Boat Diving

All Colombo’s sites are accessible by boat. The trips range from 10 minutes (our House Reef) to 20 minutes (our inshore wrecks, the Pecheur Breton, Medufaru, Trug and T.Sierra) to 45 minutes to 1 hour (outer wrecks such as Chief Dragon, Toilet Barge, Coal Ship and Taprobane East). There are also the Expedition wrecks, Perseus and the Wallet Wreck which are 1.5 hours and more from Mount Lavinia.

Most wrecks start at 20m and bottom out at 30m which makes them more suitable for intermediate to experienced divers. Some wrecks such as T.Sierra are shallower at 6-8m but are subject to surge when conditions are not ideal. Some dive shops can arrange special expeditions for qualified divers to deeper wrecks such as Perseus (40m) and the Worcestershire (57m).

Preparing to jump off the boat, Credit

Visibility on the inshore wrecks can range from 8m at the beginning and the end of the season to 20m in February and March. The off shore wrecks are consistently clearer with visibility ranging from 15m-40m though these tend to have more currents. The currents are usually quite predictable running north-south.

Each wreck has its different attractions with some consistent attractions. Shoaling fish are present on all the wrecks, usually snappers and fusiliers. Hunting tuna, seer and giant barracuda are seen often as well as eagle rays.

The Pecheur Breton has two impressive swim throughs and is home to a giant but elusive grouper known as Big G. Bull rays are seen at this wreck as well as at other wrecks like the Toilet Barge. Schooling bannerfish are present at the Medufaru and the Chief Dragon. The Medufaru has an easy penetration from the lower levels up two levels through to the bridge.

The Chief Dragon, a car carrier has its two ramps down providing swim throughs and the deck is littered with the chassis of the cars which are now covered in coral. The Trug is an overturned tug boat which has openings on either side and you can swim into the interior of the ship. This wreck is also home to large shoals of lionfish which are very friendly here and you can watch them hunting as well.

Our latest wreck, the T.Sierra has diving opportunities from DSD to Advanced level with a shallow deck at the bow and stern and penetration as well. The wreck is however inshore so when the sea is choppy the surge is too strong for beginners here.

We have an age of steam wreck south of Mount Lavinia which is perfect for beginners but this is an hours boat ride so only possible in good conditions.

Liveaboard Diving

There are no major liveaboards that include dives off Colombo in their itineraries. 

How to Get there

Flights arrive at Katunayake International Airport which is a 45 minute taxi ride to Mount Lavina. For those staying in Colombo, Mount Lavinia will be around 20-40 minutes with morning traffic.

Near the central train station, Colombo, Credit

Where to Eat & Drink

Eating often makes up a large part of a visit to Colombo, given that the capital is home to such a wide variety of Sri Lankan restaurants and specialities. Visitors can choose between anything from dozens of street eateries on Galle Face to fine dining options including the London Grill. Fare ranges from local to international. As you peruse the city, be sure to keep an eye out for a number of food and drink related festivals that are often held in the streets.

Smoothie, Credit

The nightlife in Colombo is equally as varied. There are plenty of bars and pubs throughout the city, serving anything from cheap beer to artisan cocktails. Some of the biggest clubs are located within the hotels, though you will find a few throughout the city as well, with Tramps and White Horse being particular favourites. The recently refurbished Dutch Hospital is another popular place for both bars and restaurants. Otherwise, there is a casino in town which allows only foreign passport holders in, for those keen to test their luck in Sri Lanka.

Mount Lavinia has a number of restaurants and bars, La Voile Blanche, Shore by O and Sheltons are respectively at the higher, mid and low end of the budget range.

Other Activities

The Colombo museum though a bit tired is an interesting diversion. There is an interesting puppet museum close by in Dehiwala which showcases the traditional puppets of Sri Lanka.  Guided walks of the Dutch area of Colombo are available and excellent outings. Colombo is also a great base for a number of daytrips:

National Museum, Colombo, Credit

▪  Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya

▪  White water rafting in Kitulgala

▪  Whale watching in Mirissa and exploring the Galle Fort

▪  Day visit to Kandy exploring the temples

▪  Bird watching in the Muthurujawela marshes

▪  Bird watching in Thalangama

Diving is limited for children but there are a couple of sites that can accommodate older Junior Open Waters but these are subject to weather conditions so the best time for these sites are February/March. Most dive shops can arrange pool sessions (Bubblemaker), etc for the younger kids. There are landbased activities including a nearby puppet museum, Paddleboat rides in the nearby Diyawanna Lake, the nearby Good Market (held on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays) has activities for kids such as Drum workshops, etc. A local Experiential company called Trekurious can organize various activities for kids such as pottery classes, food workshops, etc.

Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Credit

Insider Tips

▪Travel in November, the seas are calm meaning the outer shore wrecks are available. It is low season so the hotels are less busy and crowded and generally have more offers.

▪Trishaws are the worst for scams, they overcharge tourists. Use the metered Trishaws around instead of the unmetered ones and always ask the meter to be switched on. The general   rule for costs are Rs.50 for the first km and Rs.35 for the each following km.

Colombo at Night, Credit

▪ Always use the taxi counters at the airport to avoid unscrupulous touts.

▪The other main scam is jewelry as Sri Lanka is noted for the gem industry. Always buy gems or jewelry from retailers that are certified by the Tourist Board (information available online).

▪ Beach touts are rare in Mount Lavinia and generally are not big on scams though caution should always be taken.

▪ The only hyperbaric chamber in Sri Lanka is located on a military base in Trincomalee. By road, this chamber is 270 km away and the trip takes just over 4 hours.