Joanna James
Southern Galle is well-known for its extensive diving sites that include coral reefs, an abundance of marine life and even old shipwrecks. Here are some of the best dive sites to see in Galle.
Located a short drive away from the famous Unawatuna Beach strip, is Jungle Beach, a small bay surrounded by jungle. A great dive site for both beginners and advanced divers, Jungle Beach has a reef just a few meters from the shore, and divers here can look forward to seeing coral reefs and several species of colourful tropical fish. You might even be lucky enough to swim past endangered sea turtles that often visit the area. Jungle Beach was once quite secluded, but due to a rise in popularity among locals and tourists, expect to find large crowds along the beach strip and many snorkellers and divers in the water.
If you're going to scuba dive in Sri Lanka, you must head to Galle Fort and experience the haunting beauty of the SS Rangoon. The stunning wreck lies 32 metres deep in the sea, right in front of the Galle Dutch Fort Harbour. The wreck, which dates back to the mid 1800s, is a 60-metre long, heavy sailing/steam. The wreck stands upright and is clearly visible seen to divers thanks to the white sand and clean waters. The beautiful wreck is home to a multitude of colourful fish including Blue fin Trevally, Red Soldierfish and Javanese Rabbitfish, as well as hundreds of jelly fish.
Located just south of Unawatuna is the Napoleon Reef, known locally as Diyamba Kupatha. This dive site is 30-metres deep and covers around 1 kilometre of wide, rocky expanse. Divers can expect to view black and red coral reefs along with several fish species like Trivially, Butterflyfish, Snappers, Emperors, and large schools of Napoleon Wrasse. You may even spot dolphins and whale sharks, especially early in the year.
Located right off the coast of Unawatuana, the Goda Gala site is ideal for all levels of experience. The wreck is a modern cargo ship that sunk in 2000, and currently lies at a depth of 24m/80ft. Divers can easily explore the vessel which has now become populated with hundreds of fish species which large colonies of morays, blue boxfish, and mantas. If you plan on entering the wreck, it is advised to go with an experienced guide to ensure safety at all times. Many diving centres and even hotels in the are like Cantaloupe Hotels, provide diving excursions with experienced instructors.
Better known as the Tango Wreck, this site is located between two islands, Gibbet and Closenburg Island, not far from the coastline. Roughly 24 metres down are around 20 large canons, scattered on the sea floor. Some of them are badly eroded, but others are clearly visible. It is said the canons come from either a shipwreck, or possibly, one of the islands.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
