Joanna James
Snorkelling is a fun activity to engage in while in Sri Lanka. The little island is surrounded by beautiful coastlines and a thriving coral and marine life worth exploring. So, while you get your gear ready, go through these amazing sites awaiting you in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Located on the southwest coast, Hikkaduwa is 98 km from Colombo. Hikkaduwa has an impressive range of coral reefs and a thriving marine life. The clear coral reefs and beautiful seas have the perfect underwater ecosystem to make it among the best locations for snorkellers in Sri Lanka. Its shallow reef allows one to snorkel in close proximity to the shore, allowing even first-time snorkelers to do so with ease. Try snorkelling between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. before the sun gets very hot.
Located on the southern coast, Unawatuna Bay is one of the prettiest and popular beaches in Sri Lanka, and you can also expect an amazing underwater experience here. Rock Island in Unawatuna is among the finest snorkelling locations in Sri Lanka. Even without snorkelling equipment, you can still spot some unique marine life in these waters.
Located a few meters from the coastline of the Trincomalee is the Pigeon Island National Park. This is one of the best snorkelling sites in Sri Lanka and should be a part of your itinerary when visiting Trincomalee. The coral reefs here are magnificent, and you will be richly rewarded with sightings of turtles and sharks and other kinds of marine life.
One of the best-known spots in Pasikuda is the British Sergeant wreckage site. This wartime ship served in WWII and sank during a Japanese raid on April 9th 1942. Remnants of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes that went down in the attack can also be seen on the dive site. The wreckage is home to schools of bigeye snappers, batfish, groupers, and mangrove snappers. On the flanks of the wreckage, you will find sea anemones and clownfish, while shoals of trevally hunt for their prey. This site is suited mainly for advanced snorkelers and divers but is one of the best offered in the country. If staying in Pasikuda beach hotels is what you'd like, then the Amaya Beach Pasikudah can be a sound option to base your stay.
Kirinda Beach has two great sites - the Little and Great Basses wrecks, ideal for snorkelling. Kirinda also has a lighthouse and a rocky outcrop with many historically significant locations in and around the beach. If visiting Kirinda, it is best to do so during March and April. You won't find diving centres based in Kirinda, but you can arrange an excursion from coastal cities like Mirissa or Unawatuna if you don't have the necessary equipment with you.
The southern coastal town of Bentota has a wide beach area with plenty of colourful corals, vibrant marine life, and shipwrecks. There are three main snorkelling sites in Bentota, Canoe Rock, South Reef, and Hundirangala. You will encounter many fish, like large parrotfish, angelfish, large groupers and more in this eq
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
