Water Sports at Pasikudah and Kalkudah

Pasikudah and neighbouring Kalkudah lie on Sri Lanka's east coast, north of Batticaloa. Pasikudah's bay is protected by an offshore reef, so the water stays shallow and calm far out from the beach. This makes it one of the gentlest places in the country for swimming and for trying water sports.

What you can do

• Snorkelling: around the reef, with corals and reef fish. Boats take you out to better spots.
• Diving: dive centres run trips to reefs and wrecks along the coast, including the SS British Sergeant, a tanker sunk in 1942, and HMS Hermes, an aircraft carrier sunk the same year in deeper water for experienced divers.
• Kayaking and paddle boarding: easy in the sheltered bay.
• Jet skis, banana boats and water skiing: offered by operators and hotels.
• Windsurfing and kite surfing: available at times, depending on wind.

Most hotels along the beach can arrange activities, with equipment and instructors.

When to go

The east coast season runs from about May to September. In the north-east monsoon, roughly November to January, seas are rough and many activities stop.

How long it takes

From an hour for a kayak to half a day for a dive trip.

Getting there

Pasikudah is about an hour north of Batticaloa, and roughly two hours south of Trincomalee by road.

Practical tips

• Check operators' safety equipment and life jackets.
• Keep jet skis away from swimmers and snorkellers.
• Do not stand on coral; use reef-safe sunscreen.

See also Pasikuda beach and a trip to the Batticaloa lighthouse. Plan with things to do in Pasikuda and Pasikuda hotels.