Hikkaduwa Beach
A 3km surf and coral beach 100km from Colombo, with a designated coral sanctuary, resident green sea turtles, consistent surf, and the south coast's most active nightlife strip.
Duration
Full day or multi-day
Entry Fee
Free
Difficulty
easy
Budget
free
About Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikkaduwa is the south coast's busiest beach destination, combining a workable surf break, accessible coral reef snorkelling, and the most concentrated bar and restaurant scene south of Colombo. The beach stretches roughly 3km, with the surf break at the northern end and the national coral sanctuary at the southern end near Narigama. The coral sanctuary holds a resident population of green and hawksbill sea turtles that feed on the reef grass and can be observed while snorkelling from the beach — no boat required. Surfing is most consistent from October to April when south-west swells wrap into the bay. For quieter stretches, walk 10 minutes south of the main strip.
Highlights
- Hikkaduwa National Coral Sanctuary with resident sea turtles
- Consistent surf break, best October to April
- Green and hawksbill turtles viewable from the beach
- 3km beach with restaurants, bars, and surf schools
- Most accessible coral reef snorkelling on Sri Lanka's south-west coast
Practical Tips
Snorkel from the beach at the southern sanctuary end — turtles are most reliably seen in the morning.
Surf hire and lessons are available at around LKR 3,000 per session.
October to April is the best surfing window; May to September south-west monsoon swells close out the bay.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Very busy
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- outdoor
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- free
- Photography
- ★★★☆☆
Plan Your Visit
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Galle Fort
A Dutch colonial fort built in 1663, enclosing a 400-year-old town of 400 buildings within 36 hectares on a rocky peninsula in Galle city.
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Unawatuna Beach
A sheltered crescent bay 3km south of Galle with calm year-round swimming, coral reefs 50m offshore, and the highest concentration of guesthouses on the south coast.
Explore →
PLAN YOUR VISIT
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