Sri Lanka 11 days – Discover diving on the mythical island of Ceylon

Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport! Upon your arrival, Your driver-guide will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel in Negombo. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the town. Negombo is a lovely coastal spot with lots of restaurants where you can taste traditional Sri Lankan food and international dishes. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful lagoon with its amazing mangroves and wildlife—it’s a perfect way to unwind!

Accommodation: VILLA HUNDIRA hotel in Negombo.

Our diving circuit starts bright and early at 7am. First, you’ll explore the Wreck We Ling, resting at 17-27 meters deep. This fascinating wreck sank on March 26, 2018, and uniquely features 8 bulletproof VIP cars from former Sri Lankan presidents welded to its hatch. The wreck is 62 meters long and perfect for nitrox enriched air diving. Next, you’ll visit Maha Gala, a large reef at 14-16 meters, teeming with exotic fish like lobsters, groupers, snappers, lionfish, and black whip coral. After your dives, you have the option to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage — a traditional practice with roots going back over 2,000 years, ideal for relaxation and recovery. A day full of adventure and rejuvenation awaits!

Accommodation: VILLA HUNDIRA hotel in Negombo.

Continuing your dives around Negombo and Colombo. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rich and varied underwater landscapes along Sri Lanka’s western coast. You’ll encounter a wide range of marine life, from colorful coral reefs to fascinating fish species, making each dive a unique and captivating experience. This extended exploration ensures you get the most out of your diving adventure.

Accommodation: VILLA HUNDIRA hotel in Negombo.

You’ll transfer to the south coast via Colombo, with an optional tour of the capital city. You can explore the historic Fort area, stroll along the scenic Galle Face Green, and visit the bustling port. Dive-wise, you’ll check out Madhafaru, Colombo’s newest sunken boat resting at 19-29 meters, famous for its backhoes on deck and a lively population of batfish and lionfish. Then there’s the Thermopylae Sierra, a Cyprus-owned wreck that sank in August 2012 after a wage dispute, lying at depths from 0 to 23 meters. Both sites offer intriguing dives packed with history and marine life.

Accommodation: MOUNT LAVINIA hotel in Mount Lavinia.

Continuing to dive in the Negombo and Colombo areas allows you to explore more underwater sites and further develop your diving skills in the waters of Sri Lanka. This extended diving experience offers a great opportunity to discover diverse marine life and improve your proficiency as a diver.

Accommodation: MOUNT LAVINIA hotel in Mount Lavinia.

The Earl of Shaftesbury, which sank in 1893 off the coast of Hikkaduwa, is an excellent dive site. This Rangoon wreck lies at a depth of 15 meters over sandy, flat terrain, making it a fun and easy dive suitable for divers of all levels. While exploring, you can enjoy schools of fish, both hard and soft corals, and may encounter large manta rays, groupers, snappers, lionfish, and porcupinefish. It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich marine life in this area.

Accommodation: THAPROBAN BEACH HOUSE hotel in Unawatuna.

Today, we’ll explore one of the reefs renowned for its exceptional marine life: Diyamba Kupotha, also called "Napoleon Reef." Located at a depth of 20 meters, this site offers a great chance to see impressive creatures like large Maori wrasses and potato cod. After the dive, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and unwind. It's a perfect balance of adventure and leisure!

Accommodation: THAPROBAN BEACH HOUSE hotel in Unawatuna.

At a depth of 24 meters, you can explore a wreck that is popular among local divers and often mistakenly called the "Tango Wreck." It is likely the SS Orestes, which sank in 1875. This historic site offers a fascinating and challenging dive, best suited for more experienced divers who want to explore a piece of maritime history.

Accommodation: THAPROBAN BEACH HOUSE hotel in Unawatuna.

Thalpe Rock, located at a depth of just 18 meters, is a stunning rock formation in the southern seas of Sri Lanka that stretches from east to west. This dive site offers a wonderful opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of macro marine life, making it particularly popular among underwater photographers and nature enthusiasts. While you might encounter some large fish and schools of smaller fish, the true charm of Thalpe Rock lies in its rich coral growth and the variety of small creatures that inhabit the area, providing a fascinating and colorful underwater experience.

Accommodation: THAPROBAN BEACH HOUSE hotel in Unawatuna.

Spend part of the day resting and relaxing, allowing yourself to refresh. In the afternoon, visit Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved walled fort that borders the sea and stands as the best-preserved colonial historical center in Sri Lanka. Known as the most beautiful city in the country, Galle is perfect for leisurely walks, whether under the shade of trees or along the coastline. The area is also filled with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy some local culture.

Accommodation: THAPROBAN BEACH HOUSE hotel in Unawatuna.

You’ll have free time until it’s time to head to the airport. Remember, at Bandaranaike International Airport ensure to be there at least 3 hours before your flight departure to allow for check-in and security procedures. As you bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, may the memories of this remarkable journey stay with you always and we wish you a safe journey!