Beach Resort
Nilaveli Beach Hotel
Nilaveli
Simple beachfront base minutes from the dive jetty — walk to breakfast, then out to the reef.
East Coast · 7 Days
Diving Sri Lanka: A 7-Day Private Sri Lanka Tour
A dive-first week on Sri Lanka's east coast — Pigeon Island reefs, harbour wrecks, and boat days timed to the clearest water of the year.
From USD 1,180 per person
Tour Overview
Where the day starts on the dive boat
This journey is built around the water. Base yourself near Nilaveli and Trincomalee when the east coast is in season, then let a local dive centre set the sites — shallow coral gardens for first dives, deeper walls and wrecks for certified divers. Between boat trips there is harbour light, beach afternoons, and enough stillness that the sea stays the main story.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Destinations
- East Coast
- Travel Style
- Active & Wild
- Best Time to Travel
- May – September (east-coast dive season; calmest visibility)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & eastward
Day 1
Arrival & eastward
Meet at the airport or Colombo, then cross the island to Trincomalee's harbour shore — time to settle, check kit, and meet your dive centre.
- Airport meet-and-greet
- Transfer to the east coast
- Dive briefing
Day 2
Harbour & check-out dives
Day 2
Harbour & check-out divesEasy warm-up dives to confirm buoyancy and comfort, then a clifftop walk to Koneswaram above the natural harbour.
- Check-out dive
- Harbour site
- Koneswaram temple
Day 3
Pigeon Island reef
Day 3
Pigeon Island reef
Boat out to the marine sanctuary — hard coral, reef fish, and clear turquoise shallows. Snorkellers can join the same outing.
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Two tank reef dives
- Beach recovery afternoon
Day 4
Walls, swim-throughs & wrecks
Day 4
Walls, swim-throughs & wrecksDeeper sites for certified divers — walls, swim-throughs, and local wrecks when conditions allow. Open Water students continue course dives.
- Advanced reef sites
- Optional wreck dive
- Nilaveli beach evening
Day 5
Second Pigeon Island day
Day 5
Second Pigeon Island dayReturn to the sanctuary for different sites and light — or swap for a dolphin / whale-watching morning if the sea calls for a surface day.
- More reef time
- Optional wildlife boat
- Seafood lunch
Day 6
Flexible sea day
Day 6
Flexible sea day
One more boat for those who want maximum bottom time, or a slow Nilaveli day — kayak, swim, and recover before the return road.
- Optional final dives
- Beach and lagoon time
- Farewell dinner
Day 7
Return west
Day 7
Return westPrivate transfer back to Colombo or the airport, with timing set around your flight.
- Flexible departure
- En-route stop
- Airport drop-off
Accommodation
Suggested stays for this route — property photos available on request.
Boutique Coastal
Jungle Beach
Trincomalee
Cabanas between forest and bay when you want a quieter, more private shore after dive days.
Journey Highlights
Scuba & Reef
Harbour Life
Coastal Temples
Optional Wildlife Boat
Inclusions & Exclusions
Starting from
Starting price USD 1,180 / person
Final pricing depends on dates, group size, and accommodation choices.
Inclusions
- Private vehicle with licensed chauffeur-guide
- Fuel, parking, and highway tolls
- Curated accommodation as outlined
- Airport meet-and-greet on arrival day
- Dive centre coordination and park boat logistics as outlined
- Tank fills and basic dive support on booked dive days
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 site list; beginners can start with Discover Scuba or an Open Water course with a local centre. We match the plan to your level before you travel.
When is the best time for diving on the east coast?
May to September usually brings the calmest seas and best visibility around Trincomalee and Pigeon Island. We avoid building a dive-heavy week into the wrong monsoon.
Can non-divers join?
Yes. Partners can snorkel on many boat days, enjoy Nilaveli beach, or take a harbour and temple 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 can confirm current rates when you enquire.
Related Sri Lanka Tours
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
View
Deep South
Wild South, Safari & Sea
6 Days · Private Tour · Wildlife & Coast
Dawn game drives in leopard country, then warm southern bays and whale-rich mornings.
Starting price USD 760 / person
View
Island-wide
The Grand Island Journey
12 Days · Private Tour · Grand Tour
Coast to hills, end to end — the complete island, unhurried, at your own rhythm.
Starting price USD 1,680 / person
ViewFrom USD 1,180
7 Days
Below the surface
Customise This Tour
Share your certification level and dates — we'll shape boat days, stays, and transfers around the clearest water.
From USD 1,180
7 Days