Ever wanted to explore the mighty ocean at its many depths? Have you felt the need to be at one with the plethora of vibrant marine life, feel the schools of fish swim past breathtaking coral reefs as rays of sunlight shines through the clear blue waters from above? Then, you must make a date with the Blue Deep Dive Centre in the coastal town of Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka.
The Blue Deep Dive Centre was set up in 1995 by co-owners Jajalat Gardihewawasam and Kalu Mavil Priyantha. These two gentlemen felt the need to supplement Sri Lankas thriving tourism industry with a facility that would offer travelers diving lessons and experiences off the coast of Sri Lanka. All the instructors at the Blue Deep Dive Centre are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified dive masters. Dive courses are available in English as well as in Russian and French. The instructors collectively have a wide array of experiences at dive sites around the world. The dive center is also very safety conscious as they regularly check their equipment to be of the accepted safety standards. The center recommends small diving groups of a maximum of 8, with a maximum of 4 students to an instructor. Therefore, be sure to book your place as it is a popular spot for sea sport enthusiasts.
The prime season in Hikkaduwa is from October to April and there are so many beautiful diving sites in and around the waters of Hikkaduwa. The rest of the season from April to October is held in the waters on the north eastern coast of Sri Lanka off the tranquil town of Trincomalee. Some of the diving sites include Black Coral Point and Kirala Gala whilst drift diving occurs at Diyamba and Hikkaduwa Gala. In addition, diving enthusiast would be thrilled with the famous Conch ship wreck and the Little Cave site as well as the abundant marine flora and fauna which thrive in these tropical waters.
Travelers to Hikkaduwa can find accommodation in
Sri Lanka Hotels such as the Era Beach by Jetwing. This
hotel in Galle has a serene ambience being styled in a colonial mansion designed by the famed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Era Beach provides its guests a luxurious stay with a shimmering salt water pool among its many attractions.
