Our top picks for diving in Unawatuna — black coral and shipwreck sites that make this one of the best places to dive in Sri Lanka.

Diving in Unawatuna: The Best for Black Coral and Shipwrecks

Diving in Unawatuna

09.00 AM: Meet-up, Briefing about the handling and diving practices in the pool 
09.30 AM: Depart for diving 
10.00 AM: Dive into the ocean and explore the marine life

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Today you will be learning the basics of diving.

Sun Diving - Rock Island

This activity takes about 3 hours during which you will learn the basics of the SCUBA diving equipment, basic underwater skills and finally go diving. After the basic theory, you will train in shallow water up to 1 meter deep. After you will head for the real thing - diving up to 10 meters. 

Learn basic diving skills in pool before diving into ocean.

Experienced instructors with vast knowledge of marine life.

All dive equipment provided, no need to bring your own.

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Diving

Try scuba diving in 3 hours — learn the basics in shallow water, then do a real dive up to 10 metres with an instructor after a simple intro.

Discover Scuba Diving

Train in shallow water before your first ocean dive to 10 metres.

I initially contacted these guys a few months prior to coming to Sri Lanka to ask about dive conditions in October, as it’s the start of the dive season and weather can be a problem. When I arrived a week or so ago, I made contact again to get an update on weather and visibility. Unfortunately our time in Unawatuna was very poor visibility so we couldn’t dive, however, the guys here were totally honest with us and were sending me updates after each dive they did. This is the reason you need to dive with them!! We asked along the coast with another dive shop and they lied to us saying there was 15-20m visibility, and although Sun didn’t get any money from us in the end, we are so grateful that they didn’t try to lie just to get us to come and dive.
 We will 100% recommend this place to our friends and hopefully come back one day and have fun dives together!

I initially contacted these guys a few months prior to coming to Sri Lanka to ask about dive conditions in October, as it’s the start of the dive season and weather can be a problem. When I arrived a week or so ago, I made contact again to get an update on weather and visibility. Unfortunately our time in Unawatuna was very poor visibility so we couldn’t dive, however, the guys here were totally honest with us and were sending me updates after each dive they did. This is the reason you need to dive with them!! We asked along the coast with another dive shop and they lied to us saying there was 15-20m visibility, and although Sun didn’t get any money from us in the end, we are so grateful that they didn’t try to lie just to get us to come and dive.
We will 100% recommend this place to our friends and hopefully come back one day and have fun dives together!

we did diving with sun diving centre. our dive master was SALIN. the best guy i met in sri lanka. i have been diving once in red sea. but it was very short lession. but salin gave us all details and real lession. every instructions what do i need to follow and how will i feel underwater. training time i had to take much more time and mask clean was very hard to me. but salin was very patience and helping to me do. and he always telling to me don't think about others take your time. finally i done mask clean and we went to the dive site. first i got panic because i am not good swimmer. and waves was high because it was law session. but with salin it was very easy. he made me so comfortable under water finally i done dive 40 minuets. he always take care of me even i want to stop my dive.he knew all the time what he doing. thank you salin you are the the best. see you soon. i would definitely recommend this place for diving even non swimmers. love you SALIN &amp; Sun Diving Centre.

we did diving with sun diving centre. our dive master was SALIN. the best guy i met in sri lanka. i have been diving once in red sea. but it was very short lession. but salin gave us all details and real lession. every instructions what do i need to follow and how will i feel underwater. training time i had to take much more time and mask clean was very hard to me. but salin was very patience and helping to me do. and he always telling to me don't think about others take your time. finally i done mask clean and we went to the dive site. first i got panic because i am not good swimmer. and waves was high because it was law session. but with salin it was very easy. he made me so comfortable under water finally i done dive 40 minuets. he always take care of me even i want to stop my dive.he knew all the time what he doing. thank you salin you are the the best. see you soon. i would definitely recommend this place for diving even non swimmers. love you SALIN &amp; Sun Diving Centre.

Much more than just a diving center! 😊 For me the sun diving team didn't just open doors to a beautiful underwater world but I also had the pleasure becoming a part of an amazing diving family. With the greatest hospitality, generosity and a lot of smiles and love people made me feel welcome and at home. Besides beautiful dives we enjoyed watching dolphins, sunset boat rides and we were even snorkeling with whalesharks! 🤗🦈
 At this place it is not about business but about safely creating unforgettable moments and enjoying happy times together. 🐬🌅❤️
 A big thanks to all of you! I will never foget these days and hope to see you again soon! 😊❤️

Much more than just a diving center! 😊 For me the sun diving team didn't just open doors to a beautiful underwater world but I also had the pleasure becoming a part of an amazing diving family. With the greatest hospitality, generosity and a lot of smiles and love people made me feel welcome and at home. Besides beautiful dives we enjoyed watching dolphins, sunset boat rides and we were even snorkeling with whalesharks! 🤗🦈
At this place it is not about business but about safely creating unforgettable moments and enjoying happy times together. 🐬🌅❤️
A big thanks to all of you! I will never foget these days and hope to see you again soon! 😊❤️ 

So I begin with that , the sweetest and coolest people of Sri Lanka work in this diving center! Before this trip, I had never dived, it was my first dive. My mother was dive before, but she was delighted in terms of service and she really liked her instructor Kavinda. My first instructor was Salim, he explained everything to me, we worked out and then went to dive, with him I felt confident and safe. I think that’s important with whom you dive for the first time in your life and how you feel at this time, in the future it directly affects your interest
 It fascinated me so much, thenI decided to make an open water course. To be able to dive at 18 meters. Logan Meskens became my instructor. Logan is not only an awesomeinstructor, but also a very interesting cheerful and cool person who, in addition to diving, has seen and knows a lot of cool things in all corners of the world.To my great regret, I cannot boast perfect knowledge of English and it scared me that I would take so many tests and learn the material in English, however Logan sat with me until late evening explaining every word I did not understand and even showed me several times how it is used by devoting time to every detail.
 3.5 days were completely devoted to me , theory and practice in diving, I have no questions and doubts left, if I wake up in the middle of the night I will answer any question about your BCD , buoyancy or about what to do when oxygen runs out, although I am sure that in this diving center this has never happened and will not happen

So I begin with that , the sweetest and coolest people of Sri Lanka work in this diving center! Before this trip, I had never dived, it was my first dive. My mother was dive before, but she was delighted in terms of service and she really liked her instructor Kavinda. My first instructor was Salim, he explained everything to me, we worked out and then went to dive, with him I felt confident and safe. I think that’s important with whom you dive for the first time in your life and how you feel at this time, in the future it directly affects your interest
It fascinated me so much, thenI decided to make an open water course. To be able to dive at 18 meters. Logan Meskens became my instructor. Logan is not only an awesomeinstructor, but also a very interesting cheerful and cool person who, in addition to diving, has seen and knows a lot of cool things in all corners of the world.To my great regret, I cannot boast perfect knowledge of English and it scared me that I would take so many tests and learn the material in English, however Logan sat with me until late evening explaining every word I did not understand and even showed me several times how it is used by devoting time to every detail.
3.5 days were completely devoted to me , theory and practice in diving, I have no questions and doubts left, if I wake up in the middle of the night I will answer any question about your BCD , buoyancy or about what to do when oxygen runs out, although I am sure that in this diving center this has never happened and will not happen

My girlfriend and I did 3 dives with Sun on 1 day we were spending in Unawatuna. They were very accommodating of us and even took us to a wreck they had done earlier in the day because we really wanted to see it! The SS Rangoon and Orestis wrecks are must sees in Unawatuna and doing them with Sun was an added bonus - these guys are right on the beach, have great gear and a really good vibe! We also did our first night with these guys and saw a massive turtle, a bunch of crabs and lobsters, a massive barracuda and some stone fish. 100% recommend for diving in Una.

My girlfriend and I did 3 dives with Sun on 1 day we were spending in Unawatuna. They were very accommodating of us and even took us to a wreck they had done earlier in the day because we really wanted to see it! The SS Rangoon and Orestis wrecks are must sees in Unawatuna and doing them with Sun was an added bonus - these guys are right on the beach, have great gear and a really good vibe! We also did our first night with these guys and saw a massive turtle, a bunch of crabs and lobsters, a massive barracuda and some stone fish. 100% recommend for diving in Una.

I did my first ever PADI DSD with them and it was a wonderful experience!
 The team here are fully professional, supportive and friendly, they helped me to be relaxed and enjoy every minute of my dive!
 They are very safety concerned and the whole team is diligent and skillful in what they do.
 They know all the good diving sites, will provide you with all the gear and equipment and will take some awesome photos and videos for you too.
 This is must visit place and you will definitely have an awesome time here!

I did my first ever PADI DSD with them and it was a wonderful experience!
The team here are fully professional, supportive and friendly, they helped me to be relaxed and enjoy every minute of my dive!
They are very safety concerned and the whole team is diligent and skillful in what they do.
They know all the good diving sites, will provide you with all the gear and equipment and will take some awesome photos and videos for you too.
This is must visit place and you will definitely have an awesome time here!

Amazing team here at Sun Diving!!!
 I did my first ever PADI DSD with them and they were so supportive and helped me to be relaxed and enjoy every minute of it!
 They are professionals in every way, will teach you everything you need to know if you are new. They are very safety concerned and the whole team is super friendly, diligent and skillful in what they do.
 They know all the good diving sites so you will definitely have an awesome time here!

Amazing team here at Sun Diving!!!
I did my first ever PADI DSD with them and they were so supportive and helped me to be relaxed and enjoy every minute of it!
They are professionals in every way, will teach you everything you need to know if you are new. They are very safety concerned and the whole team is super friendly, diligent and skillful in what they do.
They know all the good diving sites so you will definitely have an awesome time here!

I was never dive before but I always wanted to dive. To be honestly i feel like I may have troubles while i dive. But sun diving staff they make me feel very comfortable about scuba diving and they train me in shallow water before we go deep. Scuba diving instructor Mr dilshan and My dive master was Mr kasun and he was so friendly all the time even though i wanted to cancel my dive in the dive site because i felt scared. But he make me calm and finally i did a dive 10 meters deep for 50 minutes. Never forget this experience and soon I’ll come to dive with you again. I’m highly recommend sun diving center and the team as the best dive team in Sri Lanka. See you soon again guys !!

I was never dive before but I always wanted to dive. To be honestly i feel like I may have troubles while i dive. But sun diving staff they make me feel very comfortable about scuba diving and they train me in shallow water before we go deep. Scuba diving instructor Mr dilshan and My dive master was Mr kasun and he was so friendly all the time even though i wanted to cancel my dive in the dive site because i felt scared. But he make me calm and finally i did a dive 10 meters deep for 50 minutes. Never forget this experience and soon I’ll come to dive with you again. I’m highly recommend sun diving center and the team as the best dive team in Sri Lanka. See you soon again guys !!

My sister and I did the Scuba diving at Sun diving center in Unawatuna, Galle and the dive was nothing short of amazing. Dilshan who was in charge was extremely polite and helpful ensuring that we were completely comfortable. Shalin and Kasun (not sure I'm spelling it right) were very good instructors. Kasun in particular was so patient and friendly that my sister who is mortally afraid of water, conquered her biggest fear and was eternally grateful to her instructor. We went to a shipwreck site which was amazing and there was an abundance of sea life on the ocean bed. 45 ft underwater was something I could never imagine doing but the instructors were very qualified and helped us out. The only suggestion though is that if you pay for the pictures to be taken ensure that every instructor has a go-pro because my sister's photos were very few as we got separated during the dive and her instructor didn't have one. A super fun day indeed!

My sister and I did the Scuba diving at Sun diving center in Unawatuna, Galle and the dive was nothing short of amazing. Dilshan who was in charge was extremely polite and helpful ensuring that we were completely comfortable. Shalin and Kasun (not sure I'm spelling it right) were very good instructors. Kasun in particular was so patient and friendly that my sister who is mortally afraid of water, conquered her biggest fear and was eternally grateful to her instructor. We went to a shipwreck site which was amazing and there was an abundance of sea life on the ocean bed. 45 ft underwater was something I could never imagine doing but the instructors were very qualified and helped us out. The only suggestion though is that if you pay for the pictures to be taken ensure that every instructor has a go-pro because my sister's photos were very few as we got separated during the dive and her instructor didn't have one. A super fun day indeed!

Went on two dives with Sun Diving this morning and had a wonderful time. We went to one wreck and one reef. There was a current that drifted us around a bit on the second dive, but it was still loads of fun. Saw lots of neat things including lion fish, a scorpion fish, porcupine fish, a cleaner shrimp, lobster, and large schools of various fish. Our guide was Abdul and he's a great guy. Pointed out lots of interesting things on the dive. Like many dive guides I think he's mastered the combination of being professional but also easy-going. Would for sure dive with Sun Diving in Unawatuna again :)

Went on two dives with Sun Diving this morning and had a wonderful time. We went to one wreck and one reef. There was a current that drifted us around a bit on the second dive, but it was still loads of fun. Saw lots of neat things including lion fish, a scorpion fish, porcupine fish, a cleaner shrimp, lobster, and large schools of various fish. Our guide was Abdul and he's a great guy. Pointed out lots of interesting things on the dive. Like many dive guides I think he's mastered the combination of being professional but also easy-going. Would for sure dive with Sun Diving in Unawatuna again :)

Absolutely a fantastic place to learn diving. I'm a local here in Galle, But I found them online. I just first sent a WhatsApp message to Dilshan(Who was my instructor) and he was quite immediately reply me back with details. I checked several other places as well, But here I found people are quick to respond to messages, courteous and respectful. When I went there for the first time, Dilshan was not there but other staff was super cool and conversations with them made my nerves easy. When I was training with Dilshan, he had super patience, letting us time to adopt, learn, and immensely took care of our safety. Highly recommendable place.

As you see the previous reviews, Sun diving is up to the standard and they live up to those reviews.

Absolutely a fantastic place to learn diving. I'm a local here in Galle, But I found them online. I just first sent a WhatsApp message to Dilshan(Who was my instructor) and he was quite immediately reply me back with details. I checked several other places as well, But here I found people are quick to respond to messages, courteous and respectful. When I went there for the first time, Dilshan was not there but other staff was super cool and conversations with them made my nerves easy. When I was training with Dilshan, he had super patience, letting us time to adopt, learn, and immensely took care of our safety. Highly recommendable place.

As you see the previous reviews, Sun diving is up to the standard and they live up to those reviews.

This diving centre is just great! After arriving at Unawatuna I went spontaneously to Sun Diving having in mind to ask for a PADI course or just an guided fun dive, depending on the availability.
 Dishan (the Instructor) was unbelievable kind and very flexible even though there has been a lot of work. He managed to teach me for the Open Water Diver although I had only limited time in Unawatuna.

The course days have been very busy and I spent almost the hole time at the diving centre - the guys working there we're really nice and communicative, so I learned a lot between my lessons and the different dives.

From my perspective, as a beginner, the equipment looked high standard and was taken good care of. I felt comfortable and safe all the time.

There's no way to say something negative about the diving centre, Dishan and his crew - I would highly recommend it!

Thanks a lot guys, I had a great time learning diving from and with you!

This diving centre is just great! After arriving at Unawatuna I went spontaneously to Sun Diving having in mind to ask for a PADI course or just an guided fun dive, depending on the availability.
Dishan (the Instructor) was unbelievable kind and very flexible even though there has been a lot of work. He managed to teach me for the Open Water Diver although I had only limited time in Unawatuna.

The course days have been very busy and I spent almost the hole time at the diving centre - the guys working there we're really nice and communicative, so I learned a lot between my lessons and the different dives.

From my perspective, as a beginner, the equipment looked high standard and was taken good care of. I felt comfortable and safe all the time.

There's no way to say something negative about the diving centre, Dishan and his crew - I would highly recommend it!

Thanks a lot guys, I had a great time learning diving from and with you!

From the very first moment me and my friend felt welcomed at Sun Diving Center. Shan and his team (or should I say friends and family?) are a bunch of happy divers trying to make their customer’s diving experience the best they could think of (and they surely succeeded!).
 We were very happy that the people at Sun Diving are flexible, and took their time for our Open Water Course.
 All in all, we had a very good time together, also outside the dive lessons, felt absolutely safe at any time and would definitely come back!

From the very first moment me and my friend felt welcomed at Sun Diving Center. Shan and his team (or should I say friends and family?) are a bunch of happy divers trying to make their customer’s diving experience the best they could think of (and they surely succeeded!).
We were very happy that the people at Sun Diving are flexible, and took their time for our Open Water Course.
All in all, we had a very good time together, also outside the dive lessons, felt absolutely safe at any time and would definitely come back!

I did my PADI Open Water course with Sundiving in January 2017 and it was the best decision I could have done. They arranged accommodation just next to diving centre and transportation from the airport both were really good deals. They were always very helpful with any further enquires we had.
 The whole experience was a lot of fun! Although the course itself required some studying Dilshan was a very patient teacher who explained all matters very logically and in a simple understandable way. The diving sites were just mind blowing! I was lucky enough to see turtles, a stingray and A WHALE SHARK beside many various smaller school of fish!
 Those guys know how to make you feel welcomed, cared about and 100% relaxed on your holiday. Unforgettable experience. I plan to do more courses in 2018 with them and I hope I will meet them all again! Sthuti Yaluwaney :D

I did my PADI Open Water course with Sundiving in January 2017 and it was the best decision I could have done. They arranged accommodation just next to diving centre and transportation from the airport both were really good deals. They were always very helpful with any further enquires we had.
The whole experience was a lot of fun! Although the course itself required some studying Dilshan was a very patient teacher who explained all matters very logically and in a simple understandable way. The diving sites were just mind blowing! I was lucky enough to see turtles, a stingray and A WHALE SHARK beside many various smaller school of fish!
Those guys know how to make you feel welcomed, cared about and 100% relaxed on your holiday. Unforgettable experience. I plan to do more courses in 2018 with them and I hope I will meet them all again! Sthuti Yaluwaney :D

We spent approximately 2 weeks in Unawatuna and were diving with the guys from Sun Diving Sri Lanka. It was amazing. The guys were very helpful and friendly and they showed us the best diving spots in this area. Even the weather conditions were not very good AT that time, we always felt save. The price for 10 dives was the best in Unawatuna. And the most important thing is....we had a lot of fun with the guys. Sooooo.... DILSHAN AND ALL THE OTHER GUYS.....THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KINDNESS, FOR PERFECT, PROFESSIONAL DIVES AND FOR THE CRAZY AND FUNNY TIME WITH YOU!!!!!! A lot of hugs, noh!?!? :) :)

We spent approximately 2 weeks in Unawatuna and were diving with the guys from Sun Diving Sri Lanka. It was amazing. The guys were very helpful and friendly and they showed us the best diving spots in this area. Even the weather conditions were not very good AT that time, we always felt save. The price for 10 dives was the best in Unawatuna. And the most important thing is....we had a lot of fun with the guys. Sooooo.... DILSHAN AND ALL THE OTHER GUYS.....THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KINDNESS, FOR PERFECT, PROFESSIONAL DIVES AND FOR THE CRAZY AND FUNNY TIME WITH YOU!!!!!! A lot of hugs, noh!?!? :) :)

I did my first dive ever at unawatuna sun dive centre. It was a great experience! The instructor is very skilled and explains you everything you need to know in detail, so even when you are nervous about your first dive you can feel perfectly save. After my first dive I got so hooked by this great experience that I decided to do my open water course there as well. The whole team is super nice and they take care of you during the course there.
 To sum it up: Super dive centre, nice and professional people, good equipment. They totally showed me the fun of diving :)

I did my first dive ever at unawatuna sun dive centre. It was a great experience! The instructor is very skilled and explains you everything you need to know in detail, so even when you are nervous about your first dive you can feel perfectly save. After my first dive I got so hooked by this great experience that I decided to do my open water course there as well. The whole team is super nice and they take care of you during the course there.
To sum it up: Super dive centre, nice and professional people, good equipment. They totally showed me the fun of diving :)

Came to do one fun dive, ended up taking Advanced Open Water because we loved the dive masters and that there were just 1-2 people per dive master on dives. We saw other boats (Pearl and another big one) at sites and there seemed to be quite a few people per dive master - didn't feel as safe to me.

We did 4 out of 5 dives with Vera who is a wonderful woman, fluent in 4 languages, very fun to be around and at the same time serious about safety.

Night dive was one of the highlights of our trip to Sri Lanka - highly recommended.

Overall atmosphere was fun and cheery - we enjoyed time between and after dives with the crowd drinking complementary tea and whatnot.

Great experience with this dive shop, highly recommended.

Came to do one fun dive, ended up taking Advanced Open Water because we loved the dive masters and that there were just 1-2 people per dive master on dives. We saw other boats (Pearl and another big one) at sites and there seemed to be quite a few people per dive master - didn't feel as safe to me.

We did 4 out of 5 dives with Vera who is a wonderful woman, fluent in 4 languages, very fun to be around and at the same time serious about safety.

Night dive was one of the highlights of our trip to Sri Lanka - highly recommended.

Overall atmosphere was fun and cheery - we enjoyed time between and after dives with the crowd drinking complementary tea and whatnot.

Great experience with this dive shop, highly recommended.

This was my first time diving ever and it was a great experience. I took the PADI Open Water Course with Dilshan. He was a great instructor! I was pretty nervous as it was my first time heading under water but he was great at making me feel comfortable and safe. To top it off we saw a WHALE SHARK which is pretty rare in the area! These guys know their diving spots that's for sure :) All staff at Sun Diving was extremely helpful and friendly. I was traveling on my own and it was a great place to hang out and meet other people.

Also, other dive shops on the beach were trying to make me pay for a discover dive and additional money to take the PADI test after the course, at Sun Diving everything was included in the price of the course and they didn't ask me to take unnecessary dives to make extra $. I really appreciated that!

Would highly recommend!

This was my first time diving ever and it was a great experience. I took the PADI Open Water Course with Dilshan. He was a great instructor! I was pretty nervous as it was my first time heading under water but he was great at making me feel comfortable and safe. To top it off we saw a WHALE SHARK which is pretty rare in the area! These guys know their diving spots that's for sure :) All staff at Sun Diving was extremely helpful and friendly. I was traveling on my own and it was a great place to hang out and meet other people.

Also, other dive shops on the beach were trying to make me pay for a discover dive and additional money to take the PADI test after the course, at Sun Diving everything was included in the price of the course and they didn't ask me to take unnecessary dives to make extra $. I really appreciated that!

Would highly recommend!

The guys are good and professional. Their team includes a trained Malaysian diver too.
 The equipment is very good. The knowledge levels are decent and professional.

The water is not as clear as Thailand and other diving sites of the world but there is a coral reef and a ship wreck. We saw an octopus, a sting ray, clams, and many other fishes...no sea turtles though.

And above all the rates are very decent and affordable.

We had a blast including my ten year old son...who loved his first dive.

The guys are good and professional. Their team includes a trained Malaysian diver too.
The equipment is very good. The knowledge levels are decent and professional.

The water is not as clear as Thailand and other diving sites of the world but there is a coral reef and a ship wreck. We saw an octopus, a sting ray, clams, and many other fishes...no sea turtles though.

And above all the rates are very decent and affordable.

We had a blast including my ten year old son...who loved his first dive.

We booked the day before only by walking by. The Dive Master Dill walked us through our dive options - we chose the no name wreck and a cave dive. Showing up at 845am for the first dive we were on the water well on our way to the wreck by 915. Effecient! Dill managed all three of us with varying skill and comfort levels with grace and confidence. We all had a terrific time. Nice fish viewing and the wreck was interesting. An amazing value too. Choose them!

We booked the day before only by walking by. The Dive Master Dill walked us through our dive options - we chose the no name wreck and a cave dive. Showing up at 845am for the first dive we were on the water well on our way to the wreck by 915. Effecient! Dill managed all three of us with varying skill and comfort levels with grace and confidence. We all had a terrific time. Nice fish viewing and the wreck was interesting. An amazing value too. Choose them!

Sun Diving is situated on the beachfront of Unawatuna beach close to the Galle south coast of Sri Lanka. Ranjith - the owner of their dive center has about 35 years of diving experience in the area. All the instructors are very warm and friendly. They have a tremendous knowledge about the see and the Reef around and can guide you well. They have years of experience and great quality equipment.

Sun Diving

Sun Diving is situated on the beachfront of Unawatuna beach close to the Galle south coast of Sri Lanka. Ranjith - the owner of their dive center has about 35 years of diving experience in the area. All the instructors are very warm and friendly. They have a tremendous knowledge about the see and the Reef around and can guide you well. They have years of experience and great quality equipment.

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