Pigeon Island:
A highlight of the East Coast, Pigeon Island is one of only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka and is consequently one of the most famous dive sites in the area. You can explore colorful corals, marine life, and blacktip reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, and many colorful fish.
Underwater Museum:
Opened in 2020. As a part of this museum, you can see two significant intact shipwrecks at a depth of max. 18 meters. Great for all wreck lovers, student divers, beginners, and qualified divers.
Irrakkandi ship wreck (7-9 m)
A mysterious iron-built ship, about 90 meters in length, that sank in shallow waters, now provides an established underwater habitat. It has succumbed to quite a bit of damage and has attracted treasure hunters because it is easily accessible; however, the bow, stern, and propeller can be easily identified.
HMS Hermes – A British military tanker that was destroyed during World War II. This wreck has now been taken over by reefs, and it is now home to a healthy population of marine creatures.
It is home to a high diversity and abundance of marine life, including 207 species of fish observed so far. In 2019, the reef was declared a protected site and named the 18th Marine Sanctuary in Sri Lanka.
Important Notes
DAY 01
AIRPORT – COLOMBO: APPROX. 45-MINUTE DRIVE
Upon your arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka, you will be greeted by our Unique Lanka Travels representative, who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
After arriving in Colombo, immerse yourself in the vibrant mix of cultures that define the city. Start with a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple, where you can witness the harmonious blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and indigenous architecture.
Stroll through the bustling streets of Pettah, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of the local markets will awaken your senses. Don’t miss the chance to sample some delicious street food specialties.
In the evening, head to the Galle Face Green promenade to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Dinner & Overnight stay in Colombo.
DAY 02
COLOMBO -TRINCOMALEE APPROX 6 HRS DRIVE
After Breakfast proceed to Trincomalee. En route make a memorable stop at the Millennium Elephant Foundation. Spend some time observing these majestic creatures as they roam and bathe in the river.
Afterward, continue your journey to Sigiriya. In the afternoon, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions. This ancient stone fortress is considered the eighth wonder of the world, showcasing unbelievable technical stone methods and wall art in a beautiful environment that demonstrates the unlimited talent of Sri Lanka’s rich history. According to Sri Lankan history, King Kashyapa created this Lion’s Rock to hide from his brother’s attacks. After the king’s death, Sigiriya served as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
Check in to your hotel in Trincomalee and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Simply unwind with a cocktail by the pool.
Dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.
DAY 03 & 04
DIVING ADVENTURE IN TRINCOMALEE
After breakfast, you will proceed to the dive center at 8.30 a.m. with your license to complete the paperwork, get the equipment ready, and have a briefing before you leave at 9 a.m. for diving.
The next two days you will spend time diving into the sea to discover the wonders of Trincomalee’s vibrant underwater world. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, Trincomalee offers various diving sites suitable for all levels of expertise.
Dive sites with depths ranging from 6 meters to 30 meters offer the opportunity to witness a variety of hard and soft corals, sea fans, turtles, and anemones growing on the reefs and rock formations. Many fish species (nearly 297), including colorful coral fish and blacktip reef sharks, live in these habitats.
The underwater museum will amaze you with ancient cannons and architectural marvels. It’s like a city submerged underwater. Feel like you’re in Atlantis, the legendary underwater city.”
Most of the dive sites are shallow (10 m to 14 m); because of that, the dive time will be around 45 minutes or more.
Dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.
DAY 05
TRINCOMALEE – PASSIKUDAH APPROX 3 HRS DRIVE
After enjoying breakfast, proceed on a Trincomalee city tour. Visit the Thirukoneswaram Hindu Temple on the top of Swami Rock, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline, Fort Frederick, the local fish market, and Kanniya Hot Water Springs, renowned for its natural hot springs believed to have therapeutic properties. Trincomalee Harbor is the largest natural harbor in Asia, exposed to the Bay of Bengal,enabling large vessels to dock.
Thereafter, proceed to Passikudah, a coastal town renowned for its pristine beaches and exceptional diving opportunities. Passikudah is celebrated as one of the premier diving destinations in Sri Lanka, offering a wealth of underwater experiences for enthusiasts of all levels.
Dinner and overnight at Passikudha.
DAY 06 & 07
After enjoying breakfast, it’s time to explore your favorite dive sites, encounter marine life, and soak in the beauty of Pasikudah’s underwater world.
In the morning you will proceed to the dive center at 8.30 a.m. with your license to complete the paperwork, get the equipment ready, and have a briefing before you leave at 9 a.m. for diving.
Pasikudah is home to a vibrant reef ecosystem and numerous wreck sites, and it is considered one of the prime destinations for diving in Sri Lanka. The region is also home to one of the world’s longest stretches of shallow waters, making it the perfect setting for beginners to learn the skills required for diving. The healthy and vibrant coral gardens of Pasikudah teem with marine creatures, which include schools of colorful reef fish, a myriad of crustaceans, and other marine dwellers such as reef sharks, eels, rays, octopuses, and even sea turtles.
Dinner and overnight at Passikudha.
Day 08
PASSIKUDHA – DEPARTURE FROM KATUNAYAKE AIRPORT APPROX 06 HRS DRIVE
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
Our Unique Lanka Travels representative/Guide/Driver will assist you with your check-out and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
Upon reaching the airport, our team will ensure a smooth transition for your departure, assisting you with check-in procedures and any necessary arrangements.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka in the future for more unforgettable experiences. Safe travels until we meet again!