A Magical electric Encounter in Nilaveli
During my time on Sri Lanka’s east coast, I had one of those dives you dream about – warm waters, thriving reefs, a great crew, and a rare electric ray sighting that absolutely blew my mind. Add a turtle, loads of macro life, and the vibe of Nilaveli, and you have a perfect underwater day.
Hey Hive Family
meet a rare seen fish
and let us travel the world again
Boat Ride to Pigeon Island – Dive Begins
We kicked off the day with the amazing Pearl Divers team, who brought us by boat to a site near Pigeon Island in just 20 minutes. The water was calm and inviting at a pleasant 28°C, and visibility was great.
See more at my other post about diving at Sithanane pare where we met this strange white worm.
Our dive started at about 8 meters, slowly descending into a world of coral gardens, sandy stretches, and colorful marine life. I had my GoPro rolling, ready to capture memories – though I didn’t know yet just how special this dive would be.
Yeah, that me under water. Don’t think you look way better wearing as mask and your octopus….🤣
A Rare Encounter: The Marbled Electric Ray
Suddenly, gliding ahead of me, I spotted a disk shaped creature covered in a hypnotic pattern of white-beige spots on a dark brown body. At first, I thought it was a stingray.
I quickly realized I was face-to-face with a marbled electric ray (Torpedo sinuspersici). Whooot - what
These rays are part of the Torpedinidae family, known for their ability to generate electric shocks using special organs on either side of their head. Though the shock isn't dangerous to humans unless provoked, it’s enough to stun prey or scare off predators.
Wanne know more about that animal?
Sure, here are some sources
👉 Read more on Wikipedia
📸 Sightings on iNaturalist
I followed it for several minutes at a safe distance – it didn’t bury itself like other rays but floated calmly just above the sandy bottom, turning gently and moving with effortless grace. It was a rare and magical moment, and I still can’t believe how lucky I was to catch it on video.
🐢 Turtles, Nudibranchs & Reef Surprises
The dive had even more in store. We later encountered a peaceful green sea turtle resting beneath a coral overhang, blinking at us like a wise old monk.
All around us, the reef was alive with nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, lionfish, and even a well-camouflaged stonefish.
We stayed down for just under an hour before ascending and completing our 3-minute safety stop at 5 meters, floating in the big blue and smiling behind our regulators.
🤿 Pearl Divers – Where Passion Meets Professionalism
The whole experience was made even better thanks to Pearl Divers Nilaveli. Their base is right on the beach, and they offer true PADI 5-star service – professional, friendly, and absolutely focused on safety and fun.
From delivering tanks to the boat to double-checking gear and offering detailed site briefings, everything was smooth. Our guide Shan went above and beyond, pointing out the smallest critters, helping us spot the ray, and explaining every step with clarity and care.
If you’re planning a dive in Nilaveli – don’t miss Pearl Divers.
🌴 Nilaveli – Sri Lanka’s Peaceful East Coast Gem
Nilaveli is a beach town that still feels wild and real. Unlike the busy south coast, this stretch of sand offers peace, space, and crystal-clear waters. The vibe is slow, calm, and totally chill – perfect for both diving and unwinding after.
There are great little restaurants nearby, serving fresh seafood and spicy local curries, and the sunsets from the beach or pool are the perfect end to any dive day.
If you're looking for a peaceful, authentic ocean escape in Sri Lanka, Nilaveli is a top pick.
What does other diver say
After checking some posts, I like to ask this divers about their feedback @gooddream,@scubahead,@feithy26,@world.wanderer, @rizalirawan,@hientran,@raj808,@kev.incredible, @amavi,@mariasalve
Have a great day everybody
and let us travel the world again
pic by @detlev
Enjoy the #BeerSaturday
have 3 pics and a story
around beer – and go!
@Detlev loves HIVE
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Many thanks @lauramica
stay tuned for more Sri Lanka. There was a nice market and a local food store during the last days.
You are very welcome @detlev! it was well deserved. ☀️
We are already looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
What an incredible dive! 🫡 Spotting a marbled electric ray sounds like a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience ✨ It's awesome that you captured it along with all the other amazing marine life 💖 Pearl Divers sounds like a top-notch team too! 🙌
Great stuff!
This was such a cool read!
I never knew electric rays could be so graceful underwater. Thanks for sharing the experience and the pics. Loved learning about Nilaveli too, now it's def on my travel list! 🤿⚡🐢
This east-coast or Sri Lanka is a cool place.
After a trip to the south and the Ella-to-Kandy train, we are back in Trinco.
The south coast isn’t clear yet — it’s still windy and rainy!
Until today, I didn’t even know electric rays could be found in Sri Lanka.
$WINE
Is there a chance we could bring a #HiveFest to Sri Lanka?
That's a good idea 👍
Are you coming to Kuala Lumpur this year for a discussion?
... and if you like a good 🍺
Actually, I couldn’t attend the next Hive Fest due to a personal reason. Let’s hope the 2026–27 Hive Fest will be in Sri Lanka.
There are lots of attractive locations here (Ella, Nuwara Eliya, South Coast, etc.).
😲👍🏻
Go pro rolling, is it a camera? Am specially interested in the electric shock fish. So if one should provoke it, the shock would be dangerous to the human body?
GoPro is the name of an action cam. With a good case you can dive up to 30-40m deep.
See
Wow, so as you are moving inside the water, did you go in with the cam. Or you stationed it beneath the water? Am asking to know if it is waterproof cam.
18m deep for 1h
Thank you sir. You have educated me. There is one thing I so much value about you, you are approachable and accommodating. You always respond with cool mind. Once more, thanks.
This is just how social media should be
Exactly. It should represent it's social name. Am grateful.
What a privilege to be able to experience these unique species firsthand!
Thank you for taking us on this dive!
good to know you're sound and safe. Steve Irwin (aussie icon and owner of Australian Zoo) died some years ago while swimming along a couple of sting rays
Ups - didn’t know that.
But as a diver you stay close but far enough and luckily the cam has a zoom.
Now tell me the real question... why didn't you go with me? 😆
I love diving so much, and I really wanna go and try it, especially after seeing your experience! Even though I'm still scared a bit. That reef looks so amazing, and all those animals also. Woah, is that a stone fish? I heard it's pretty dangerous to step on. Seeing that ray is truly a miracle! That is such a cool experience of yours.
Hearing you use your go pro reminded me of my long lost one, hope I'll get a new one till the time I'm scuba diving!
If you are around at HiveFest, Malaysia has some great dive sites.
I'd love to, but most likely I won't be able to
Amazing 👍🏻
Wow - Es gibt kaum etwas faszinierenderes als die Unterwasserwelt. Wunderschön!
Hi Patrizia aka @patschwork
Danke und ja - Unterwasser ist ein genialer ganz anderer Lebensraum. Leider sind die Besuchszeiten mit 1h immer zu kurz.
Was ganz anderes - hast Du schon vom http://hive-summit.com in Aachen gehört.
Ende August treffen wir uns für 2-3 Tage nicht nur mit Hivians.
Du bist herzlichst eingeladen!
Hallo @detlev,
danke für die Einladung. Allerdings ist das für mich leider nicht machbar - nach den Sommerferien und im Südwesten wäre ich vielleicht dabei :)
Hi @patschwork dann gern ein nächstes Mal.
Gruß 👋
Detlev
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Nice quality under water video without external lights , water must be very clear there.
I have a small rig with just one pro light and a mounted GoPro Cam to use with just one hand.
Works well and isn’t to big.
Me gustan sus fotos.
Hola.
I'm impressed how that ray can move without actually moving that much