Snorkeling in Sri Lanaka
Start: every day 1.30 pm
Duration: about 3 hours
Groups: onboard with max. 7 snorkelers
Age: min age for kids is 5 years old
* Check in at 8.30 am Only Available by booking through walk in or by phone call after 3 pm one day before the activity starts.
Vacation activity for the whole family
You don’t need to be a scuba diver to get to know the fascinating world underwater and its splendor!
Equipped with mask, snorkel and fins you float on the water surface and watch the vibrant coral reefs, rocks and coral reef-fish below. An intense experience and unforgettable moments when you do snorkeling in Sri Lanka.
South Coast
Divinguru Unawatuna offers two unique snorkeling spots for those who want to discover snorkeling in Sri Lanka or explore the underwater world only with mask, fins and snorkel!
Unawatuna
Season: 15th October – 10th April
During the snorkeling trip we introduce you our colleagues: angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, pufferfish, schooling bannerfish and if you search properly you might find stingrays and turtles!
Unawatuna Bay
The Unawatuna Bay is not only a world famous beach on land, but offers a great underwater experience as well. With its many shallow spots, it is also the perfect place for snorkeling. A small ship wreck, rocks, recovering corals and colorful Indian Ocean fish offer a fun experience to snorkelers.
Unawatuna Rocks can be reached in a few minutes by boat from our diving centre. The duration of the snorkeling trip is around 2 hours.
Jungle Beach
Only a few kilometers down the road, between Unawatuna and Galle, you’ll find Jungle Beach Bay. The bay is an insider tip, with a beautiful beach and very shallow entry points; which makes it a great place for snorkeling in Sri Lanka.
Here you can snorkel from the shore and from the boat. This trip takes around 3 hours in total.
*Read before
In 1997 “El Niño” the warm phase along with increasing temperatures of the ocean and the coral bleaching event, followed by tsunami in 2004 caused considerable damage to coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Since then coral has started rejuvenating at a very slow rate.
Please note that the visibility of the water depends on many factors (tides, wind, etc.) which disturb the bottom composition. We cannot guarantee perfect visibility at all times.
Watch the underwater world from the surface
Snorkelling is a relaxing activity for the whole family – children and adults of all ages. It can also be the first step into diving or simply an alternative.
What is included:
- boat transfer
- local guide
- snorkeling equipment – mask, fins, snorkel
- life jackets
- water
- free pick-up (south within the distance from Mirissa to Hikkaduwa; east from Trincomalee to Kuchchaveli)
- kids from 5 until 12 are half price
PIGEON ISLAND
Marine National Park
“The Snorkeler’s Paradise”
East Coast
Snorkeling in Nilaveli & Trincomalee area is the absolute highlight of your stay on the east coast. You experience the most vibrant coral reefs of Sri Lanka, soft and hard corals, schools of colorful fish and different coral fish of the Indian Ocean.
Nilaveli
Season: 15th March – 30th October
Pigeon Island is the only National Marine Park on the north-east coast of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by turtles, tropical fish, searching for Black Tip Reef Sharks it is a top destination for snorkeling.
Pigeon Island
In the area of Pigeon Island, 1 km from the diving base, you’ll see colorful corals, eels, small groups of different fish and brightly colored boxfish. Drift along as iridescent parrotfish and damselfish pass slowly. Filigree lined sweetlips fish standing elegantly in the flow, butterflyfish and bannerfish dance before the dark blue curtain of the sea.
Around the main island you have a chance to spot different species of turtles, various species of rays and even Blacktip Reef Sharks.
All prices exclude the entrance ticket to the Pigeon Island. Entrance fees to the Pigeon Island National Marine Park are calculated and paid directly in our diving centre before the departure, depending on the number of participants or agreed while confirming the price in advance. The entrance ticket costs around 40 Euros/adult and it’s paid on arrival to our diving centre only in cash in LKR.
Snorkeling trips from Nilaveli take around 3 hours in total. You reach Pigeon Islands within a 20-minute boat
ride, followed by around 2 hours of snorkeling from the shore around the main island.
Coral Reef Nilaveli
The perfect place for discovering different types of hard and soft corals. Shallow area with clear water visibility.
You will find vibrant coral reefs with small colorful tropical fish and even turtles!
Located close to Pigeon Island, no ticket is required.
Snorkeling trips from Nilaveli take around 3 hours in total.
Trincomalee
Season: 15th April – 10th October
Explore fascinating rock formations with colorful coral reefs, diverse aquatic life, underwater statues of gods and large schools of tropical fish.
Swami Rock
This snorkeling and diving spot is located right below the oldest temple in Trincomalee (Koneswaram temple).
Around the rocky area you can find large schools of fish, eels, rays, trumpetfish, groupers and other species of tropical fish.
Swami rock is famous for its rich history with many myths and legends. Below the surface you can see underwater statues of Buddha, Hindu gods (Shiva, Ganesha, etc.), max 80 cm tall.
Snorkeling trips from Trincomalee take around 2 hours in total.
Navy Island
Shallow area with interesting rock formations, hard and soft corals. You’ll encounter different species of marine life, such as eels, nudibranchs, octopus, scorpionfish, lionfish and other exotic Indian Ocean fish.
Snorkeling trips from Trincomalee take around 2 hours in total.
Schedule
Arrival (8:30 | 13:30)
Upon your arrival at the base, you will be welcomed by one of our local and international Divemasters and Instructors. You fill out the necessary paperwork and make your payment. We accept both card and cash.
Preparation
Then you are sized up for your equipment if you don’t have your own. A short briefing will cover important information of the snorkeling sites, local procedures, safety procedures, recall procedures, attractions of the snorkeling site and marine life.
Departure (9:00 | 14:00)
Finally, we cast off! Most snorkeling sites can be reached within 10 minutes.
Snorkeling
We always snorkel in small groups. Enjoy the surroundings at your own pace and speed.
Our local boatmen will guide you to the best spots where you can spend 2 to 3 hours discovering the fantastic
underwater world.
Return (11:00 | 16:00)
Once you return to the diving centre, our staff shows you our washing place where you can wash both private
and rental equipment and have a shower.
You are always welcome to share your snorkeling experience and we help you to identify all the different kinds
of marine life you saw during your snorkeling trip.
Diving & snorkeling in Sri Lanka help to create a bond between people, all coming from different parts of the
world, but all sharing the same love for the ocean, and we provide a platform for just that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best snorkeling spots in Sri Lanka?
The best locations for snorkeling in Sri Lanka include Pigeon Island (Nilaveli), Trincomalee, Unawatuna, andHikkaduwa. These destinations feature calm, shallow waters and thriving coral reefs, perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
Do I need to be a good swimmer to try snorkeling in Sri Lanka?
Not necessarily! Many snorkeling tours in Sri Lanka are designed for beginners. You will be provided with life jackets, fins, and professional guidance to help you feel confident in the water – even if you’re not an expert swimmer.
Is snorkeling in Sri Lanka safe for children and families?
Yes! Snorkeling is a fun and safe family activity. Calm, shallow reefs and professional instructors make it suitable for children and beginners alike. It’s a great way for families to explore the ocean together and create lasting memories.
Can I combine snorkeling with scuba diving or whale watching?
Definitely! Many travelers love pairing snorkeling in Sri Lanka with scuba diving courses or whale and dolphin watching tours. It’s the perfect way to experience both the surface and deeper wonders of Sri Lanka’s marine world in one unforgettable trip.
How can I book a snorkeling trip in Sri Lanka?
Booking your snorkeling Sri Lanka adventure is easy! You can reserve your spot online through our website or visit one of our coastal dive centres. Our friendly team will help you choose the best location, time, and tour package based on your interests and experience level.