Quick facts
- Sea state: Calm AM, light chop PM.
- Best for: All levels; wreck lovers score well.
- Boats: Daily morning departures.
- Getting here: ~2–3 hrs from Colombo.
Tip: Book early for Dec–Feb peak.
Water 27–29 °C
Viz ~10–25 m
Why dive Unawatuna with Divers Land
Seasonal sweet-spot
We open Unawatuna when conditions are best: stable weather, warm water and reliable viz from October to April.
Wrecks & reefs
Historic SS Rangoon (~30–32 m) plus easy, fishy fringing reefs — ideal for mixed-experience groups.
Small groups
We keep ratios tight, match sites to conditions and experience, and run unhurried surface intervals.
The calm, warm waters and stunning coral reefs of Unawatuna, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, make it a favourite destination for divers, offering an exciting blend of marine life and intriguing dive sites.
One of the most famous dive sites near Unawatuna is the wreck of the SS Rangoon. This British steamship, which sank in the late 19th century, lies about 30 metres beneath the surface and is now a vibrant artificial reef. Encrusted with colourful corals and teeming with marine life, the SS Rangoon is a fascinating dive for those interested in wreck diving and maritime history.
Besides the SS Rangoon, Unawatuna offers beautiful boulder-strewn dive sites where you can encounter a variety of marine species like lionfish, parrotfish, and moray eels. For beginners, the shallow sites are ideal for an easy yet rewarding dive, while more experienced divers will enjoy the deeper dives and the adventure of exploring the shipwrecks.
Unawatuna highlight sites
SS Rangoon — classic wreck
- Depth: 30–32 m (Adv/Deep)
- Viz: ~10–20 m
- Current: light–moderate
Advanced
Galle outer reefs
- Depth: 10–20 m
- Viz: ~10–20 m
- Current: generally mild
All levels
Patch reefs & macro
- Depth: 8–16 m
- Viz: ~10–20 m
- Great for: training, fun dives
Beginner-friendly
Learn to dive with Divers Land – PADI courses at Unawatuna
Open Water Diver
Your first full certification; 3–4 days incl. pool, theory and 4 ocean dives.
Advanced Open Water Diver
Build skills over 5 adventure dives (e.g. Deep, Wreck, Nav).
Rescue & EFR
Confidence-boosting diver rescue with first-aid. 3 days.
Discover Scuba Diving
Try diving in a half-day intro with an instructor (no cert).
Nitrox Speciality
Extend no-stop limits; ideal for back-to-back wreck dives.
Divemaster (modular)
Start the pro track; flexible schedules across our centres.
Where we dive
Unawatuna & Galle bay. Morning boats depart the beach; most sites are 10–25 minutes away.
Travel
From Colombo (CMB): 2–3 hrs by car or scenic coastal train to Galle, then a short tuk-tuk.
What to bring
Certification card/logbook, sunscreen, towel, reef-safe habits. We’ll handle the rest.
Divers Land Unawatuna
Check dates & book
Tell us your preferred dates between 1 October and 30 April, diver numbers and experience, and we’ll confirm the best plan.
Season FAQs
When is Unawatuna in season?
Our south-west season runs roughly October through April, when winds are favourable and seas are calmer.
What certification do I need for the wrecks?
SS Rangoon sits around 30–32 m, so Advanced with Deep or guided progression is recommended. We can arrange training.
What are typical conditions?
Water 27–29 °C, visibility around 10–25 m, generally light currents; mornings are usually the smoothest.
Do you run try dives?
Yes — our Discover Scuba Diving experience runs most days in season and is ideal for first-timers.
Can non-divers join the boat?
Absolutely — we welcome snorkellers and riders when sea conditions allow.