Tipped to be one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach holiday destinations, the southern coastal town of Negombo is a must-visit highlight that has been tailor made for marine life enthusiasts. Surrounded by an azure lagoon and crystal clear seabed teeming with colourful fish species this one-stop diving haven is dream come true for discerning travellers. Travellers in search of a stylish Negombo hotel from which to set off on their coastal adventures should look no further than the decidedly elegant Hotel J. Ideally situated in a strategic location this lovely beach hotel provides contemporary amenities to suit holidaymakers and business travellers.
Just 15 minutes from the Negombo shoreline Ula Gala also known as Barracuda Reef is a mere 5km from the area’s diving centre. Snorkelers can hope to catch a glimpse of Oriental sweet lips, large groupers and Travellys while Yellow Jacks and other schools of fish also occupy this region of the ocean which has become a futile breeding ground for fish due to the wreckage of an Asian carrier that drowned in 1980. Large groups of Barracudas, fusiliers, honey comb moray eels and Travellies also occupy the seas beneath Derana Gala which is a thriving marine eco system complete with lion fish, blue stripe snappers and large groups of Goldline Spinetreks.
The open water diving site dubbed Mutian Gala is another highlight for marine life enthusiasts as the venue contains two verdant coral reefs abound with fusiliers, lion fish and blue stripe snappers while marble rays and honey comb morays are frequently spotted in the underwater caves in the area. Maha Gala in contrast is home to lobsters, snappers, groupers and other varieties of exotic fish species as well as black corals and anemones. Mora Wala (or The Shark Pit) is another snorkeler’s hotspot with a wide variety of blue corals and staghorn corals on offer. Tiny black tip reef sharks are frequently spotted here along with other marine animals.
The Pearl Reef is equally captivating as it is ideal for beginner divers to catch a glimpse of Teddy Bear corals and other coral species. Hundreds of colourful fish varieties also call this area of the ocean home while massive marble rays and snappers are visible at the Kammala Coral Reef. A rich breeding space for Cuttle Fish, other marine creatures found in the reef include Travellies and Fusiliers.
