snorkeling spot due to the numerous locations with crystal clear water. You can even get a chance to swim with whales and turtles.

Koggala: for Turtles and Calm Water

The pristine, calm, and clear water of Koggala Beach makes it one of the top snorkeling spots in Sri Lanka, providing a sight of magnificent marine life. The coral gardens, sea turtles, and colorful fish make for a spectacular underwater sight.

Weligama: for Reefs and Sharks

Weligama is a snorkeling paradise with turquoise-colored water and shallow reefs that are home to a plethora of marine life.

Unawatuna: for Rare Marine Life

With its numerous shallow areas, Unawatuna Bay is not only a world-famous beach on land, but it also provides an excellent underwater experience. A little shipwreck, together with some rocks and corals, provides a fantastic snorkeling experience.

Kirinda: for Shipwrecks

Kirinda Beach is primarily renowned for the offshore Great Basses Reef and Little Basses Reef, which are home to a plethora of fish. Kirinda does not have any diving centers.

• Southwest coast

Hikkaduwa: for Flora and Fauna

Hikkaduwa is home to one of the three marine national parks, and snorkeling there is an unforgettable experience. The awe-inspiring limestone coral reef that runs along to the coast is teeming with tropical species.

Bentota: for Colorful Corals

Bentota is a unique snorkeling location with excellent visibility.

Snorkeling in shallow seas off the coast of Bentota provides an incredible opportunity to see sea life such as shoals of tiny fish, jackfish, angelfish, big parrotfish, stunning anemones, and corals.

Polhena: for Green Turtles

Because Polhena reef is a shallow fringe reef, there is no need to take a boat to snorkel. This is the greatest spot in Sri Lanka to go snorkeling, swim with green turtles, and observe their natural habitats.

May to October

• East coast

Pasikudah: Reef and Shipwreck

Witness the mystical allure of Pasikuda’s stunning underwater environment, which is endowed with a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. Snorkeling excursions will allow you to see schools of tropical fish, dolphins, reef sharks, whales, and manta rays. Both beginner and experienced snorkelers can spend many enthralling hours admiring the splendor of the aquatic life here.

Nilaveli: Flora and Fauna

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear water of Nilaveli and seeing the vibrant coral reefs, coral fish, Black Tip Reef Sharks, and turtles is a memorable experience.

Trincomalee: for Colorful Aquatic Fauna

Trincomalee’s underwater habitat is teeming with vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and magnificent corals. The unspoiled and uncrowded beach with white sand and clear water is ideal for relaxing after snorkeling.

Pigeon Island: Reef Sharks and Turtles

Pigeon Island is a marine sanctuary off the coast of Nilaveli with lovely blue waters. The coral reef is frequently visited by Blacktip Reef Sharks and turtle species such as Oliver Ridley, Hawksbill, and Green Turtles