Scuba diving sites in Kalpitiya Sri Lanka
Scuba diving is very popoular in Kalpitiya and whole Sri Lanka. Around Dune Towers resort and all over the Kalpitiya peninsula you can find many great dive sites. There are two dive centers around and we will arrange everything for your pleasant diving vacation.
You can find more details about dive sites, divecenters and more on DiveBooker.com
We are also experienced scuba divers, so we will happy to organize everything from airport pickup, accommodation and meals, diving with transport and massage or safari during your non-diving days.
If you’re an avid scuba diver, or just looking to try it out for the first time, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka should be on your list of must-visit destinations. Located in the northwest of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya boasts a range of dive sites that offer an unforgettable underwater experience. From colorful coral gardens to schools of exotic fish, there’s something for every level of diver.
One of the top sites in the area is Bar Reef, which is the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka. It’s mostly great for snorkelling due to its shallow waters and diverse marine life. The reef is home to over 150 species of coral, including soft and hard corals, which provide a stunning backdrop for the myriad of tropical fish that call this reef home.
Another popular dive site is Dutch Reef, which is a shallow dive that’s perfect for beginners. It’s known for its colorful soft corals, which make it a popular spot for underwater photography. You’ll see a variety of fish species, including schools of yellow snapper, lionfish, and moray eels.
For experienced divers, there’s the deeper dive site of Turtles Rock. As the name suggests, this site is known for its abundance of sea turtles, and you’ll often see them swimming alongside you during your dive. The site also boasts a variety of hard corals, which provide a stunning contrast to the deep blue waters.
At Kalpitiya, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide range of marine animals, including the elusive dugong, which is a rare and endangered species. Schools of colorful fish such as parrotfish, triggerfish, and groupers can be found at most dive sites, along with a range of reef sharks and rays.
The coral reefs of Kalpitiya are home to a variety of soft and hard corals, including staghorn coral, brain coral, and table coral. These corals provide a habitat for a wide range of marine life, including colorful nudibranchs, sea anemones, and sea stars.
In conclusion, scuba diving in the Kalpitiya area of Sri Lanka is an experience not to be missed. With its diverse range of dive sites and abundance of marine life, you’re sure to have an unforgettable underwater adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the coral reefs of Kalpitiya will take your breath away. So pack your bags, grab your diving gear, and head to Kalpitiya for an unforgettable scuba diving experience.
We are regularly diving in Kalpitiya and mostly around Alankuda, we can recommend and arrange best scuba diving trips to you. The best diving is from December until April. In other months we can arrange scuba diving in the East Coast of Sri Lanka for you.
Photo gallery of Dune Towers divers
Marine life in Kalpitiya
The Indian Ocean is home to a diverse range of marine life, and the Kalpitiya peninsula in Sri Lanka is no exception. From colorful fish to majestic sea turtles, the waters around Kalpitiya are teeming with life. Here is a long list of some of the marine animals you can expect to see in the Indian Ocean in the area of Kalpitiya peninsula.
Green turtles – These majestic creatures are a common sight in the waters around Kalpitiya, and they’re often seen basking on the shore.
Hawksbill turtles – Another species of turtle that’s found in the area, the hawksbill turtle is known for its beautiful shell.
Olive ridley turtles – A rare species of turtle, the olive ridley can be found in the waters around Kalpitiya during their nesting season.
Leatherback turtles – The largest species of sea turtle, leatherbacks can grow up to 2 meters in length and are a sight to behold.
Reef sharks – A variety of reef sharks can be found in the waters around Kalpitiya, including blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks.
- Whale sharks – Another large species of shark, the whale shark can grow up to 12 meters in length and is a rare but thrilling sight.
Blue whales – The largest animal on earth, blue whales can be spotted in the waters around Kalpitiya during their annual migration.
Spinner dolphins – These playful creatures are often seen leaping out of the water, spinning in the air, and riding the bow waves of boats.
Bottlenose dolphins – Another common species of dolphin in the area, bottlenose dolphins are known for their intelligence and playful behavior.
Pilot whales – These majestic creatures can often be spotted swimming in pods of up to 50 individuals.
Sperm whales – The largest toothed whale, sperm whales can be spotted in the deeper waters around Kalpitiya.
False killer whales – A rare species of dolphin, the false killer whale is known for its striking black and white markings.
Moray eels – These carnivorous fish can often be seen hiding in the crevices of coral reefs, waiting for their next meal.
Octopuses – These intelligent creatures are often seen hiding in the coral, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey.
Cuttlefish – Known for their incredible ability to change color, cuttlefish can be found in the waters around Kalpitiya.
Clownfish – Made famous by the movie Finding Nemo, clownfish are a common sight in the coral reefs around Kalpitiya.
Parrotfish – These brightly colored fish are named for their beak-like mouths, which they use to scrape algae off of coral.
Triggerfish – Another colorful species of fish, triggerfish can often be seen swimming in large schools.
Groupers – These large fish are often seen hiding in the coral, waiting for their next meal to swim by.
These are just a few of the many marine animals that call the waters around Kalpitiya home. With its rich biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes, it’s no wonder that scuba divers and nature enthusiasts flock to this area year after year. So grab your snorkel or scuba gear and come see for yourself the incredible marine life of the Indian Ocean in the Kalpitiya peninsula of Sri Lanka.
