Combination trip – Tour of Sri Lanka and liveaboard diving in the Maldives
Discover diverse Sri Lanka with wildlife, temples and spectacular scenery & combine this with a week of diving from the Maldives Master Liveaboard.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Sri Lanka & Maldives in 2 weeks: tours and liveaboard diving
This unique trip combines culture, nature and adventure. First, in one week you will discover the highlights of Sri Lanka: from the impressive Lion Rock in Sigiriya and the temples of Polonnaruwa to the tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya and the colonial charm of Galle. Along the way you will be introduced to ancient traditions, colorful cities and a beautiful green landscape.
After this diverse program, you will travel on to the Maldives for a liveaboard on the central route. Here everything revolves around the underwater world: you make several boat dives daily along colorful coral reefs and canyons with a chance to see mantas, reef sharks and large schools of fish. A visit to a local island is also on the program and you will enjoy comfort and hospitality on board.
Combining a roundtrip full of culture and nature with a liveaboard full of diving adventure makes this trip a complete and unforgettable experience.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives
The best period for this trip is December through March. In Sri Lanka, you then enjoy dry weather on the south and west coasts and in the highlands. At the same time, this coincides with the dry season in the Maldives: calm waters, clear visibility and top diving conditions. April is also possible, with fewer crowds and often still good weather, but more chance of showers.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in the Maldives
In general, a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for diving in the Maldives. If you are more comfortable diving in a shorty, this is of course also possible. In general, however, it is nice to wear a long suit because you will be making several dives a day.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Arrival in Colombo
Today you will arrive at Colombo airport. Air travel is often with 1 transfer and takes about 16 hours on average. Often the flights leave in the evening, so you will arrive the next day in the evening. There is also a time difference of 3.5 hours.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Sigiriya, where you will check into the hotel. Sigiriya is more inland and is about a 3-hour drive from the airport.
Day 3 | Lion Rock and the ancient capital Polonnaruwa
The first morning you will start right away with one of the highlights of Sri Lanka: you will go to the Lion Rock. Of course, you first have time to have breakfast at the hotel before the driver comes to pick you up.
Sigiriya Rock, also called the Lion Rock, is a fifth-century fortress and sits atop a 200-meter-high rock. It is known for its impressive views.
Later you will head to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Here you will find well-preserved ruins, ancient palaces, temples and imposing Buddha statues. Then you return to the hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 4 | Cave temples of Dambulla and cultural city of Kandy
After breakfast, visit the cave temples of Dambulla. In these five caves you will see colorful wall paintings and more than 130 Buddha statues.
Then continue to Kandy, the place where you will spend the night tonight.
On the way to Kandy, stop at a spice garden in Matale. Here you will discover how spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and pepper are grown.
In Kandy you will visit the Temple of the Tooth, where tradition holds a tooth relic of Buddha. In the evening, attend a cultural dance show.
Day 5 | Visit tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
Today you will start with a visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia. You’ll stroll along sprawling avenues of royal palms, admire colorful orchids and discover an impressive collection of tropical plants and trees.
Then continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, a mountain town also known as “Little England” because of its colonial buildings, rose gardens and cooler climate. Along the way, make a stop at a traditional tea factory and tea plantation, where you will learn about the entire process of the famous Ceylon tea – from picking the leaves to packaging. Of course, you taste a fresh cup of tea yourself.
You will end the day with an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya, in the middle of the picturesque mountain landscape.
Day 6 | Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak in Ella
After breakfast, travel on to Ella, a charming mountain village in the heart of Sri Lanka, surrounded by vast tea plantations and misty mountains. Along the way you will visit the impressive Ravana Waterfall, one of the highest and most famous waterfalls in the country.
In the afternoon, hike to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel nestled in the middle of greenery and still crossed by trains. You then make a short but scenic climb to Little Adam’s Peak, a relatively accessible hike that is rewarded with panoramic views of the valley and rolling hills full of tea fields.
You will end the day with a relaxing evening and an overnight stay in Ella.
Day 7 | Jeep safari in Udawalawe
Today a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park is scheduled. This park is often called Sri Lanka’s best place to spot wild elephants: herds of dozens of animals roam freely here. Besides elephants, you can also encounter water buffalo, crocodiles, monitor lizards and numerous bird species – from colorful kingfishers to majestic eagles. The safari gives you a wonderful insight into the island’s pristine nature.
After this adventure, you will travel on to the southwest coast, arriving in the lively resort town of Hikkaduwa during the evening. A relaxing overnight stay awaits you here, a short distance from the beach.
Day 8 | City tour Galle & Colombo
After breakfast, depart for Galle, a charming city on the south coast. You will visit the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Dutch and Portuguese influences are still clearly visible. Inside the old ramparts, you’ll stroll through narrow streets filled with colonial buildings, atmospheric cafes, art galleries and small boutiques, while enjoying beautiful views of the Indian Ocean along the way.
In the afternoon, travel on to the capital Colombo for a city tour. Here you will taste the mix of modern and traditional: you will visit the colorful Gangaramaya Temple, stroll through Independence Square and enjoy the green heart of the city at Viharamahadevi Park. Along the coastline, you can take a leisurely stroll at Galle Face Green, where families gather to watch the sunset, or stroll through one of the modern shopping malls.
The day ends with an overnight stay in Colombo, where you will be ready for your flight to the Maldives the next morning.
Day 9 | To the Maldives & aboard the Master Liveaboard
Today you will fly on to the Maldives! After a short flight of about 1.5 hours you arrive in Malé, where a transfer from the Maldives Master Liveaboard is already waiting for you. This will take you directly to the port of Hulhumalé, where you will board the beautiful boat that will take you along the central diving route of the Maldives for the next few days. On this trip, you’ll make up to 17 dives, spread across some of the islands’ most beautiful reefs.
Once everyone is on board, lunch is ready and the crew gives a comprehensive briefing on the boat and safety procedures. Then it’s time for your first dive: a checkdive at Kurumba Maldives, just 15 minutes by zodiac from Hulhumalé. After this first underwater experience, you can relax, meet the other divers and enjoy a delicious dinner on board.
The boat will remain in port this first night, so you can set sail early the next morning for the real adventure on the Maldivian reefs.
Day 10 to 14 | Diving in the Maldives
You will spend the next 5 days diving, making 3 dives per day. The program is as follows:
When you wake up, a light breakfast is waiting for you so you won’t go diving with an empty stomach. The divemaster gives a briefing and you make your first dive of the day. After the dive, a full breakfast is waiting for you and you can rest for a while. Then you make the second dive. After the second dive, lunch is ready and there is time to relax again before you enter the water for the third time. After this dive there is a snack and you can rest from all the diving. After that, dinner will be served.
During the week you may make the 3rd dive once during sunset or as a night dive, however, this is not guaranteed and depends on weather conditions, among other things.
During this itinerary, you’ll dive some of the Maldives’ most impressive atolls. In North Malé Atoll, explore colorful reefs like H.P. Reef and Manta Point, where you’ll see manta rays hovering above the reef and have a chance of encounters with reef sharks and even hammerhead sharks. In South Malé Atoll, let the currents carry you away at Cocoa Corner and Kandooma Thila, where schools of fish, eagle rays and turtles make for spectacular underwater scenes.
In Vaavu Atoll, dive the famous Fotteyo and Miyaru Kandu channels, where gray reef sharks and tuna cross your path. At Alimathaa you will experience an unforgettable evening session among dozens of nurse sharks. In South Ari Atoll, look for manta rays and whale sharks and discover colorful thilas and the extraordinary wreck of the Kudima. Finally, in North Ari Atoll, dive at Fish Head and Maaya Thila, known for their shark action, and at Rasdhoo-Madivaru you even have the chance to see schools of hammerhead sharks emerging from the depths.
Day 15 | The last day of diving
On the last full day aboard the Maldives Master, two more wonderful dives are scheduled. These will take place in the morning so you can leave the next day in time and relaxed for your flight.
After the dives, you will enjoy lunch on board, after which the boat will sail back to port. Here, the evening brings a final opportunity to relax and revel in your diving adventures as the boat spends the night in port, ready for its farewell to the Maldives.
Day 16 | The return trip home
Today really is the last day of your trip. After an early breakfast you will be picked up for the transfer to the airport, a trip of about 30 minutes. You will arrive in plenty of time to check in and catch your flight, while looking back on an unforgettable journey full of adventure, nature and relaxation.
Good to know: you can also start the trip with diving in the Maldives and end it with a tour of Sri Lanka. Would you rather dive from a resort? That is also possible! We make the trip completely customized.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from nature in Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
Jeep safari in Udawalawe
One of the most impressive experiences of the round trip is the jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. Here, large herds of wild elephants live freely in their natural habitat, often accompanied by buffalo, waterbuck and colorful birds. During the safari you also have a chance to spot crocodiles, herons and other animals. The vast savannas and vast landscape make for wonderful photo opportunities and an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife.
Tea plantations and Nuwara Eliya
The hilly landscape around Nuwara Eliya is known for its vast tea plantations and picturesque valleys. During a visit to a tea plantation and factory, you will discover how the world-famous Ceylon tea is picked, processed and tasted. Walk among the rolling green fields and enjoy the fresh mountain climate. Combining nature, culture and gastronomy, this experience provides a unique insight into an important part of Sri Lanka’s economy and traditions.
Best of Maldives itinerary
This liveaboard takes you around the central Maldives, diving at iconic sites such as Manta Point and Broken Rock. Meet manta rays at the cleaning stations, spot whale sharks, reef sharks and eagle rays, and admire colorful coral walls filled with schools of fusiliers and barracudas. Turtles, moray eels and wrecks also provide variety. The mix of great marine life, spectacular reefs and tranquil lagoons makes this route an unforgettable classic.
The accommodations
The stay during the tour
Overnight stays in Sri Lanka
During this tour you will stay in 6 carefully selected 4-star hotels, scattered throughout the island. At most destinations you will stay only one night, because you will travel on the next day to explore as much of Sri Lanka as possible. If you prefer something more luxurious, there is also the option to stay in 5-star hotels.
You will stay in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms so you can relax after a day of adventure. Accommodation is on a half-board basis, with both breakfast and dinner included. So you can enjoy delicious meals and local cuisine every day, while you are out and about during the day for cultural highlights, nature experiences and exciting safaris.
The liveaboard
The boat and facilities
Maldives Master Liveaboard
The Maldives Master is a modern and comfortable liveaboard that can accommodate up to 26 guests. On board you will find 14 cabins in different categories: from double cabins to spacious twin/double cabins and even some single cabins. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom and soft towels. Some cabins offer stunning ocean views, while Superior cabins even feature a bathtub.
For relaxation outside of diving, there are plenty of options. Inside you can visit the stylish air-conditioned lounge and dining area, while outside you can enjoy the bar, Jacuzzi or spacious decks. The ship features multiple sun decks, including a unique ocean deck near the water – perfect for spotting dolphins or other marine life. At night, the lighting around this deck often creates an enchanting display of fish and other marine life.
Meals on board are generous and internationally oriented.
The liveaboard features the Blue Shadow, a 19-meter dhoni that is fully equipped with nitrox, comfortable equipment stations, showers and a special rinse area for cameras.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives is available from € 4.430 per person based on two people in one room/cabin. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
This is just an example of what your trip could look like. The possibilities are almost endless: for example, you can choose a resort in the Maldives instead of a liveaboard, or just dive first and then travel on to Sri Lanka. Prefer diving at both destinations? We are happy to arrange that too.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from € 4.430 p.p.
- 7 nights in 4* hotels in Sri Lanka
- Meals on half board basis
- All mentioned excursions in Sri Lanka
- 7 nights in a premium twin/double cabin based on full board
- Dive package with +/- 17 dives
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Return flights from € 1.250 p.p.
- Lunch during week in Sri Lanka
- Maldives Government Green Tax ($84)
- 10% service charge and 17% GST on all products and services you purchase locally
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks during the liveaboard
- Dive & Travel Insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox ($105)
- 15L tank ($77)
- Diving equipment ($255)
- Diving computer ($70)
Email this diving holiday
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Frequently asked questions about this dive trip
Diving general
You make exclusively boat dives here.
The maximum depth of the dives made is 30 meters. There may be medium-strong currents during the dives, so it is good to have some diving experience before going on this trip. For this trip you should be comfortable with negative entries, drift dives and an SMB release from underwater.
A minimum of 30 logged dives are required for this liveaboard. In addition, you must be at least open water certified, but it is recommended to be at least advanced. The depth of the dives during this trip often exceed the maximum depth for an open water diver.
It is also recommended to be Nitrox certified.
The dive sites are close: about a 20-minute boat ride away.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive. It is not standard in the dive package so it is not guaranteed to happen, but if conditions are good the 3rd dive can be a night dive. This is a maximum of once a week.
Yes, you can obtain SSI Nitrox and SSI Deep Adventure Dive on board.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, there are a number of 15L tanks available. The additional cost for using a 15L tank is $77 for the entire week.
Dual cylinders with manifold are not available on the Maldives Master.
Guests wishing to dive with dual cylinders on the back must bring their own tank straps and harness and pay an additional charge for an extra cylinder. However, please note that the standard tank valves cannot be replaced. Guests using two cylinders will therefore need two sets of regulators.
Divers diving with lateral attachment must bring their own equipment.
Yes, the use of nitrox costs $105 for the entire week.
Yes, you can rent equipment here. A full set includes wetsuit (3mm shorty), BCD, regulator, mask, fins, boots and a snorkel. This costs $255 for the entire week. You can use an SMB and weight belt for free. When booking, let us know what equipment and size you need so it will be on board in a timely manner.
In addition, it is mandatory to dive with a dive computer. You can also rent these, the cost is $77 per week.
Liveaboard
In addition to the listed price, 10% service charges and 17% GST (Goods & Services Tax) apply for products and services you purchase on site, such as drinks, spa treatments, excursions or other extras. These costs will be settled on the liveaboard.
It is best to pay this in cash, as there is also a 3% surcharge for debit cards.
At the Maldives Master liveaboard, you can only pay cash with USD.
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