Pinnacle
Gala Pita Gala
10–25 m
A rocky pinnacle packed with marine life and often excellent visibility.
PADI 5 StarDive Resort
PADI 5 Star Dive Resort · Since 1991
Submarine Diving Center, Sri Lanka
A PADI 5 Star Dive Resort in Unawatuna and Trincomalee. Beginner experiences, PADI certification and unforgettable wreck and reef diving with a family-run team.
35+years diving in Sri Lanka
20,000+guests welcomed over the years
5★PADI 5 Star Dive Resort
Excellentrated by our guests on Google
Why divers choose us
A PADI 5 Star Dive Resort on Unawatuna Beach
Submarine Diving Center holds PADI's highest dive centre rating, the 5 Star Dive Resort status. It means we meet PADI's strictest standards for safety, instruction, equipment and customer care, from your first breath underwater to professional-level training.
- Diving in Sri Lanka since 1991: 35+ years on the same beach
- More than 20,000 guests welcomed over the years
- Certified PADI instructors, small groups and well-kept equipment
- Two locations: Unawatuna (south) and Trincomalee (east)
- Rated Excellent by our guests on Google
Submarine Diving Center
Unawatuna · Trincomalee · Sri Lanka
Start here
Choose your underwater adventure
From your very first breath underwater to professional-level training.
Discover Scuba Diving
No experience needed. Ages 10+, about 3 hours, from $50.
PADI Open Water
Get certified in 3 days. Recognised worldwide, from $360.
Fun Diving
Wrecks, reefs and pinnacles for certified divers, from $35.
Water activities
Family snorkeling tours from $40 for the group, jet ski rides and fishing trips.
Get certified with PADI
Learn to dive in 3 days
Our PADI Open Water Diver course is the world's most popular beginner certification. Relaxed, supportive instructors teach you everything you need to explore the underwater world confidently and responsibly, and your certification is recognised everywhere.
Our offer: your first dive is a try dive. If scuba isn't for you, just pay for that first dive. Only basic swimming is required, and we'll help you build the skills for free.
Guest reviews
Rated Excellent on Google
Real words from divers who joined us.
★★★★★“Right on the beach for shore or boat dives, and a dive master with over 10,000 dives. Calm, knowledgeable, thorough briefing.”
Michelle VReview on Google
★★★★★“The team is brilliant and very professional. Dilsara took care of everything and was kind and patient.”
Sushmiita V SinghReview on Google
★★★★★“Excellent from start to finish. Friendly, patient staff who kept us comfortable and confident.”
Chehan WickramarathnaReview on Google
★★★★★“Felt extremely safe, they checked up on us throughout. Training was efficient and the equipment was clean.”
Varsha HRReview on Google
More reviews on Tripadvisor.
Not diving today?
Snorkeling, Jet Ski & Fishing
Fun for families, couples and non-divers.
Snorkeling tours
Family rates: 2 guests from $40 for 1 hour, 3 guests from $50. Each extra guest $10. Equipment and guide included.
Request online
Jet ski rides
15 minutes with a guide, $40. Just walk in at the beach and our team will take you out. No booking needed.
Walk-in · see details
Fishing tour
3 hours at sea: 2 h trolling and 1 h bottom fishing. Boat leaves 6:00 AM. From $100 for 1 person, $120 for 2.
See details
Fun diving
Our most popular dive sites
Wrecks, reefs and pinnacles, led by experienced PADI professionals in small groups. We dive many more sites around Unawatuna depending on conditions.
Exploration dive
Gala Pita Gala Diyamba
A tricky exploration dive around a big pinnacle with a huge anchor wrapped around it.
Reef
Napoleon’s Reef
8–18 m
The reef starts at 8 m and drops to 18 m. Napoleon wrasse live here. Their numbers are low now, but there is still a chance of meeting one.
Shipwreck
S.S. Orestes
17–25 m
A British steamship lost in 1876. Boiler, propeller and a resident stingray family.
Shipwreck
S.S. Rangoon
20–32 m
A British wooden sailing ship where fragments of Chinese porcelain can still be spotted.
Caves
Aluth Gala
Up to 30 m
A deeper site with small caves to find along the way.
Pinnacles
Wisse Gala
Max 30 m · average 20 m
A system of pinnacles, home to many giant moray eels.
Reef
Maha Kupatha
Max 20 m
A shallower dive with many different kinds of marine life.
Reef
Thalpe Reef
10–15 m
So many reef fish, plus a chance to see turtles.
Submarine Diving Center
35+ years of diving
We're one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most trusted PADI 5 Star dive centres. Rooted on Unawatuna Beach, we've now brought the same experience and safety standards to Trincomalee on the east coast.
- Right on Unawatuna Beach: the best conditions for beginner dives
- Strict PADI standards from first breath to professional levels
- Even Discover Scuba Diving participants receive PADI recognition
- Paths up to Divemaster, Master Scuba Diver and Assistant Instructor
Join the team
Careers & internships
3-month Divemaster Internship
Professional training, real diving experience, accommodation and meals included. A great start to a career in the dive industry.
Diving in Sri Lanka
Why dive with us in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to dive and to explore the south coast. Warm water, coral reefs and historic shipwrecks sit minutes from the beach, so you spend your time underwater rather than travelling.
Submarine Diving Center has trained and guided divers since 1991, and has welcomed more than 20,000 guests. As a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort we offer everything from a first guided dive to professional-level courses, with all equipment included and small groups so you get real attention from your instructor.
Complete beginners can try Discover Scuba Diving. Ready to certify? Start the PADI Open Water Diver course. Already certified? Join us for fun dives on wrecks, reefs and night dives, or read our guide to scuba diving in Sri Lanka to plan your trip.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Submarine Diving Center?
Our main dive centre is on Unawatuna Beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka, near Galle. We also run a second, seasonal location in Trincomalee on the east coast.
Do I need experience to scuba dive in Sri Lanka?
No. Discover Scuba Diving is a guided first dive for complete beginners aged 10 and over, with no certification needed.
What PADI courses can I take?
PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster and specialty courses. See all PADI courses.
What can I see when diving in Unawatuna?
Coral reefs, marine life and historic shipwrecks such as the Lord Nelson and S S Orestes wrecks. See our fun diving options for certified divers.
Are you a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort?
Yes. Submarine Diving Center is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort and has been teaching divers since 1991.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry on our contact page or message us on WhatsApp and we will reply with availability and a booking confirmation.
Ready to get underwater?
Tell us what you have in mind and we will get back to you quickly.