Scuba Diving in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa National Park protects one of Sri Lanka's finest shallow coral reef systems, home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish species in waters just 5–10 metres deep. Certified dive instructors lead both beginner try-dives and Open Water courses from purpose-built dive centres on the beach, with dives operating morning and afternoon in season.

Beyond the coral garden, the surrounding waters hold several wreck dive sites including the WWII-era cargo vessel SS Conch, adding depth to the experience.

Shorta Tours arranges Scuba Diving in Hikkaduwa as part of a tailored private itinerary, providing expert guides, comfortable private transfers, and hand-picked operators to ensure a seamless and truly memorable experience.

Hikkaduwa's reef was Sri Lanka's first marine protected area, gazetted as a Coral Sanctuary in 1979 and subsequently upgraded to National Park status. The reef suffered significant bleaching damage during the 1998 El Niño event and again during the 2004 tsunami, but concerted conservation efforts and reduced boat anchor damage have led to remarkable recovery.

Today the park is one of the healthiest shallow reef systems on the south coast and a flagship for Sri Lankan marine conservation.

Today, Scuba Diving in Hikkaduwa remains one of the highlights of visiting south coast, drawing guests from around the world who seek its unique combination of history, nature, and authentic Sri Lankan character.

Beginner try-dives require no certification; Open Water certification courses take 3–4 days. Dive centres on the beach provide all equipment, though bringing personal mask and fins is encouraged.

Shorta Tours arranges tailored dive programmes through accredited PADI and SSI centres with multilingual instructors.

Essential items to pack: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard, personal mask and fins if preferred, underwater camera..