Diving in Southern Sri Lanka: Mirissa and Unawatuna
Diving on Sri Lanka's south coast is all about warm water, a gentle entry into the underwater world, and the feeling of stepping into a living aquarium. Mirissa, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa lie almost along the same stretch of coast, but each has its own character, which is what makes them so good for a diving trip.
Quick overview:
Choose your preferred diving date and number of people
Our travel advisor will get back to you shortly to discuss the tour details.
Sri Lanka Diving Tour
Key route locations:
- Briefing
- Training dive
- Deep dive
- Filming (extra fee: 15 USD)
Diving in Sri Lanka is warm water, a gentle introduction to the underwater world and a real adventure without extreme thrills. Mirissa, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa lie close together, but each has its own character.
In Mirissa, you'll find calm reefs and comfortable depths for your first dives, plenty of bright tropical fish, sometimes moray eels, frogfish and octopuses, and on lucky days, larger sea visitors;
Unawatuna is known for its variety of dive sites, where reefs alternate with rocky outcrops and wrecks off the Galle coast;
Hikkaduwa is the more postcard-perfect choice, with coral gardens and frequent encounters with sea turtles in shallow water, so it is especially loved by anyone who wants plenty of living beauty from day one.
The tour is designed to feel confident for beginners and experienced divers alike: the price includes an English-speaking local instructor, all necessary equipment and two dives. The first is a training dive, where you calmly get used to breathing, technique and how it feels underwater. The second is a deeper, full underwater journey with beautiful locations and marine life all around.
In the end you get an easy, safe and very rich experience: the ocean feels truly alive, and these three towns let you choose your own atmosphere, from calm first steps in Mirissa to the classic reef scene of Hikkaduwa and the more varied routes of Unawatuna.
Diving in Sri Lanka tour price
| Destination | Price per adult | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Diving in Sri Lanka | Instructor services, 2 dives and diving equipment are included in the tour price. | 100 $ |
Instructor services, 2 dives and diving equipment are included in the tour price.
Pickup, timing and practical details
No hidden fees!
Instructor services, dives and equipment are already included in the price.
Safety and comfort
Comfortable transfers, top instructors and checked equipment
Honest reviews
Real reviews from travelers.
24/7 support
Our team is always available on messaging apps.
Guest reviews
Overall Rating
2 reviews
Irina
05/28/2026
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the tour you organized for me! Everything was organized really well: the transfer, the hotel, the flight tickets. Everything was clear. It was very nice that everyone I dealt with was so friendly. I hope this wasn't my last time in Vietnam, and if I come back, I'll contact only you! You are wonderful professionals! Thank you once again! Special thanks to your colleagues who organized all the transfers! Guys, well done!! All the drivers were great! I wish you all prosperity!! Irina Mulaleva
Dasha
05/28/2026
Good afternoon, I forgot to write right away: thank you so much for organizing the tour. Our guide Jojo Oshan was wonderful, we loved everything, we were shown everything that was planned, in a very friendly and informative way. And special thanks to the driver who took us around, a true professional 🙌
Sun protection
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, so sunglasses and a hat will protect you from strong sun rays.
Money for personal expenses
Most of your main costs are covered by the program, but it's a good idea to bring some cash for souvenirs.
Towel
A towel is useful for drying off sea spray.
Tours and Day Trips in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Join our channel to be the first to hear about available tours on the island, plus fresh news and useful tips. Stay up to date with all current offers and special deals!
Other Tours in Sri Lanka
More Big Travel services in Sri Lanka
Popular questions about diving in Sri Lanka
When is the best time to dive in Sri Lanka?
The island has two main dive areas: the south and west (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa) are usually best from November to April, when the sea is calmer and visibility is higher; the east is best from May to October.
Is Sri Lanka suitable for beginner divers?
Yes. The south-west coast is known for calm conditions in season, warm water and reefs at comfortable depths, which is why first dives and beginner courses are often done here.
What can you see underwater when diving?
In the south and west you'll most often see tropical fish, coral reefs, moray eels and rays, while sea turtles are regularly spotted at Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna. The Unawatuna/Galle area also has wrecks and sunken structures.
Do I need a certificate to try diving?
For trial dives such as Discover Scuba Diving, you don't need a certificate. Your instructor guides you, and everything is explained on the beach and underwater. A certificate is required for independent or deeper dives without training.
How safe is diving, and what should I keep in mind?
Diving is safe when it is well organised: you dive only with an instructor or dive guide, and you go through a briefing and an equipment check. Outside the season, the sea can be rough and visibility low due to monsoon winds on some coasts. In those conditions, dive centres either close or move dives to the other side of the island.
Read also: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Diving Tour with an English-speaking Instructor
Diving in Sri Lanka with an English-speaking instructor: briefing and dives into…
Taxi and Transfers in Sri Lanka
Taxi and transfers in Sri Lanka from Colombo Airport to your hotel or between cities…
Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka: New Rules for 2026.
Tourist visa to Sri Lanka: new rules, cost, processing times, and documents. We handle…
Sri Lanka Tours and Day Trips
Day trips and multi-day tours across Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Ella, Yala safaris, whale…
Sri Lanka Tours with an Experienced Driver
Sri Lanka tours with an experienced driver: private, comfortable and good value. Choose…
Tailor-Made Sri Lanka Tour 9 Days / 8 Nights
A full immersion into island life. You will get to know Sri Lanka from the inside…
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy: How to Visit the Sacred Heart of Sri Lanka and Explore It with the Best Tours and Day Trips
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy: how to visit, rules, ceremony times, and English-guided…
Two-Day Hot Air Balloon Tour in Sri Lanka
Two-day hot air balloon tour: Sigiriya or Pidurangala, the Golden Temple of Dambulla…