Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary has a variety of natural attractions for visitors that include both underwater and land based attractions.
Snorkelling
The shallow coral reefs are ideal for snorkelling with healthy coral gardens and colourful reef fish. Snorkelling on Kayankerni reef can be done via boat as the reef is located some distance from the shore. Boat operators providing snorkelling trips to the reef can be found in Kayankerni (5 mins) and Pasikudah (30-40mins). While Pasikudah has more boat operators it is recommended to access the reef from Kayankerni due to the shorter boat ride. In addition to Kayankerni reef the seagrass meadows in Thennadi bay provide interesting areas to explore. Located just off the beach at Kayankerni they can be accessed without a boat. Snorkelling is possible from March to October. From November to February the northeast monsoon brings rough seas and low visibility making it unsuitable for snorkelling and diving activities.
Snorkelling Season: March to October
Best Time for Snorkelling: April to June and September to October
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in and around Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary provides a variety of habitats to explore from shallow coral gardens and deeper rocky reefs to shipwrecks. All dive sites within the MPA are located at depths of less than 10m and are suitable for all levels of divers. Diving is particularly good on the more offshore coral patches around the large Porites domes and coral rocks with many overhangs and small caves.
Further outside the MPA in slightly deeper water are a series of rocky reefs that include Anemone City and Leather Coral Reef. These are rocky habitats with hard and soft corals, sponges and sea anemones. The WWII wreck of the SS British Sergeant is located 7km off Kayankerni at a depth of 25m while the wreck of the SS Lady McCallum is located just outside the MPA at a depth of 18m. Other wrecks in the area include several shallow wrecks in Pasikudah and the wreck of a Catalina PBY-5A at a depth of 45m. Dive operators in the area are currently limited to Scuba Addicts based at Giman Free Hotel in Kayankerni and LSR based at Marine Beach Hotel in Pasikudah.
Diving Season: March to October
Best Time for Diving: April to June and September to October
Bird Watching
The coastal lagoons, mangroves and beaches provide good bird watching opportunities. The most common species include waterbirds and coastal marine species such as terns, gulls, ducks, cormorants, herons and egrets as well as raptors such as Brahminy kites and White bellied sea eagles. Winter migrants can be seen in the area from November to March. Good areas for bird watching include Kayankerni lagoon, Elephant Point headland and mangrove lagoon, and coastal waters around rocky outcrops.
Bird Watching Season: Year round
Best Time for Bird Watching: October to April
Lagoon Tours
Exploring the coastal mangrove forests by boat can be a rewarding experience with many species of birds, reptiles, crabs and other invertebrates. Although formal tours are currently not available local fishers will be happy to take you for a tour through the quiet waters of the mangrove fringed lagoons.
Season: Year round
Best Time: March to October
Seasons and Weather
Sri Lanka is an island located just above the equator with a tropical climate that is heavily influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoons. There is relatively little variation in annual temperature with seasons being categorised as wet and dry depending on the prevailing monsoon. There are four major seasons that influence precipitation levels and wind, and consequently sea conditions.
The First Inter-Monsoon (March - April) is a period with low winds, calm seas, and good underwater visibility, especially in April. Occasional evening thunderstorms may occur during this time but the weather is mostly dry and sunny.
The Southwest Monsoon (May - September) is a period with varying winds. May to June, and also September usually has light winds, mostly calm seas, and mostly hot, sunny days. July and August tend to have strong westerly winds blowing across Sri Lanka from the southwest monsoon that creates rough sea conditions specially offshore.
The Second Inter-Monsoon (October - November) usually has calm seas but frequent evening rains. Rainfall increases into November with increasing winds and rough seas with the onset of the northeast monsoon.
The Northeast Monsoon (December - February) has strong winds in December and January accompanied by frequent rains. Sea conditions tend to be rough during this time. Water based activities such as snorkelling, diving or marine boat tours are not possible during this time.