Travelco Leisure

Snorkeling in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a nation rich in wildlife, beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches and marine life. Blessed by nature with a unique beauty that would want you to explore, experience and learn more of its wonders. If you are exploring, snorkeling should be in your to do lists in Sri Lanka. Take the chance to explore the beautiful Indian ocean filled with amazing creatures of the sea and its beauty under water are breathtaking to all who set eyes upon them. Even if you are new to snorkeling there are amazing trainers and guides who will show you how to do it and you will have your own little adventure in no time.  Why not take the chance to explore beyond the lands and look for what the treasures the sea holds beneath the waters? This guide will give you the reason as to why you must give snorkeling a try.

Best five Snorkeling spots in Sri Lanka

Pasikudah

Pasikuda is a town located in the district of Batticaloa. This town is famous for its deep blue oceans and beautiful sandy beaches. This is one of the best places to explore for an adventurous soul seeking to explore underwater. The bay of Pasikuda is a great place for snorkeling because it has the most extensive area of shallow water on the island. Not only are the beaches shallow in Pasikuda the waters are crystal clear making it an excellent place for Snorkeling.

You will be able to witness the rich marine life such as the beautiful coral reefs, fishes of different shapes, sizes and colors, turtles and many more. There are surf shops in the surroundings where you can find the necessary equipment.  Plunge into the waters and be amazed as you discover your own world, get lost in a place where you have never seen or experienced before.

Mirissa

Mirissa is a place famous for its exotic beaches where many travelers go whale and dolphin watching and also it is famous for its fun filled nightlife at the beaches. Snorkeling in Mirissa would take you a few hours but it will be an experience well worth it. You will have the opportunity to gaze upon different types of fish including the enormous blue whale if you are lucky. Vibrant corals and turtles also make it an exciting experience. Best part of it all is you don’t have to worry about learning to swim or need any experience, snorkeling could be done by beginners as well.

Hikkaduwa 

The town of Hikkaduwa is situated just 98 km from Colombo. Beaches here are known to be stunning, a perfect place to enjoy life. Hikkaduwa is considered one of the finest places for Snorkeling due to its shallow and calm beaches. You will undoubtedly enjoy the best snorkeling excursion of your life thanks to the amazing coral reefs and aquatic life.

Bentota

Bentota is also a well known place for snorkeling, It is located about 62 km from the capital city Colombo. The beach here is loved and enjoyed by both the tourists and locals. This town is filled with lush greenery of nature and beautiful landscapes. Snorkeling in this beautiful place will not only reveal the aquatic animals but also the shipwrecks beneath. This would make your snorkeling adventure more thrilling and exciting,

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island is located in the Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee. You can reach the island through a boat from Nilaveli beach. Not only will you be able to see breathtaking coral reefs, turtles and marine life, you will also be able to spot a variety of sharks. The Blacktip Reef Shark is known to visit this island and being able to watch them at close proximity would be an experience of a lifetime. The island is also famous for its varieties of coral reefs with 200 different kinds of fish that have made their home here.

Best Snorkeling Season in Sri Lanka

The waters of the Indian Ocean are fantastic for diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling is most enjoyable in Sri Lanka from November to April. This only applies to Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts. The optimum months to go snorkeling  are between April and September  if you’re interested in visiting the country’s east coast,

Snorkeling Cost in Sri Lanka

The prices for Snorkeling in Sri Lanka ranges from $50 to 200$. Cost of snorkeling in Sri Lanka is low when compared to other snorkeling places in the world. The charges include the necessary gears and essentials along with a guide to help you out. Training is done in a simple manner where you wouldn’t require much experience to learn.  Snorkeling would take you about three to four hours; you can extend the time if needed. Sri Lanka offers you the best Snorkeling experience of your lifetime at an affordable cost. If you are planning a visit make sure you get the best out of it.

Snorkeling  Tips

  • Make sure you choose your spot well. Since the marine life has been well maintained by the government you can choose the best spot you prefer even if you see many people choose to snorkel at a particular destination.
  • If you are a beginner in Snorkeling make sure you have an experienced trainer or guide to help you learn.
  • It is always best to practice in a shallow area before you attempt to dive deep under the ocean,
  • Make sure you rent out the equipment earlier and learn how to use them before actually diving into the water.
  • Also bring other essentials for the heat such as water and sunscreen.

Take the chance and enjoy the undisturbed sea life of Sri Lanka and feast your eyes on what the beautiful ocean has to offer you. Explore underwater and uncover the secrets they hold. From different varieties of fish corals and turtles to shipwrecks. Experience gained from exploring the land is nothing compared to finding what the underwater world holds. All you need to do is take a boat ride to the reef, grab your snorkeling gear and jump in!