Overview
The seagrass beds of the Gulf of Mannar Marine Park are among the most extensive and ecologically significant in the Indian Ocean — shallow underwater meadows of marine grass that support the only remaining dugong population in Sri Lankan waters and provide critical habitat for sea turtles, seahorses, pipefish, and juvenile fish of hundreds of species. The seagrass beds are found in the shallow waters around the 21 park islands and along the protected coastal areas, visible as dark green underwater meadows in the clear Gulf water. The dugong — a large, placid marine mammal — feeds almost exclusively on these seagrass beds, and the population that persists here is the last in Sri Lanka.
Highlights
- Extensive seagrass meadows supporting Sri Lanka’s last dugong population
- Sea turtles, seahorses, and pipefish among the seagrass
- Juvenile fish nursery habitat of critical ecological importance
- The seagrass beds are visible in the clear, shallow Gulf water
- Part of the Gulf of Mannar UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Snorkelling over the seagrass reveals a distinctive and beautiful underwater habitat
- The dugong connection makes these beds globally significant
- Conservation of the seagrass beds is critical for the broader Gulf ecosystem
Best Time to Visit
November–April for clear water and calm conditions.
Activities
- Snorkelling over the seagrass beds
- Dugong watching (specialist tours)
- Sea turtle observation
- Marine ecology study
Suitable For
Marine biologists, snorkellers, conservation-minded travellers, dugong enthusiasts
Nearby Attractions
- Gulf of Mannar Marine Park islands
- Mannar Island (access point)
- Talaimannar (boat departure area)
- Bar Reef (related marine system)
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