Visit Great Basses Reef Lighthouse
Yala, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Dec
23°C – 31°C, january in yala features warm temperatures ranging from 23°c to 31°c, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 31°C, january in yala features warm temperatures ranging from 23°c to 31°c, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Access involves stairs and uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible.
Access involves stairs and uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
Medium
Costly, but unique experience for experienced divers.
Costly, but unique experience for experienced divers.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Remote Adventure
Couples loved the unique, offshore adventure and the stunning lighthouse views. A must-do!
Diving Paradise
Experienced couples found the diving challenging, but the reefs and wrecks were worth it.
Unforgettable Journey
Visitors felt the boat trip and the lighthouse were a truly memorable and unique experience.
Rough Waters
Travelers warned of the difficult boat journey and strong currents. Not for the faint-hearted.
Limited Access
Couples noted that access is restricted to a small window, making planning difficult.
Pricey Expedition
Visitors felt the specialized diving charters are costly and not budget-friendly.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Dive into the aerial vistas of Great Basses Reef Lighthouse.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
24-29°C
Cooler temperatures with heavy rainfall; transitioning towards drier conditions by month's end.
Cooler temperatures with heavy rainfall; transitioning towards drier conditions by month's end.
Open
Some areas may still be affected by residual flooding.
Some areas may still be affected by residual flooding.
Recommended
December experiences heavy rainfall, especially in the early part of the month. However, as the month progresses, conditions improve, leading to increased tourist activity and higher prices during the holiday season.
December experiences heavy rainfall, especially in the early part of the month. However, as the month progresses, conditions improve, leading to increased tourist activity and higher prices during the holiday season.
January
HIGH
23-31°C
January in Yala features warm temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. The month receives moderate rainfall, averaging around 105 mm over approximately 6 days, with a 28% chance of rain on any given day. Sunshine is abundant, with about 208 hours throughout the month.
January in Yala features warm temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. The month receives moderate rainfall, averaging around 105 mm over approximately 6 days, with a 28% chance of rain on any given day. Sunshine is abundant, with about 208 hours throughout the month.
Open
Due to high demand, early booking is recommended for accommodations and tours.
Due to high demand, early booking is recommended for accommodations and tours.
Recommended
January offers favorable weather conditions for visiting the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. However, as it coincides with the peak tourist season, visitors should plan ahead to secure accommodations and expect higher prices.
January offers favorable weather conditions for visiting the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. However, as it coincides with the peak tourist season, visitors should plan ahead to secure accommodations and expect higher prices.
February
MEDIUM
23-31°C
February continues with warm temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. Rainfall decreases compared to January, averaging around 75 mm over approximately 4 days, with a 20% chance of rain on any given day. Sunshine hours remain high, providing ample daylight for activities.
February continues with warm temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. Rainfall decreases compared to January, averaging around 75 mm over approximately 4 days, with a 20% chance of rain on any given day. Sunshine hours remain high, providing ample daylight for activities.
Open
While availability improves compared to January, it's still advisable to book in advance.
While availability improves compared to January, it's still advisable to book in advance.
Recommended
February offers pleasant weather with reduced rainfall and moderate crowd levels, making it a good time to visit the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. Prices and availability are more favorable than in January.
February offers pleasant weather with reduced rainfall and moderate crowd levels, making it a good time to visit the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. Prices and availability are more favorable than in January.
March
LOW
23-33°C
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures, ranging from 23°C to 33°C. Rainfall is minimal, averaging around 50 mm over approximately 3 days, with a 10% chance of rain on any given day. Sunshine is abundant, enhancing outdoor experiences.
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures, ranging from 23°C to 33°C. Rainfall is minimal, averaging around 50 mm over approximately 3 days, with a 10% chance of rain on any given day. Sunshine is abundant, enhancing outdoor experiences.
Open
Accommodations and tours are more readily available, but booking in advance is still recommended.
Accommodations and tours are more readily available, but booking in advance is still recommended.
Recommended
March provides excellent weather conditions with minimal rainfall and lower crowd levels, making it an ideal time to visit the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. Prices are generally more reasonable, and availability is better.
March provides excellent weather conditions with minimal rainfall and lower crowd levels, making it an ideal time to visit the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. Prices are generally more reasonable, and availability is better.
How to get there
Boat
Recommended
Boat services depart from Kirinda Fishery Harbour to the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse.
Car
Recommended
Driving from Tissamaharama to Kirinda via the Tissa-Kirinda Road allows direct access to the boat departure point.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available from Tissamaharama to Kirinda, providing a direct route to the boat departure point.
Bus
Public buses operate from Tissamaharama, but direct service to Kirinda may be limited. Travelers might need to transfer buses or take a taxi for the final stretch to Kirinda.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required