East Coast
East Coast & Open Water
9 Days · Private Tour · Beach & Surf
Empty golden bays, warm reefs, and long slow days on the island's quieter shore.
Starting price USD 1,040 / person
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Sri Lanka Coasts · 7 Days
Scuba Diving Experiences: A 7-Day Private Sri Lanka Tour
Scuba diving experiences in Sri Lanka — Nilaveli and Trincomalee from April to September, Hikkaduwa from October to March, with PADI Discover Scuba for first-time divers.
From USD 1,180 per person
Tour Overview
Two coasts, one underwater island
Discover the pristine waters of Sri Lanka's northeast coast around Nilaveli and Trincomalee from April to September — vibrant coral reefs, World War II shipwrecks, diverse marine life, and the chance of oceanic whitetip sharks. From October to March, the journey shifts to Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast for colourful reefs, sea turtles, eagle rays, and historic wrecks with experienced dive professionals. Beginners can start with PADI Discover Scuba Diving — a safe, instructor-led introduction before exploring the same spectacular underwater environment.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Destinations
- Sri Lanka Coasts
- Travel Style
- Active & Wild
- Best Time to Travel
- April – September (Nilaveli / Trincomalee) · October – March (Hikkaduwa)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & transfer to dive base
Day 1
Arrival & transfer to dive basePhotography
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Matching photos for this place will appear here when ready.
Meet at the airport or Colombo, then transfer to your seasonal dive base — Nilaveli / Trincomalee from April to September, or Hikkaduwa from October to March. Settle in, meet your dive centre, and brief for the week ahead.
- Airport meet-and-greet
- Seasonal coast transfer
- Dive centre briefing
Day 2
First dives or PADI Discover Scuba
Day 2
First dives or PADI Discover ScubaCertified divers complete easy check-out dives. First-timers join PADI Discover Scuba Diving with certified instructors — a safe, hands-on introduction before exploring Sri Lanka's underwater world.
- PADI Discover Scuba option
- Check-out / confined-water skills
- Shore or harbour warm-up
Day 3
Coral reef diving
Day 3
Coral reef divingBoat out to vibrant coral gardens — Pigeon Island and Nilaveli reefs in east-coast season, or Hikkaduwa's colourful reefs in the southwest season. Snorkellers can join many of the same outings.
- Two-tank reef dives
- Coral gardens & reef fish
- Beach recovery afternoon
Day 4
Shipwrecks & marine life
Day 4
Shipwrecks & marine lifeOn the northeast coast, explore World War II wrecks and watch for diverse marine life — including the possibility of oceanic whitetip sharks. On the southwest coast, look for sea turtles, eagle rays, and historic Hikkaduwa wrecks.
- Wreck diving (conditions allowing)
- Turtles, rays & reef life
- Guided by dive professionals
Day 5
Second full dive day
Day 5
Second full dive dayReturn to different reef or wreck sites for more bottom time and better comfort in the water. Open Water students continue course dives while certified divers push a little deeper when conditions allow.
- More reef or wreck time
- Course dives if booked
- Seafood lunch
Day 6
Flexible sea day
Day 6
Flexible sea dayOne more boat for those who want maximum time underwater, or a slower beach day — swim, recover, and enjoy the shore before the return road.
- Optional final dives
- Beach time
- Farewell dinner
Day 7
Return to Colombo
Day 7
Return to ColomboPhotography
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Matching photos for this place will appear here when ready.
Private transfer back to Colombo or the airport, timed around your flight.
- Flexible departure
- En-route stop
- Airport drop-off
Journey Highlights
Coral Reef Diving
Shipwrecks
Marine Life
PADI Discover Scuba
Inclusions & Exclusions
Starting from
Starting price USD 1,180 / person
Final pricing depends on dates, group size, and how you like to travel.
Inclusions
- Private vehicle with licensed chauffeur-guide
- Fuel, parking, and highway tolls
- Accommodation arranged to match your style (confirmed on enquiry)
- Airport meet-and-greet on arrival day
- Dive centre coordination for your seasonal coast (Nilaveli / Trincomalee or Hikkaduwa)
- Dive centre coordination and boat logistics as outlined
- Tank fills and basic dive support on booked dive days
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving arrangement for first-time divers (course fees extra)
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Meals unless specified
- Entrance fees to parks and monuments
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- PADI / SSI course fees and certification cards
- Personal dive equipment rental (available locally)
- Marine park tickets and boat supplements where charged separately
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certified diver?
No. Certified divers get the full reef and wreck list. Beginners can join PADI Discover Scuba Diving — a safe introduction with certified PADI instructors — or continue into an Open Water course. We match the plan to your level before you travel.
When is the best time for diving in Sri Lanka?
April to September is best for Nilaveli and Trincomalee on the northeast coast. October to March is best for Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast. We place your week on the coast that is in season for your dates.
What will I see underwater?
Northeast season highlights include coral reefs, World War II shipwrecks, and diverse marine life — with the possibility of oceanic whitetip sharks. Southwest season around Hikkaduwa brings colourful reefs, sea turtles, eagle rays, and historic wrecks.
What is PADI Discover Scuba Diving?
It is the entry-level PADI programme for first-time divers. Under certified instructors you learn basic skills and make a guided dive — a safe, enjoyable way to experience Sri Lanka's underwater environment without a full certification course.
Can non-divers join?
Yes. Partners can snorkel on many boat days, enjoy the beach, or take a light coastal day while you dive. Tell us the mix and we pace the week accordingly.
Is equipment included?
Boat logistics and dive support are arranged as outlined. Full kit rental and course materials are usually paid to the dive centre — we confirm current rates when you enquire.
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