Fun Dives For Certified Divers

This comprehensive review takes you through a typical experience with the Fun Dives for Certified Divers tour at the Trincomalee Diving Centre. Designed specifically for certified divers, this tour promises an engaging day exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning coral reefs, wrecks, and marine life. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed itinerary and feedback from previous divers offer a clear picture of what to expect and why it might be just the adventure you’re looking for.

What we love about this experience are the flexibility of dive options, small group sizes, and the opportunity to see a diverse variety of marine species. Plus, the cost makes it accessible without sacrificing quality. A potential consideration is the need for prior certification—this isn’t suited for beginners, but seasoned divers will appreciate the range of sites and the professional approach. Whether you’re a dedicated diver eager for new challenges or looking to add an authentic underwater experience to your Sri Lankan trip, this tour could be a perfect choice.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a full day of multiple dives, including gear and tanks
• Small group sizes maximize comfort and personalized guidance
• Diverse dive sites: reef, rock, wreck, and night dives with vibrant marine life
• Includes free Nitrox for qualified divers, adding extra safety and extended bottom times
• Convenient pickup and mobile tickets streamline the experience
• Requires certification—not suitable for first-timers or uncertified divers

The Basics of the Tour

Starting at the Divinguru Trincomalee center, this tour runs about 6 hours and costs $54.42 per person. The experience includes one or two dives depending on your choice, with the option to do a single boat dive or two dives at different sites. The schedule offers morning dives at 9 am and afternoon dives at 2 pm—perfect for fitting into a leisurely Sri Lankan itinerary.

Pickup services are offered, making transportation hassle-free, and the tour features small groups (maximum five divers), ensuring personal attention from guides. The dive gear—including BCDs, regulators, masks, fins, and wetsuits—is included, along with tank and weights. Those certified in Nitrox can use it free of charge, extending their underwater time safely.

What’s Special About the Dive Sites?

Reef, Rock, Wreck, and Night Dives

Diving at Pigeon Island Marine Park and other local sites, you’ll find a vast array of marine life—more than 1,000 species—from eagle rays and blue-spotted stingrays to sea turtles and cuttlefish. The coral reefs are vibrant, with over 200 species of hard corals and soft corals creating a colorful underwater landscape.

The rock and wreck dives add a bit of adventure for those interested in exploring submerged history or unique formations. Though whale sharks, reef sharks, and manta rays are rare sightings, they do appear occasionally from April to June.

Shallow vs. Deep Sites

The shallow sites around Pigeon Island are ideal for appreciating the coral diversity and marine life, often with blacktip reef sharks and turtles cruising through the shallow waters. The deeper sites—ranging from 6 to 30 meters—offer more challenging dives, perfect for experienced divers looking for an adrenaline rush or to see larger marine creatures.

Value of the Entrance Fee

Access to Pigeon Island requires an entrance fee of 15 Euros, which is not included in the tour price. This fee supports conservation efforts and helps maintain the site’s pristine condition.

What to Expect on Dives

One Fun Dive: After a boat ride to your chosen site, you get a single dive at one location, which is great if you’re short on time or prefer a relaxed experience.
Two Fun Dives: For a more comprehensive exploration, opt for two dives at different sites, with a surface interval on the boat to rest and enjoy snacks or water.

The Dive Experience

Expect small, friendly groups—max five divers—guided by experienced instructors who prioritize safety and enjoyment. Previous feedback highlights the personalized attention and professional guidance. Divers have noted that the boats are environmentally friendly, powered by Yamaha four-stroke engines, which adds an eco-conscious touch.

The diving day generally starts with registration at 8:30 am for morning dives or 1:30 pm for afternoon dives. You’ll return from the water around 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for morning sessions, or 3:30 pm to 5 pm for afternoon sessions. This flexible timing allows you to fit multiple activities into your day.

Equipment and Amenities

The tour provides all necessary scuba gear—tank, weights, regulator, and wetsuit. Guests can bring their own gear if preferred. Bottled water, coffee and tea, and snacks are included, keeping you hydrated and energized between dives. However, lunch is not included, so planning for a meal afterward is recommended.

The Authentic Marine Encounter

Based on reviews, many divers appreciate the stunning underwater scenery—the hard and soft corals, the abundance of colorful fish, and the chance to see larger species like reef sharks and turtles. One diver mentioned, “The reefs were teeming with life, and the visibility was excellent,” highlighting the vibrant ecosystem.

Another noted the well-organized logistics: “The pickup was smooth, and the small group size made for a relaxed atmosphere. The guides were very attentive and knowledgeable.” The inclusion of free Nitrox is a bonus for certified divers wanting to extend their bottom time safely.

Pricing and Value

For $54.42, you’re getting more than just a few dives—you’re investing in a well-organized, safety-conscious experience that emphasizes small groups and diverse sites. The cost covers tank, weights, guide, and use of equipment, making it a cost-effective way to explore Sri Lanka’s underwater life.

Compared to similar tours in other regions, this price point offers excellent value, especially with the added benefit of Nitrox and the personalized, eco-friendly boats. The tour caters well to experienced divers looking for variety and quality.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for certified divers who crave a variety of dive sites and the chance to see a spectacular underwater world. It’s ideal for those comfortable in small group settings who appreciate personalized attention. If you’re interested in coral reefs, wrecks, and marine wildlife, this tour provides an authentic experience in a laid-back environment.

It’s less suited for beginners or those without certification, but for seasoned divers, it offers a meaningful and affordable way to explore Sri Lanka’s underwater treasures.

The Sum Up

In summary, the Fun Dives for Certified Divers tour at the Trincomalee Diving Centre offers a well-structured, value-packed experience for those holding certification. Divers will love the variety of sites, small group atmosphere, and the chance to encounter diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters. The inclusion of free Nitrox and the eco-conscious boats enhances the overall experience, making it both enjoyable and responsible.

This tour strikes a great balance between affordability and quality. It’s perfect for experienced divers wanting to explore multiple sites without breaking the bank while enjoying a personalized, safe diving adventure in Sri Lanka.

FAQs

Do I need to have my own diving equipment?
No, the tour provides all necessary scuba gear, including tanks, weights, and wetsuits. You can bring your own if you prefer.

How many dives are included?
You can choose between one fun dive or two fun dives at different sites. The schedule is flexible with morning and afternoon options.

What is the maximum group size?
Groups are limited to five divers to ensure personalized guidance.

Is Nitrox available?
Yes, Nitrox is offered for free to qualified divers, which allows longer bottom times and added safety.

How long does each dive typically last?
While not explicitly specified, the entire tour lasts about 6 hours, with the dive times fitting into the schedule and group size.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, an entrance fee of 15 Euros for Pigeon Island Marine Park applies if you visit that site, which is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Bring your certification card, any personal gear if preferred, sun protection, and a towel. Snacks and water are provided.

What time do the dives start?
Morning dives start at 9 am (with registration at 8:30 am), and afternoon dives at 2 pm (with registration at 1:30 pm).

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility.

Is this tour suitable for non-divers?
No, this experience requires certified diving certification; non-divers should look for snorkel tours instead.

This detailed walkthrough should help you determine if this Sri Lankan diving tour aligns with your expectations. From vibrant reefs to small group guidance, it’s a solid option for experienced divers eager to explore the underwater world of Sri Lanka.