Best Dive Sites in Sri Lanka: Drive around the Coast

This reef which is just 14 metres in depth is ideal for beginners. Located around the beautiful environs of Vakarai on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka the reef and its surroundings are calm and inviting. Look forward to spotting a variety of sea anemones, colourful reef fish and various hued coral. Look forward to running into bulky looking Rock Cod, colourful Bengali Red Snappers and silver toned Trevally. The Eastern Coast is still mostly unspoilt and much less crowded; hence this location is ideal for swimming and diving undisturbed; especially for those of you getting to grips with the art of diving. Consider May to October for the best diving experience in this region.

Another reason for driving down to the gorgeous Eastern coast of Sri Lanka is the treat of diving around the Old British Royal Navy ship wreck. One of the tankers sunk during the 1942 Japanese bombings that took place off the coasts of Sri Lanka, this wreck was discovered at a depth of 22 metres off the shores of Kayankerni. The ship built in 1922 is 122 metres long; it is now broken in half. The hull which has collapsed leaves a cavernous hole through which you can swim through for exploring the fascinating interiors of the oil tanker. Shoals of Blue Snapper Fish patrolling the wreck add to the exciting ambiance.

This time you should drive off to the western coast of Sri Lanka for a spot of divining around the Taprobane which is tipped to be the 'stunning' wreck of a barge. Colombo too which is included in the western belt of the country does have some pretty good dive sites and it is from here that you will be able to avail yourself of a reputed agency for car rental Sri Lanka. This is especially handy when driving around the coast and stopping off at quaint little destinations for a spot of diving. Casons Rent a Car or similar places offer a variety of quality vehicles suitable for transporting diving gear and passengers with ease. And once your transport is settled the island is literally your oyster. The Taprobane wreck is just 2 hours' drive from Colombo and sitting at a depth of 30 metres is ideal for seasoned divers.

Home to a stunning reef of sea fans the Gorgonian Gardens are located in Galle; a town on the southern coast. The drive is truly stunning dotted with sleepy fisher villages and swaying palms and if you want a shorter route take the Galle expressway and make the journey in an hour from Colombo. The fans growing on the seabed at depths of over 35 metres is in an area prone to strong currents, hence only experienced divers should attempt the dive to the mystical sea fan forest.