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 6-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 | Colombo | Colombo Court Hotel & Spa | Bed & Breakfast | Meet & greet at airport and transfer to hotel. Check in to hotel and relax. |
| Day 2 | Colombo | Colombo Court Hotel & Spa | Half board | 3 boat dives in Colombo |
| Day 3 | Hikkaduwa | Citrus Hikkaduwa | Full board | 2 boat dives in Colombo. 2-hour road transfer to Hikkaduwa |
| Day 4 | Hikkaduwa | Citrus Hikkaduwa | Half Board | 3 dives in Hikkaduwa |
| Day 5 | Yala | Oak Ray Wild | Half Board | After breakfast, transfer to Yala Game Reserve. Visit Galle Fort enroute Check into hotel and relax |
| Day 6 | Yala | Oak Ray Wild | Half Board | Morning and afternoon game drive at Yala National Park |
| Day 7 | 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 are 3-4 star boutique properties, each with individual charm, each within close proximity diving and other attractions.
Colombo Court Hotel & Spa
Nestled in the heart of Colombo City, the boutique Colombo Court Hotel & Spa is a 15-minute walk from MC Shopping Mall. The beautiful hotel has a wine cellar, a rooftop café and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen cable TV. Stylish rooms are tastefully decorated featuring modern interiors with wood flooring. Featuring sweeping views of the city, the rooftop café, Cloud Cafe serves light snacks and refreshing beverages.
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.
Oak Ray Wild Yala
Oak Ray Wild Yala in Tissamaharama offers a 5-star adults-only experience with an infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, and lush garden. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a family-friendly restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is near attractions such as Tissa Wewa (2 km) and Bundala Bird Sanctuary (27 km).
West & South Coasts (Colombo and Hikkaduwa)
- 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.
Colombo
Colombo is renowned for its exceptional wreck diving, with a variety of shipwrecks ranging from World War I vessels to more recent shipwrecks including the Chief Dragon, Pecheur Breton, and the Sierra. These wrecks, along with thriving reefs, are teeming with marine life.
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.
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 | |||
| 6 Nights accommodation, 8 dives, half board, Galle Fort Heritage Tour, 2 game drives in Yala National Park, all transfers. Per person price for 2 guests | 2200 | USD | | | 2200 | |
| 6 Nights accommodation, 8 dives, half board, Galle Fort Heritage Tour, 2 game drives in Yala National Park, all transfers. Per person price for 4 guests | 2060 | USD | | | 2060 | |
| 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. | |||||
