The tour includes the boat ride to Coral Island and back, and all snorkeling equipment. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included. Gratuities are optional.
What time does the tour depart and where do we meet?
The standard departure is at 8:00 am from the Diving Center in Trincomalee. Alternative departure times can be arranged, though the operator notes that visibility and marine activity are best in the early morning. The Diving Center is near public transportation.
How long does the whole experience take, and how far is the snorkeling site?
The full tour lasts approximately two hours. The boat ride from the Diving Center to the snorkeling spot at Coral Island takes up to twenty minutes each way.
Is this tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?
The reef is shallow and the equipment is provided, making this accessible to those with no prior snorkeling experience. However, the tour is not suitable for people with serious medical conditions, back problems, or expectant mothers, and infants must sit on laps during the boat transfer.
What marine life might I see at Coral Island?
The reef supports living corals of various forms, shoals of small reef fish, hermit crabs, sea anemones, and clownfish. Bringing an underwater camera is worthwhile, as the morning light conditions tend to make photography straightforward.
We were recommended Sasha’s dive center by a dive instructor we met in Thailand, and we’re so glad we came! Sasha replied to us immediately and arranged a refresher course for us. Our instructor, Sunny, was absolutely amazing – p…
We had our quarters in Passikuda Beach, about 35 km north of Batticaloa. So I only did one TG at the Hermes. I got in touch with the dive center by mail or WhatsApp, but then went there once for planning and talked to the base man…
My 2 kids (10 and 12) did the Junior padi OW course with instructor Asa. They had a wonderfull time, excellent teacher who took the time with the kids to explain carefully and practice a lot. I would really recommend the dive cent…
