Kalpitiya sits on Sri Lanka's northwest coast and is home to Bar Reef, described as the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka. The three sites here cover natural reef and artificial structures across a wide depth range, from very shallow snorkelling ground to thirty metres. All dives are by boat. Sites are suited to beginners and intermediate divers, with generally mild currents, though stronger surges can develop at Anchorpoint Reef. Species recorded include whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, green and ridley turtles, and Napoleon wrasse. The main season runs from November to April.
Monthly water temperature across Kalpitiya's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature peaks in April and May and stays warm through the year, dropping only slightly in July and August. Conditions are most reliable from November to April; at other times the northwest coast can experience increased swell and reduced visibility.
Water temperature around Kalpitiya ranges from about 28°C in January to 30°C in April, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 28–30°C, a rash guard or 3mm shorty works in Kalpitiya year-round.
Fin maps 3 sites in Kalpitiya (3 scuba diving sites).
1 more site to explore
