Reef Exploration Safari, East Sri Lanka
Learn to snorkel and dive with our reef scientists, then explore the coral gardens off Nilaveli in calm, shallow water. Every booking funds the work that keeps these reefs alive.
Why this safari is different
Coral Diagnostics is a non-profit that monitors the health of Sri Lanka's coral reefs. On this safari, our team takes you into the water we work in every day: three of the most beautiful reef sites on the east coast, chosen for calm, shallow conditions and thriving marine life.
You'll learn to snorkel and dive safely, swim among reef fish and coral, and understand what you're looking at and why it matters. When you leave, your trip keeps working: income from every safari funds our reef monitoring and conservation.
Upcoming departures
Each safari runs Tuesday to Thursday with a maximum of 12 guests.
Tap a date to start your inquiry for that group.
Itinerary
Days are spent on the water aboard our expedition boat, with lunch served on board. Evenings are yours to relax at the hotel in Nilaveli.
Day 1
We pick you up from your hotel and start with the essentials: a safety briefing, basic first-aid training, and your introduction to snorkeling and scuba in calm water. Then we head out to Pigeon Island National Park, home to some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Sri Lanka.
Day 2
With your training fresh, today is about time in the water. Explore the shallow coral gardens of Coral Island by snorkel and on a guided introductory dive, always with an instructor close by. Our team will show you how scientists read the health of a reef.
Day 3
Our final day takes us to Sallitivu Island for one more reef exploration in quiet, clear water. After a last lunch on board, we return to shore and drop you back at your hotel.
The package
From USD 2,600 per person, based on a shared double room.
So you can plan the rest of your trip with no surprises.
International flights and visa fees. Transfers from beyond our 15 km pickup area, which we're happy to help arrange on request.
General travel insurance for your wider trip, such as flights, luggage and cancellations. Your safari activities are already insured with us, but we recommend personal travel cover for the rest of your journey.
Drinks at the hotel, including alcohol, and snacks outside the included meals.
Underwater photography. Bring your own camera to capture the reef your way.
Additional hotel nights before or after the safari, gratuities for guides and crew (always appreciated, never expected), and personal expenses.
Safety first
You don't need any experience. You do need to feel safe, so we built the safari around that.
1:3
One qualified instructor or guide for every three guests, with a maximum of 12 guests per group.
Shallow
We stay away from deep water. Every site is chosen for calm conditions and good visibility.
Trained
Basic first aid and an introduction to snorkeling and scuba before your first reef session.
Insured
Accident and medical insurance for all safari activities is included in your price.
Where your money goes
Coral Diagnostics is a non-profit. We assess, monitor and diagnose the health of Sri Lanka's coral reefs, and turn what we find into evidence that helps protect them.
Income from every safari goes back into that work: more surveys, better data, and stronger protection for the reefs and the communities that depend on them.
How booking works
Choose your departure date and fill in the short form below.
We confirm availability and send you a mandatory health questionnaire to complete.
Once your health form is approved, you pay by bank transfer.
You receive your booking confirmation as a PDF. Your place is secured.
Policies
| More than 21 days before the safari | Full refund |
| 21 to 14 days before | 50% refund |
| 14 to 7 days before | 25% refund |
| Less than 7 days before | No refund |
Your safety comes first. If sea conditions make a boat day unsafe, we move it to another day within the next three days. You pay nothing extra, and the additional accommodation is included.
If the weather does not improve and the day can't be rescheduled, you receive a partial refund.
Questions
No. The safari is designed for beginners. Every guest receives introductory scuba and snorkeling training from our instructors before entering the water, and all activities take place in shallow, safe areas.
No. The training is an introduction, not a certification course. It prepares you to explore the reefs safely with your guide.
Safety comes first in everything we do. We keep groups small (up to 12 guests), with one instructor for every 3 guests. We stay away from deep water, every guest completes basic first-aid training, and all safari activities are covered by accident and medical insurance.
The safari is open to guests aged 18 and over. Everyone must complete a mandatory health questionnaire, which we send separately before your reservation is confirmed.
Send us an inquiry through the form on this page. We'll confirm availability and send you the health questionnaire. Once that's complete, you transfer the payment and receive your booking confirmation as a PDF.
One island each day: Pigeon Island, Coral Island and Sallitivu Island, three of the most beautiful reef sites on Sri Lanka's east coast. All park entry fees are included.
You'll spend two nights in a 4-star hotel in Nilaveli, with breakfast and dinner included. Lunch, water and soft drinks are served on board the expedition boat.
If sea conditions make a boat day unsafe, we move it to another day within the next three days at no extra cost, including the extra accommodation. If the weather doesn't improve, you receive a partial refund.
Coral Diagnostics is a non-profit organization that monitors and protects Sri Lanka's coral reefs. Income from every safari helps fund our reef research and conservation work, so your adventure directly supports the reefs you're exploring.
Send an inquiry
Tell us which group you'd like to join. We'll reply within 48 hours with availability and your health questionnaire.
Prefer email?
info@coraldiagnostics.org
138/1A, Eravur, 30300, Sri Lanka
We'll reply within 48 hours with availability and your health questionnaire. If you don't see our email, please check your spam folder or write to us at info@coraldiagnostics.org.