Snorkelling in Sri Lanka - 15 spectacular spots to take a dive in 2024

The charmingly positioned Pigeon Island which is located near Sri Lanka’s eastern shoreline is arguably, the best of the lot when it comes to snorkelling. Travel by boat to one of the country’s main national parks and have access to awe-inspiring scenes of coral reefs and schools of the most colourful fish in the world.

Explore Trincomalee, a true gem hugging the east coast of the country which is replete with a variety of beaches and hidden escapes where the snorker in you will be quite at home. Glide through a world of shimmering hues and marine mammals of different shapes and sizes for one memorable outing.

The calm waters of Nilaveli, particularly during April to September present the best time of year to put on your snorkelling fins. This resort town boasts white powdery beaches that will prove to be an excellent springboard to discovering what lies beneath.

Made up of wide expanses of beaches that merge magnificently with turquoise seas, Pasikudah is where you can wade in shallow water en route to experiencing the joys of the ocean and its inhabitants. In fact, you can book Amethyst Resort and take pleasure in one of the best places to visit in Pasikuda which is Pasikudah Beach.

Nestled in the Puttalam District, Kalpitiya will escort you to the biggest coral reef in the island nation which can be reached after completing an hour’s boat ride. Capture scenes of sea turtles, manta rays and reef sharks who call this reef home.

The sleepy vibes of Negombo will surely coax you towards its shoreline where you can easily rent snorkelling gear and head for the ocean floor only to be greeted by multi-coloured corals, anemones and clown fish.

The ancient port city of Galle is home to the wreck of the SS Rangoon which is well known for its floral and faunal species that reside within it. With clear visibility and the potential to reach as far as 32 m in depth, here is one of the finest snorkelling spots in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s south coast is littered with picturesque fishing hamlets some of which have transformed into thriving resort towns. Unawatuna is one such destination which presents keen snorkellers a chance to check out Rock Island where rare and exotic sea mammals live.

Affording conducive conditions for novice and skilled snorkellers, Hikkaduwa showcases a good amount of coral formations and numerous tropical fish to admire.

Though a touch isolated, Koggala is by no means off limits to snorkelling fans who value ample room and space to move about an ecosystem that continues to entice and enthral the senses the deeper you venture.

Mirissa is better known for its whale-watching expeditions but is treated as one of the popular destinations to snorkel on the southeast coast of the Emerald Isle. With numerous facilities scattered in and around Mirissa Beach such as Poseidon which offers PADI courses, this beach town is well-equipped to cater to the whims of the present-day snorkeller.

Nestled some 30 km east of Galle, Weligama beckons snorkellers to take on all it has to offer. Head over from November to April and catch a glimpse of whales for one breathtaking encounter.

Featuring pristine beaches and a selection of wrecks that will have you lingering on for longer than usual, the charming town of Kirinda cannot be forgotten when planning a snorkelling holiday to sunny Sri Lanka.

Fancy snorkelling and swimming alongside green turtles? Then waste no time in beelining for Polhena Reef where you can also spend time learning of the conservation efforts that go into preserving this attraction.

Although requires a 45-minute boat ride from Colombo, the historic setting of the Taprobane East Wreck will surely whet your appetite for adventure in no uncertain manner. Don your snorkelling equipment and have a skilled dive instructor take you through the ‘ins and outs’ of covering every inch of this famed location where you can stumble upon glass fish and the feared stingray.