Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary
Dive site
Hikkaduwa National Park is the oldest marine protected area in Sri Lanka and the only government-designated coral reef sanctuary on the island. A shallow reef extending 0.5 km offshore protects brain, staghorn and table coral gardens at depths between 1 and 10 m, with larger boulders and swimthroughs reaching 15 m. Green turtles feed on the reef daily and are highly habituated to divers.
Conditions
Depth
1 to 15 m
Good for beginners
Current
Often strong
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
3 to 8 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
27 to 30°C
3 mm shorty
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Vis (m) | 10 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Current | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Strong | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle |
Field journal
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