When in Sri Lanka, you don’t just visit the ocean - you dive into it. Out here on our beautiful island, the sea is a world. Warm, clear waters wrap around you, offering relief from the tropical climate. Coral gardens sway lazily, schools of fish flash past you, sea turtles drift by like they’ve got all the time in the world. 

If snorkelling is on your bucket list, you can cross it off while you are in Sri Lanka. Because Sri Lanka doesn’t give you just one snorkelling spot. It gives your choices - and each one is equally beautiful and full of colour and life, making the world above feel far away. 

New to snorkelling? Doesn’t matter. You can find PADI training centres dotting the coastline. They’ll help you get prepped and ready to plunge in, whether it’s your first dive or your fiftieth. 

Best Spots for Snorkelling in Sri Lanka 

Hikkaduwa

Hikka is one of the most popular holiday destinations for both locals and tourists alike. It’s the kind of beach town where you are always bound to have a good time. 

Beyond the bars and restaurants, there’s also a whole other world - one made of vibrant colours and corals — the Hikkaduwa National Park. 

It’s not just any snorkelling spot. It’s probably the most famous snorkelling spot in Sri Lanka. The underwater world here explodes with life with vibrant coral gardens and impressive marine life. In fact, there are about 60 species of hard coral and 170 species of reef fish recorded here. From angel fish to snappers and sea turtles, you are in for a treat. 

One of the best things about snorkelling in Hikka is also how easy it is to get there. With some of the best spots located only a short, all it takes is a few strokes from the shore. 

Kalpitiya 

On the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, you’ll find a picturesque peninsula known as Kalpitiya. It’s quiet, wild and relatively untouched (when compared to other hotspots in the country). However, make no mistake, for it is now a fast-growing tourist hotspot.

Just a few kilometres off the coast of Kalpitiya is the Bar Reef - a living, breathing underwater paradise. It is the largest coral reef and largest protected marine area in Sri Lanka. With clear waters, vibrant corals, an amazing array of tropical fish and a depth up to 3 metres, Kalpitiya provides an unforgettable snorkelling experience. 

While there are a variety of shallow dives best suited for beginners, there are also other reefs like the Bulldog Reef for those seeking something deeper. At a depth of 15 metres, it’s a paradise for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers.

Part of Kalpitiya’s appeal is that it doesn’t shout for attention. However, it does reward those who show up. 

Most snorkelling adventures in Kalpitiya begin early in the morning as the marine life starts to stir and you have the chance to catch the best underwater visibility and therefore marine activity. 

P.S. You could even combine your snorkelling trip with a dolphin watching tour for a truly unforgettable experience.

Pigeon Island 

Just a kilometre away from Nilaveli’s quiet stretch of beach in Trincomalee is Pigeon Island - aka Sri Lanka’s best-known marine national park. Once declared a national park to protect the blue rock pigeons that roost on the island, today it has also become one of the premier snorkelling points. 

The corals here - one of the last strongholds of the island's reef systems - are alive even today, attracting a myriad of fish including the occasional sea turtle and reef shark. The corals themselves are multicoloured and vibrant against the blue waters. It seems too good to be true. 

The appeal isn’t just about the beauty. It’s also the calm, shallow waters that offer high underwater visibility which makes Pigeon Island an ideal spot for anyone who wants to snorkel. 

However, this is a fragile paradise. Ongoing conservation efforts are in place, with designated no-go zones, to facilitate reef restoration. As tempting as it might be to touch these corals, don’t. It could do lasting damage.

Mirissa

Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Mirissa is a well-known beach destination loved by all. It also makes an excellent snorkelling destination for several compelling reasons. 

Sheltered from the strong ocean currents, Mirissa’s bay invites snorkelers with its calm, warm waters. With high underwater visibility, it’s perfect for observing marine life with ease. It also makes it the ideal environment for snorkelers of all levels - from beginners to experts and even families. 

Underwater, you can see vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. From Parrotfish to lemon damsels and blacktip reef sharks, you will be able to see colourful tropical fish flashing through the reefs. You will also encounter friendly sea turtles, who tend to swim closer to the shore. 

If you are really lucky, you may also get the chance to witness majestic whales in their element.

Pasikudah 

Out of the many beach destinations in Sri Lanka, there is something calm about Pasikudah. It’s a calm gentleness that stretches across the bay with its shallow waters that go on and on. It’s a place that invites you to truly slow down. 

Don’t be mistaken because calm doesn’t equal boring. 

With some of the longest stretches of shallow coastline, you can wade far out into the bay with the water remaining at your waist. This setting allows for effortless snorkelling experiences and makes it particularly appealing for beginners and even families. 

Underwater, Pasikudah Bay features a vibrant ecosystem teeming with an impressive array of marine life and an extensive coral reef system. While visibility is typically good, early mornings or evenings bring out the real treat as you may be able to catch sight of turtles and other marine creatures at close range during these times. 

What’s the Best Time To Go Snorkelling in Sri Lanka? 

The best time to go snorkelling in Sri Lanka depends on the mood of the ocean. It shifts with the wind and the monsoon. So, if you want to go snorkelling, knowing when to go and where to go are equally important - because getting the timing right makes for a way better experience. 

If you are heading to the west or south coasts (think Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Bentota or Unawatuna), the sweet spot is between November to April. This is when the seas are calm, the rains ease off and visibility is at its best. 

Want to head off to snorkel on the east coast? Then April to September is the ideal time, as it is the dry season and with it come clear, calm waters that offer excellent marine life visibility. 

 

Want to plan your perfect Sri Lanka itinerary and discover the best snorkelling spots? Reach out to our team at Fernando Travels.