Board & set sail
- Arrival at Port Trincomalee; boarding 15:00–15:50.
- The yacht departs by 16:00.
- Check dive / snorkel opportunity on board (night dive optional).
◆ The Reef Chart · Northeast Sri Lanka
NortheastAdventure
Rocky reefs, temple relics and a marine sanctuary — six days around Trincomalee and Nilaveli, in the calmest water on the island.
The Reefs
Six sites, one sheltered bay
Trincomalee sits on one of the world's finest natural harbours, and the diving reflects it — sheltered rocky reefs beneath the Koneswaram temple, shallow gardens along the bay, and the reef flats of Nilaveli and Pigeon Island a short boat ride north. Moray eels of every kind, rays, turtles and schooling fish are the regulars; on Swami Rock, temple statues thrown into the sea by the Dutch in the 17th century still lie on the bottom.
Trace the route — tap any marker to open its log.
TrincomaleeKoneswaramNilaveli
Northeast Coast of Ceylon
Reef Chart · Chart N°07
5 nautical miles
Port and dive-site positions are approximate — not for navigation. Coastline © OpenStreetMap contributors.
N°01Trincomalee · 18 mReef
South Reef
Just south of the Koneswaram temple, a rocky reef with an abundance of fish life hidden within — sulphur-head and honeycomb moray eels, nudibranchs, scorpionfish and stonefish tucked into the underwater ridges.
Divers may come across schools of triggerfish lying in wait to ambush anyone who strays too close; they are fiercely territorial.
Photography: Samith (Sam) Fernando
N°02Trincomalee · 12 mReef
Navy Island
Along the bay behind Trincomalee hospital, this site offers an amazing reef that stretches over a wide area, starting right from the beach. The shallow reef suits all levels, and the experienced can explore small swim-throughs across its varied topography.
Look out for moray eels of many species hidden all about: sulphur-head, white-eyed, giant and honeycomb morays.
Photography: Samith (Sam) Fernando
N°03Trincomalee · 21 mReef
Swami Rock
Swami Rock is home to varied marine life, including large rays and schooling fish, as well as statues from the temple destroyed by the Dutch in the 17th century.
The area has a number of dive sites where underwater masonry and other features can also be found.
Photography: Samith (Sam) Fernando
N°04Nilaveli · 18 mReef
Knife Rock
Turtles, stingrays, triggerfish, lionfish, stonefish, cuttlefish and beautiful soft corals spread throughout. At a maximum depth of 18 m, the site is within a 10-minute boat ride.
Photography: Samith (Sam) Fernando
N°05Nilaveli · 13 mReef
Coral Rock
Though this site holds a smaller selection of coral, barracuda, pufferfish, stingrays, triggerfish, lionfish and stonefish are among the regulars.
Just under a 20-minute boat ride and a maximum depth of 13 m make this an ideal site for the new diver.
Photography: Samith (Sam) Fernando
N°06Nilaveli · 2–15 mReef
Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary
Blacktip reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, and soft and hard corals. The depth surrounding the island varies from 2 m to 11 m.
Note: a park entrance fee is required before setting foot on the island.
Photography: Yohan Abeyesekera
Notes to Mariners
Your Journey Begins Before You Fly
- 01Maximum depth for recreational dives is limited to 30 m.
- 02Night, deep and decompression dives beyond 18 m are for suitably certified divers only.
- 03Diving with a computer is mandatory; solo diving is not permitted.
- 04Wait 24 hours before flying after your last dive.
- 05Exact route and sites are subject to local regulations, guest experience, weather and logistics — at the Captain's discretion.
Experience required
- Open Water — 7 minimum logged dives required.
- Advanced Open Water — 5 minimum logged dives required.
