Underwater view of a coral reef covered in green algae with fish swimming above, Bar Reef, Kalpitiya

Travel Guide Contents

Snorkeling Bar Reef in Kalpitiya

Bar Reef is a natural beauty and Kalpitiya has the largest and untouched coral reef in Sri Lnaka. The coral reef was published a sanctuary in 1992 by marine wildlife park by the government. The Reef cover the area of 306sq.km. You can visit the this largest coral reef 3KM away from the Kalpitiya Lagoon. Snorkeling Bar Reef in Kalpitiya is an amazing experience and explore of the largest bar reef in Sri Lanka.

 

Close-up of a large layered cabbage coral formation, olive-green and cream, with a small purple coral nearby

Largest Bar Reef in Kalpitiya

After one hour unforgettable boat ride off the cost form Kalpitiya, You can reached to 300 KM long Bar Reef is the largest system in Sri Lanka. Its a home of Bar Reef to an magnificent 156 types of Reef coral and 283 different types of tropical fish, making it one of the remarkable marine ecosystems in Indian ocean.

 

Best season for Snorkeling in Kalpitiya

December – March

Kalpitiya water sport season begins in December and extend on into early April. During this time wind and water condition making it ideal for water sports specially for scuba diving and snorkeling.

 

Things to know before you go

  • Best season: December to March, extending into early April, when wind and water conditions are ideal for diving and snorkeling.
  • The reef was declared a protected marine sanctuary in 1992.
  • Home to around 156 types of reef coral and 283 types of tropical fish.
  • Getting there is about a 1-hour boat ride off the coast from Kalpitiya.

 

Where to stay during your dive trip | Hotels

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Image Gallery

  • Cluster of layered coral formations with a large cabbage coral among branching coral, Bar Reef Kalpitiya
  • A butterflyfish swimming above a pale bleached coral reef, Bar Reef Kalpitiya
  • Close-up of blue and white encrusting coral texture with small polyps
  • Rounded boulder coral covered with small blue-tipped polyps, greenish-brown surrounding reef
  • A parrotfish swimming over a rocky sandy seabed, Bar Reef Kalpitiya
  • A reef fish swimming near coral rock formations in greenish water
  • A striped blue and yellow fish swimming between large green cabbage coral formations, Bar Reef Kalpitiya

Best Things to do in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to snorkel at Bar Reef?

December through March, extending into early April, when wind and water conditions are most favorable for diving and snorkeling.

How do I get to Bar Reef?

It’s reached by boat from Kalpitiya, roughly a 1-hour ride off the coast.

What will I see there?

Bar Reef is home to around 156 types of reef coral and 283 types of tropical fish, and was declared a protected marine sanctuary in 1992.

More in Kalpitiya

Also worth combining with a Bar Reef trip: dolphin and whale watching and kitesurfing in Kalpitiya.