SRILANKA - Underwater Wonder World

SRILANKA

UNDERWATER WONDER WORLD

SRI LANKA's spectacular scenic beauty does not end at its shore-line. Beneath its seas lies a fascinating sub-marine wonderland of gorgeously coloured coral, jewel-hued tropical fish and submerged shipwrecks which offer exciting and memorable experiences and photographic opportunities to those who don mask, snorkel, flippers or SCUBA gear or even explore in a glass-keeled boat.

A wide coral shelf surrounds Sri Lanka's coast at intervals, from north south, providing excellent sites for skin-diving. Some of the best spots for submarine sight seeing and exploration are Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Gintota, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Kudawella, Mahawella, Dickwella, Tangalle and the famed Great and Little Basses (best in March-April) on the south and south - east coast, Arippu, Silavatural, Kandakuliya and the Bar-Reef on the north - west coast and Negomba and Beruwela - Bentota on the western sea board. Sri Lanka's east coast has exceptional underwater sites at Kalmunai, Kattankudy, Batticoloa, Tirrukovil, Punnakudah, Kalkudah, Passekudah, Vakkarai and Pigeon Island(Nilaveli). There are 138 species of corals recorded for Sri Lanka. The common species belonging to the families of Acroporidae (Staghorn corals), Portidae ( Dome corals), Mussidae (Brain corals), Faviidae (Star corals), Pocilloporidae (Flower corals)

Under water equipment, tours and guide services

Air-tanks, re-fills and other under water equipment can be rented in Colombo and at the leading south and west coast beach resorts. Glass-keel and other boats are available for hire. Wet suits are not necessary in Sri Lanka's warm seas for day time divingMany varieties fo photographic material and accessories are available locally

Good dive packages and under water safaris and expeditions are offered by specialist agencies and by travel agents who engage professional diving guides and instructors.
For further details please contact: The Ceylon Tourist Board Travel Information Centre at 78, Steuart Place, Colombo 3. Tel : 437053.