Galle, Sri Lanka, isn’t just about historic forts and sandy beaches—it also offers some fantastic scuba diving opportunities. The waters here are teeming with marine life, wrecks, and coral reefs that make for memorable underwater adventures. Whether you’re new to diving or an experienced snorkeler eager to explore shipwrecks, Galle has options that will suit your style. Among the top picks, we particularly like the Discover SCUBA Diving in Unawatuna Bay for its relaxed intro for beginners and the Scuba Diving at Unawatuna for its variety of dive sites, including wrecks and reefs, which you can check out here.
For those looking for a quick yet immersive experience, the Scuba Diving in Unawatuna offers a two-hour introduction to the underwater world, perfect for travelers with limited time. Meanwhile, the Scuba Diving in Mirissa is ideal if you’re fascinated by the possibility of encountering larger marine creatures, like whales and schooling fish. Whatever your preference, Galle’s underwater offerings are rich, accessible, and worth exploring.
1. Discover SCUBA Diving in Beautiful Unawatuna Bay
This Discover SCUBA Diving class caters perfectly to first-timers who want to try diving without committing to certification right away. Held at the Sun Diving Centre, this 3-hour experience introduces you to the basics of breathing underwater and safety procedures, making it an ideal way to test the waters. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, with friendly staff guiding you through your introductory dive in Unawatuna Bay.
What makes this experience special is the balance between instruction and fun, allowing you to become comfortable in the water quickly. It’s rated a perfect 5.0 based on 27 reviews, with many saying it’s a “great introduction” to scuba. The cost of $63.40 per person offers good value for an experience that includes all necessary equipment and expert supervision. Though it doesn’t include a certification, it’s a fantastic way to see if diving appeals to you without a huge commitment.
Bottom line: If you’re new to diving and want a safe, enjoyable start, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those wanting a low-pressure introduction in beautiful Unawatuna.
2. Scuba Diving at Unawatuna
For about $70, the Scuba Diving at Unawatuna offers a more comprehensive experience. This 4-hour tour is perfect if you have a bit more time and want to explore over 15 dive sites, including reefs and wrecks. You’ll meet your PADI certified instructor on Yaddehimulla road and start with a theory lesson and shallow-water training before heading out. All your gear is included, and you can even check out underwater photos taken with a GoPro, capturing your adventure.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on safety and variety. You get individual attention from certified instructors, making it suitable for beginners who want to see more than just the surface. Reviews highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the team is, with one saying, “Un excellent experience that made me fall in love with diving.” The long-standing reputation and positive feedback make this a reliable choice for those wanting a full diving experience.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in exploring several dive sites and want a guided, safe experience, this tour provides excellent value and variety.
3. Scuba Diving in Unawatuna
At just $65, this 2-hour small-group tour is a quick introduction to Sri Lanka’s underwater landscape. It’s ideal for travelers who want to sample scuba without a big time investment. You’ll handle all the gear yourself, making this a more hands-on experience, and you’ll visit coral reefs and look for shipwrecks—an added bonus for wreck enthusiasts.
The standout feature here is the focus on personalized guidance, with small groups ensuring support during your dive. This makes it especially good for beginners or those who want an intimate, less rushed experience. The emphasis on wreck exploration is a real draw, as Sri Lanka’s waters are famous for hidden shipwrecks, many of which are covered in marine life and corals. As one reviewer noted, it’s “a chance to see marine life up close in a relaxed setting.”
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers short on time who want an authentic, guided introduction to Sri Lanka’s underwater treasures.
4. Scuba Diving in Mirissa
This 3-hour tour for $75 offers a chance to see marine creatures ranging from whales to macro critters. Mirissa’s waters are famous for their wrecks, and many are still being discovered, making this a thrill for wreck lovers. The dive sites are rich with soft corals, large schools of fish, and marine life, and diving here offers a more adventurous option for those with some experience.
The experience is highly rated, with one review describing the tour as “spectacular,” highlighting the instructor’s professionalism and the team’s support. This tour is best suited for travelers who already have some diving experience or are comfortable in the water, as the focus is on exploring deeper wrecks and marine life. The value at $75 is fair considering the diversity of sites and marine life you’ll encounter.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a more adventurous, wreck-focused dive with the chance to see unusual marine creatures, this is a solid choice.
How to Choose Your Galle Scuba Diving Adventure
Choosing the right dive experience depends on your budget, time, and level of comfort underwater. If you’re just starting out, the $1 offers a no-pressure intro. For a more thorough exploration of multiple sites, the Scuba Diving at Unawatuna provides variety and safety. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick taste, the Scuba Diving in Unawatuna is ideal. For seasoned divers eager to explore wrecks and see larger marine life, the Scuba Diving in Mirissa is your best bet.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and tour. Consider your physical activity level and interest in wrecks or marine life to pick the best fit. For those new to diving, a short introduction like the Discover class is perfect. For experience divers, wreck adventures or multiple-site dives will add excitement and variety.
In summary, Galle offers a spectrum of scuba diving experiences from beginner try dives to wreck explorations. The options above highlight different styles and durations, so whether you just want a quick underwater snapshot or a more immersive adventure, there’s something for all. If you’re eager to experience Sri Lanka’s vibrant marine world, I recommend booking in advance—these tours fill up fast. Whatever you choose, you’ll be glad you took the plunge and discovered the underwater side of Galle.