Language
Currency
The waters surrounding Sri Lanka are an absolute dream for divers, with warm Indian Ocean currents allowing the average temperature to be around 27 degrees celsius and the underwater wildlife ranging from tiny colourful nudibranchs through to the greatest of ocean giants: the blue whale.
Coral reefs encircle the island (with 138 different species of coral to be admired!), and the fact that it is an ancient trade centre has resulted in many dramatic shipwrecks to dot its waters.
If you are in the west and south shores of Sri Lanka, November to April is considered the best time for diving, whereas if you’re in the East, April to September are the best months.
Galle Road - Hikkaduwa | +94 91 720 1200
Poseidon Diving Station is famous for being the first dive shop in Hikkaduwa, birthed in 1973 by the combined passions of two tourists who fell in love with Sri Lanka, and a skin diving expert who was recommended to them as a guide to the most spectacular underwater sites. In 2004 they were then recognised by PADI for their extreme professionalism and dedication to wonderful dive experiences, as well as their community-driven environmental efforts, and became the first PADI Five Star Centre in Sri Lanka.
You can take a variety of courses here, from beginner open water courses to specialty ones including night diving and digital underwater photography. Danish, Russian, Swedish and Norwegian speaking instructors are also available!
They now have three dive centres on the island, which each offer a different selection of dive sites to explore. The one in Trincomalee on the Northeast coast is particularly recommended, because, as well as being a fantastic dive school, it has tremendous dive sites in the area such as Swami Rock. Here you can see moray eels, sweep lips and colourful parrot fish amongst many other species.
Contact dive stations for prices
Coral Sands Hotel - Hikkaduwa | +94 71 725 1024
Based in the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary, this school is positioned in a hotspot of beautiful dive sites that are suitable for all levels. The famous Conch Wreck, one of the world’s first oil tankers sunk in 1903, is also located just 20 minutes from the school! As it is only in a depth of between 14-20m, it is a dive that is ideal for beginners. Kirala Gala, Bubble Rock and Coral Garden are other sites where you can see spectacular lionfish, barracuda, turtles, stingray and octopus amongst many other vibrant species, all at a depth that is perfect for all abilities.
Pricing
Boat dives incl. equipment:
1 dive: 40 USD
2+ dives: 35 USD
5 dives: 165 USD
10 dives: 330 USD
Courses:
Discover Scuba Diving (2 hour), one 2 metre dive + one 12 metre dive: 75 USD
Discover Scuba Diving (1 day), one 2 metre dive + two 12 metre dives: 100 USD
PADI Open Water, 3-5 days/ 4 dives max. Depth 18 metres: 375 USD
PADI Advanced Open Water, 2 days/ 5 dives max. Depth 30 metres: 310 USD
