Sri Lanka Diving Tours

Sri Lanka Diving Tours has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1998. Founded by Feli Fernando, the business has grown from a single operation into a multi-location network with six centres spanning Negombo, Colombo, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mirissa, and Dickwella.

As a PADI IDC centre, the organisation provides a high level of professional instruction across the island. Whether you are looking for a relaxed reef dive in Hikkaduwa or a technical wreck penetration in the east, their established presence ensures a reliable standard of service and local expertise.

The centre is a family-run operation led by Feli Fernando and Renu Fernando, with Sashaa Fernando serving as the base manager in Trincomalee. Sashaa is the first PADI Course Director in Sri Lanka, bringing a high level of professional training to the local diving scene.

The team consists of approximately 20 employees and provides instruction in English, Sinhala, Tamil, Hindi, and German. To ensure personalised attention and safety, the centre maintains a strict ratio of 4 to 5 divers per guide.

Beyond training, the team is actively involved in marine conservation, organising reef clean-ups every two to three months. Divers are welcome to participate in these efforts to help maintain the local ecosystems.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering the entire PADI progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, with Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster levels following.

As the only certified technical diving centre in the country, they offer specialised training including Trimix, Sidemount, and Self-Reliant diving. They also provide a wide range of specialty courses such as PADI Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Underwater Navigation, Night Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy.

Professional development is a core strength, with the centre capable of delivering the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Assistant Instructor courses. They also offer niche training in Digital Underwater Photography, Fish Identification, and Shark Conservation.

The centre operates a fleet of 10 boats to service its various locations. While specific vessel names and types vary by site, the fleet supports a wide range of activities including recreational reef dives, night dives, and seasonal whale and dolphin safaris. For the safari trips, life jackets and refreshments such as water and biscuits are provided on board.

Full equipment hire is available for divers who do not wish to travel with their own kit. The centre provides all the necessary components for a complete dive setup.

For those looking to extend their bottom time or dive deeper, Nitrox and Trimix are available. The facility is also equipped with emergency oxygen to ensure high safety standards during all operations.

The marine life varies significantly depending on which coast you visit. On the reefs, you will find a high density of colourful fish, including snappers, jacks, and various species of grouper. Sea turtles, including Green and Hawksbill species, are frequently encountered in the shallower reef flats.

For those interested in larger pelagics, the area hosts blacktip reef sharks and various species of dolphins, such as Spinner Dolphins. During the peak seasons, the waters are also home to Blue whales and Sperm whales, particularly between November and April in Mirissa or May to October in Trincomalee.

The reef structures themselves are vibrant, featuring extensive growth of soft corals and black coral. These habitats support a wide array of life, from large Napoleon wrasse and barracudas to smaller inhabitants like platax and nurse sharks.

Diving in Sri Lanka is highly seasonal depending on your location. The West and South coasts are best visited from November to April, while the East coast is most suitable from May to October.

The Indian Ocean can experience periods of swell, so it is always wise to check local conditions before heading out. Divers should plan their trips according to these seasonal windows to ensure the best possible conditions for their specific dive sites.