Why your next underwater adventure should be in Sri Lanka’s vibrant south🐠🇱🇰
If you’re looking for the best place to go diving in Sri Lanka, look no further than Hikkaduwa. Located on the island’s south-west coast, Hikkaduwa offers some of the most accessible and exciting dive experiences around – think colourful coral gardens, historic shipwrecks, gentle sea turtles, and the occasional curious reef shark. 🦈
🌊 The warm Indian Ocean averages a toasty 28°C all year, with the prime diving season in Hikkaduwa running from November to April.
📅 Learn all about Hikkaduwa and the seasons HERE.
One of the best things? Diving in Hikkaduwa is affordable, with a range of professional PADI-certified dive centres to choose from. Safety and good vibes go hand in hand down here.
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned diver, or somewhere in between, Hikkaduwa has something to offer beneath the surface. Let’s dive in 👇
The best dive sites in Hikkaduwa:
The House Reef – Perfect for Beginners
If you’re just getting started with scuba, the house reef is a great place to begin. Located just off the main beach, it sits at a shallow 2 to 7 metres and is absolutely teeming with life. Expect to see coral gardens, darting tropical fish, and chilled-out turtles gliding by. 🐢
It’s also a fantastic spot for snorkelling, so if you’re not quite ready to strap on a tank, you won’t miss out on the magic.
🌈 More Dive Sites – For Certified Divers
With your PADI Open Water certification, the underwater world really opens up. You’ll be able to dive to depths of 18 metres, giving you access to a wider variety of dive sites.
While Sri Lanka might not be quite as technicolour as the reefs of Thailand or Egypt, it still offers plenty of marine life and thriving coral ecosystems. Swim alongside schools of bright reef fish, moray eels, and if you’re lucky, spot a barracuda, a reef shark, or even the elusive whale shark (yes, really!).
For more advanced divers, check out:
- Black Coral Point – a deep dive at 28 metres
- Kiralagala – an exciting site reaching 35 metres
Both offer excellent visibility and are favourites among local dive professionals.
⚓ Wreck Diving in Hikkaduwa
Fancy a little history with your bubbles? Hikkaduwa is home to several fascinating shipwrecks, many just a short boat ride from shore.
One of the highlights is the SS Conch, a British oil tanker resting at 21 metres.
Nearby, the Earl of Shaftesbury, a 19th-century sailing ship, lies peacefully on the sandy seabed at 14 metres.
These wrecks are now thriving artificial reefs, attracting schools of fish and curious sea creatures. It’s no wonder wreck diving in Hikkaduwa is so popular!
Do you want to go diving in Hikkaduwa?
If you book a round tour with us, we can include tips for best diving experience in there. Merete, the owner of the hotel is an experienced scuba diver herself, and can give you her best recommendations on where, when and with who.
Plan your diving after arriving in Hikkaduwa:
You don’t necessarily need to book your dives in advance. Once you arrive in Hikkaduwa, you can simply visit a few dive centres in person, have a chat with the staff, and get a feel for the vibe. After all, finding the right dive centre is a bit like choosing your dive buddy – you want someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and who knows what they’re doing! 😊
3 tips to help you choose the best dive centre:
Inspect the equipment and facilities 🛠️
Take a look at the gear – is it clean, well-maintained, and stored properly? A professional centre will be happy to show you around and answer any questions without hesitation.
Check their credentials 🧾
Make sure the centre is certified by a recognised organisation like PADI or SSI. A reputable centre will display their certifications clearly and follow international safety standards.
Ask about group sizes and instructors 🤿
Smaller groups usually mean more personal attention, which is especially important if you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills. Ask how many divers per guide and whether the instructors speak your language.
Here are a few more photo collages, taken by Merete while diving in Hikkaduwa:
Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa:
No dive certification? No problem! You can still enjoy an unforgettable underwater adventure just 20 meters off the beach in Hikkaduwa.
The crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful marine life make it a perfect spot for snorkelers of all levels:
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Diving in Hikkaduwa?
With its warm waters, vibrant marine life, and relaxed tropical vibe, diving in Hikkaduwa is a must-do for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. Whether you’re here for your first dive or your fiftieth, you’ll leave with incredible memories (and probably a few turtle selfies 📸🐢).
So pack your fins, bring your sense of adventure, and come discover what lies beneath the waves in Hikkaduwa!
