Sri Lanka’s underwater world spans healthy coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, historic shipwrecks, and pelagic channels rich with large marine life. Pigeon Island near Trincomalee is the finest snorkelling site on the island, with blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and vibrant coral in crystal-clear water a short boat ride from shore. For certified divers, the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary near Kalpitiya and the HMS Hermes wreck off Batticaloa offer dives of genuine international standing.