Views of the Deep

Hikkaduwa in the south west coast of Sri Lanka has long been recognized as one of the best places for scuba diving with its impressive and easily accessible coral reef, heaps of tropical fish and tons of shipwrecks lying off the coast between Hikkaduwa and Galle.

The many dive sites between Hikkaduwa and Galle resulted in the area being called a divers paradise. Among the famous dive sites are Black Coral Point, Coral Garden Cave and Godagala all just 5 minutes from Hikkaduwa beach by power boat sporting interesting subterranean landscapes and gloriously coloured corals including black coral and many species of reef fish among which are moray eels, barracuda, snapper, gray shark and turtles found at depths between 10 to 30 meters.

Another dive site Hikkaduwa Gala (rock) is located on the famed Hikkaduwa coral reef. In addition to the coral beds, sightings of barracuda, rays, lobsters, snapper and many other tropical fish have been made here at depths of up to 21 meters. Kapawaragala and Sunils Rock are other dive destination on the reef where divers have the privilege of viewing diverse range of soft corals and tropical fish such as grouper, lion fish and coral fish. Many hued large corals, barracuda, moray eels and rays are found at relatively shallow depths at Seenigama Rock just south of Hikkaduwa.

Other well known dive sites with quaint names include Mapagala, Ralahamy Gala, Ralagala, Kirala Gala all of which have fantastic examples of elk horn, stag horn, brain, fan and other varieties of corals and a huge variety of small and large fish. In the absence of silt underwater views are clear particularly in bright sunlight. Additionally many ancient and not so ancient shipwrecks off the coast between Galle and Hikkaduwa provide fantastic opportunities for scuba divers to explore the living reefs that have grown around them. Some of the more recent wrecks are the Lord Nelson a cargo vessel that sank in 2000, Ethopy also a cargo vessel that sank in 1977 and Conch an oil tanker from 1903. All of the sites have beautiful coral formations with schools of reef fish swimming among the wrecks. At the Conch site scuba divers can even enter the wreck.

Several excellent diving schools with PADI certified instructors who can train divers and lead experienced divers in reef and shipwreck dives are located in Hikkaduwa town.

With the best location in town, right opposite Hikkaduwa’s famous coral reef and next to a glorious stretch of beach, Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa should obviously be the first choice of scuba divers, snorkelers and those who simply want to spend lazy days on the sand. In addition to superb contemporary rooms and suites with private balconies and beach views this Hikkaduwa hotel also sports some of the best facilities and amenities in the area including a choice of dining venues serving sea food and other delectable goodies, well equipped leisure and wellness facilities. As one of well known and prominent beach hotels in Sri Lanka, guests here are assured of memorable holiday experiences.