Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of Kalpitiya in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. For keen scuba divers and snorkellers, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka (‘Bar reef’) is only an hour’s boat trip from Kalpitiya. This beautiful reef is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering sightings of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional turtle! Diving and Snorkelling are not possible during the southwest monsoon period (May to November). The best times are therefore between late November and early May. Transportation to dive Snorkelling sites is by a fibreglass dinghy with a 25-horsepower engine. For the more serious divers who want more detailed information on the area, please refer to Nautical Map 1586 (Pamban to Cape Cormorin).

The underwater currents in the seas off Kalpitiya are generally not strong but are influenced by small tide changes of two high water and two low water tides. The underwater temperature is approximately 75°F so no wetsuits are required (but thin wetsuits could be worn to protect from any bruising from the coral).