The west and south west coasts of Sri Lanka can be dived between October and April each year. The region is famous for wreck diving in Colombo, vibrant coral reefs in Hikkaduwa, and whale sightings near Mirissa and Kalpitya. Sperm whales are the most common whales sighted, with others including blue whales, minke, melon-headed and dwarf sperm whales.
This sample 7-night itinerary is a starting point to help you plan your own tailored itinerary and includes diving, cultural and wildlife experiences.
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural history dating back over a thousand years, and several national parks where you can view megafauna such as elephants, sloth bears and leopards, as well as monkeys, diverse birdlife (including peacocks) and incredible scenery, so a dive trip here would not be complete without including some historic sites and wildlife safaris!
| Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan | Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Negombo | Tamarind Tree Hotel | Half Board | Check in to hotel and relax prior to road transfer to Trincomalee in the morning. Negombo is a short drive from the airport and an ideal place to rest and recover from your flight before travelling to the coast. |
| Day 2 | Kalpitiya | Club Mango Resort | Full Board | Travel to Kalpitiya Relax at the resort |
| Day 3 | Kalpitiya | Club Mango Resort | Full Board | Two dives at Kalpitiya |
| Day 4 | Hikkaduwa | Citrus Hikkaduwa | Half Board | Two dives at Kalpitiya Travel to Hikkaduwa |
| Day 5 | Hikkaduwa | Citrus Hikkaduwa | Half Board | Two dives at Hikkaduwa Afternoon Galle Fort UNESCO Heritage Site Tour. |
| Day 6 | Hikkaduwa | Citrus Hikkaduwa | Half Board | Two dives at Hikkaduwa Afternoon enjoy a Saltwater Crocodile Tour off the Nilwala River in Matara. |
| Day 7 | Hikkaduwa | Citrus Hikkaduwa | Half Board | Morning Whale & Dolphin Watching cruise in Mirissa. |
| Day 8 | Check out and transfer to airport. |
Kalpitiya is on the west coast roughly three and a half hours drive north of Colombo, while Hikkaduwa is two hours south.
All resorts on this itinerary and 4-star boutique properties, each with individual charm. Resorts in Trincomalee and Batticaloa both beachfront, with properties in Habarana and Negombo surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Tamarind Tree Garden Resort
The Tamarind Tree Garden Resort promises a perfect balance of space, style and sophistication. Set amongst 12 stunning acres of lush gardens, only 10 minutes drive from Katunayake Airport, this 60-room resort is ideally positioned for an overnight stay before heading east. The villas are designed to a British colonial style, with shady verandas and wicker furniture.
Club Mango Resort
Rooms at Club Mango Resort are furnished in an eco chic tropical style. The characteristic wide sky open bathrooms are typical of the local tradition. Use of traditional Sri Lankan materials such as local bamboo, wood and decorations contribute to the resort’s atmosphere.
Citrus Hikkaduwa Resort
Citrus Hikkaduwa features an Ayurvedic massage centre and an outdoor pool. Each air-conditioned guestroom comes with tea/coffee making facilities, a minibar and satellite television. Lemon Fish Restaurant serves international and local cuisines while refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at the outdoor bar, Summer Salt Bar.
West & South Coasts (Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Kalpitiya)
- Season: November to April
- Best time: March and April
- Why? Calm seas, excellent visibility (15–30m). Early-March to April are the peak months in the movement of Whales.
- Highlights: Wreck diving in Colombo, vibrant coral reefs in Hikkaduwa, and whale sightings near Mirissa and Kalpitya. Sperm whales are the most common whales sighted, with others including blue whales, minke, melon-headed and dwarf sperm whales.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is located on the southwest coast, so can be dived November to April. Suitable for both novice and experienced divers and lovers of coral. The maximum diving depth is around 30m (98 feet), and an Open Water Diver certification, and experience with moderate currents is generally sufficient. What makes Hikkaduwa special is its vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, and moray eels. It can get very busy here during the peak tourist season.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna, also on the southwest coast, offers a mix of shallow and deep dives, most notably; the Galle wreck, which lies at a depth of 18-30m (60-100 feet). Advanced Open Water Diver certification is recommended for this dive due to the depth and potential for strong currents. The wreck is a haven for pelagic marine life including barracudas, trevallies, and various species of rays.
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya, on the northwest coast, is renowned for its marine biodiversity and the Bar Reef, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most pristine coral reefs. The dive depths range from 5 to 40m (16 to 130 feet), making it accessible for divers of all levels. Advanced divers can explore deeper areas where manta rays and reef sharks are frequently spotted. The area is also famous for dolphin and whale watching, adding an extra dimension to your diving adventure.
Mirissa
Mirissa is famous mainly for whale watching but also has fantastic diving opportunities. The underwater landscape features rocky pinnacles, vibrant coral gardens, and a variety of marine life, including schools of trevally and angelfish.
Pricing for Classic Sri Lanka West Coast Dive Safari
| 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025 | AUD | USD | |||
| 7 Nights, 8 dives, half board, Galle Fort Heritage Tour, Saltwater Crocodile Tour, Whale Watching cruise, all transfers. Per person price for 2 guests | 3100 | USD | | | 3100 | |
| 7 Nights, 8 dives, half board, Galle Fort Heritage Tour, Saltwater Crocodile Tour, Whale Watching cruise, all transfers. Per person price for 4 guests | 2440 | USD | | | 2440 | |
| This resort's prices are in USD. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made. | |||||
| The per person pricing above is indicative only: we show 7 night with 10/12 dive packages singles & doubles for the purposes of comparison. We can give you a price (and availability) for any combination of nights/dives you wish to undertake, which will include any discounts due to you as part of that package, and any exclusions, or items payable at the resort. Please use the [Enquire Now] tab to give us your exact requirements and we'll give you the best deal we can. | |||||
| Excluded: Peak Period Supplement (20-Dec to 15-Jan), compulsory New Year & Christmas supplement, airfare, alcoholic beverages, meals other than specified, tips and gratuities. | |||||
