Beruwala, West Coast: November to May is the best time to dive off the shores of Beruwala. About half an hour away from the shore are two diving sites: Shark Point and Baracuda Rock. The currents can be strong here.

Bentota, West Coast: Best time to dive here is from November through May. A large dive site Canoe Rock with coral and exotic fish is found here.

Hikkaduwa, West Coast: November through May is the best time to dive here. Hikkaduwa is an interesting youthful coastal town and has about 20 dive sites within easy reach. There are also PADI dive centres where if one stays long enough you could get your license. A deep rocky formation called Deep Rock, Kiralagala, and the ship wreck Conch are interesting dives.

Unawatuna, South Coast: November through May is the best time to dive here. Diving in Unawatuna is excellent with diving sites consisting of rocky formations and black coral, many ship wrecks, and numerous varieties of fish.

Weligama, South Coast: December through April is the best time to dive here. Situated in the deep south, Weligama is excellent for snorkelling and diving with beautiful rock formations undersea and a variety of marine life. The dive sites include Mirissa Point, Bridge Rock, Yala Rock, and Prince Heinrich Patch. There is also a 40 km long reef known as the Basses starting 20 km south east of Kirinda and extending right below Kumana. With sandstone reefs, ravines, pillars, pinnacles, caves and crevices as well as ship wrecks – the Basses is considered the best diving site in Sri Lanka.

Negombo, Northwest Coast: Diving is best here from December to April. Diving sites are divided into two sections in Negombo – closer dive sites which are within about 8kms from the shore and the further site - also known as the `Third Reef’ which is about 22 kms from the shore. Numerous species of fish, marine turtles, Moray Eels, sting rays can be spotted.

Kalpitiya, Northwest Coast: February through April is the best time for diving off Kalpitiya. The Bar Reef with nooks and crevices surrounds Kalpitiya and is ideal for spotting Moray Eels, large Groupers, and Sting Rays.

Trincomalee, East Coast: April through October is the best time to dive here. There are several dive sites here including Swami Rock, Eel Rock, Sitanampara, Coffin Ray Point and Pigeon Rock to name a few. Numerous species of marine life including Sting Rays, Moray Eels can be spotted here. The Irrankandy ship wreck which is about 40 minutes off shore is surrounded by schools of exotic species of fish and worth exploring.

There are a myriad Dive Centres and Dive Operators dotted long Sri Lanka’s coastline. They vary in their professionalism and quality. Red Dot works with several in a variety of locations – speak to your consultant for info. A good website for those with a keen interest in diving is www.divesrilanka.com. If you are not using a Red Dot partner, make sure the operator is a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Sri Lanka Diving Adventures - Click Here
Provides information on marine life found in the waters of Sri Lanka, PADI instructors and training courses, snorkelling and dive sites, short video clips on scuba diving in Sri Lanka

Dive Sri Lanka - Click Here
Information on snorkelling and diving sites by region, ship wrecks, marine species.

Sri Lanka Sub-Aqua Club - Click Here
Information on dive training, upcoming activities

Eco Team - Click Here
A useful source of information on ship wrecks in Sri Lanka.