Island Scuba Diving

About Island Scuba

We are a PADI registered Dive Resort focusing on small groups to provide a knowledge based dive experience and ensure a personal level of service.

We have marine biologists, environmental scientists and underwater photographers on staff and no other dive operation in Sri Lanka can match us for expertise and knowledge of Colombo's waters. Island Scuba won a Certificate of Excellence for 2014 from Tripadvisor and was the first choice for logistics for the Scubazoo film crew that filmed in Colombo for the upcoming National Geographic series, Wild Sri Lanka.

We run one 23ft and one 19ft fiberglass boat equipped with outboard engines and canopies. Emergency oxygen, first aid box and life jackets are carried onboard. We are the only dive shop in Sri Lanka to have a comprehensive evacuation plan in partnership with Falck, Sri Lanka's premier emergency service provider. We are also the only shop in Colombo that has boats registered with the Navy for diving.

Mares dive equipment is available for rent. Storm whistles and SMB's are available for all rental BCD's.

Colombo Diving

The feature of diving in Colombo, Sri Lanka is the many wrecks ranging from WW1 armed mechantmen to modern freighters. Many have profuse coral growth and attract large numbers of schooling fish as well as hunting tuna,wahoo and large stingrays. Reef diving is on sandstone ridges covered in a mix of hard and soft coral. There is abundant fish life as well as interesting macro objects such aas nudibranchs,pipefish,fire gobies, scorpionfish and electrict rays.

Many of the best dive sites are in the 20-30m depth range and suited for divers with Advanced Open Water Certification. It is a perfect location for someone looking to continue their dive education with the Advanced Course or the Wreck specialty. Most dive sites are less than 10-30mins boat ride from our launch point. A few wrecks (below 40m) are only available for certified technical divers but we arrange special expeditions to these as well.

We usually do 2 morning dives and our boat departs at 8am and returns by 1pm. Drinking water and light refreshments are provided during the trip. Afternoon dives are available but need to be decided on the day as our dive sites are quite exposed and afternoon winds can pick up on some days.

Seasons and Conditions

The dive season in Colombo is from November to April with the best and most consistent conditions in February and March. Visibility varies depending on the distance from shore and weather with averages of around 10m (highs of 20m) on most of our inshore sites and averages of around 20m (highs of 40m) on offshore sites. Currents are usually mild to moderate. Water temperature is around 28C so a 3mm shorty is usually adequate.

Outside Colombo

Sri Lanka is a great location if you are looking to combine diving with some overland activities taking in cultural and wildlife sights. Whale watchings, UNESCO World Heritage sites, white water rafting, leopard safaris are all within easy reach. We will even store your dive gear while you go on tour making your travel much easier.

An example of such an itinerary is detailed below but our team can work with you to design an itinerary that is just the right fit for your group. All our ground handling and booking for our tours is done by one of Sri Lanka's most reputable tour companies, Walker's Tours which ensures you get the best price and service.

Taste of paradise with diving (9 nights)

Day 1 - Arrive in Mount Lavinia (1hour). Rest and recover. Meet at Island Scuba dive centre to discuss dive plans and complete paperwork.

Day 2 - Two-tank dive

Day 3 - Two-tank dive. Night dive subject to conditions

Day 4 - Two-tank dive

Day 5 - Morning transfer to Sigiriya (4hours). Visit the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa and then climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Day 6 - Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple to view its ancient paintings in the morning. Go on a safari in the Minneriya National Park in the afternoon to get up close and personal with the elephants

Day 7 - Transfer to Kandy via a visit to a spice garden (3hours). Evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth and take in a Cultural Show after

Day 8 - Drive into Nuwara Eliya to explore the tea country

Day 9 - Transfer to Colombo (3hours). Do a Colombo City walk with a specialist guide to learn about the history of the city and visit its busy marketplace.

Day 10 - Depart