Weligama Bay Diving Centre

Hikkaduwa & South Coast, Sri Lanka

The team at Weligama Bay Diving Centre are some of the most genuinely friendly people we've met in Sri Lanka. Thaminda, the owner, has been diving these waters for decades, and it shows in his crew's local knowledge. We love diving with them because they’re all about relaxed, personalised service – none of that cattle-boat feeling you sometimes get in busier spots. If you're staying around Weligama, or even just passing through, this is our pick for a chill day of diving. They’re a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, which means solid standards, but it’s their enthusiasm for the local sites that really makes them stand out. We’d suggest asking them about the Secret Reef. It's a bit of a local treasure, usually less crowded, where we've spent entire dives watching octopus moving across the sandy patches between coral bommies. Visibility can be a bit variable depending on the season – generally better from November to April – but even on cloudier days, the macro life here is fantastic. Keep an eye out for colourful nudibranchs clinging to the corals. The boat rides are short, which is always a bonus, and you'll often see local stilt fishermen at work as you head out. After the dive, they're great for a chat about the day’s sightings over a cup of tea.