TRINCOMALEE
GETTING THERE
The nearest airport to Trincomalee is Sigiriya, about 80 kilometres away, and there are daily flights from Colombo taking around 90 minutes. Many prefer the scenic drive across the country from Colombo to Trincomalee, which will take you around six hours.
Swami Rock, Taprobane Reef
If you’re a diver that seeks out visually stunning dive sites then make a beeline for Swami Rock at Taprobane Reef. Home to a myriad marine species, from rays to schooling fish, as well as a collection of statues from a temple that was destroyed and abandoned in the 17th century, it’s no wonder why divers from all over the world travel to Sri Lanka to photograph this dive site. The Trincomalee area is also an excellent spot for macro photography, with treats on offer including nudibranchs, harlequin shrimps, pipefish, seahorses, frogfish, scorpionfish, flying gurnards, and octopuses.
Navy Island
Located along the bay by Trincomalee Hospital, Navy Island offers an amazing shallow reef spanning some 700 metres. The site is perfect for divers of all levels, including those who are undertaking dive courses. More experienced divers may penetrate small swim-throughs as they explore the varied underwater topography while beginners can look out for the different marine life that inhabit the reef. Sulphur head, white-eyed, giant, and honeycomb moray eels can all be found alongside nudibranchs, cephalopods, scorpionfish, frogfish, stonefish and stingrays.
DIVE EXPERIENCE All levels, from beginner upwards
BEST TIME TO DIVE April to October
WATER TEMPERATURE 27–30°C
VISIBILITY Up to 30 metres
DEPTH 30 to 57 metres