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Hikkaduwa Beach & Coral Sanctuary

Beach, coral reef, and turtles right by the shore — Hikkaduwa was Sri Lanka's first beach resort and remains one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Here fish swim a meter from shore, sea turtles come to breakfast on seaweed, and in the evening — bars, surfing, and the atmosphere of a relaxed beach town.

The Beach

Geography

Hikkaduwa is 100 km south of Colombo, on the west coast. The beach zone stretches several kilometers: from the lively center to quiet stretches to the south. Sand is golden, waves exist (surfing), but reefs create protected lagoons.

Season

West coast — November...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum2 hours
Recommended4 hours
Maximum8 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Beach and snorkeling free. Mask/fin rental ~500 LKR. Glass bottom boats ~$5-10 (negotiate).

Best Time to Visit

December to April for dry season and calm seas. Morning for snorkeling before waves pick up. Monsoon season brings rough seas.

Crowd Level

High — many people
Official Website

How to Get There

From Colombo: 2 hours via expressway then coastal road. From Galle: 20 min. Train station in town. Bus from Colombo Central or Galle.

What to Expect

Main beach busy with development. Coral Sanctuary (north section) for snorkeling — turtles swim close to shore. Reef has declined but still fish to see. Glass bottom boats available. Good surfing further down coast.

Best Photo Spot

Sea turtles in shallow water at Coral Sanctuary. Sunset from beach bars.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFebMarApr

Good Time

Nov

Avoid

MayJunJulAugSepOct

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Available
Charging
Outlets available
Mobile signal
Good

Facilities & Services

restrooms
restaurants
bars
dive shops
surf schools
hotels

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Monday24 hours
Tuesday24 hours
Wednesday24 hours
Thursday24 hours
Friday24 hours
Saturday24 hours
Sunday24 hours
Note

Hikkaduwa Beach is the best beach for surfing and snorkeling in southwest Sri Lanka. Coral sanctuary with turtles and tropical fish. Open 24/7. Season: November-April (dry monsoon). Glass-bottom boats to view corals. Many cafes and surf schools.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Partially accessible
Audio Guide
Not available
Staff Assistance
Not available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Hikkaduwa Beach & Coral Sanctuary

Coral has declined from bleaching and past damage, but you'll still see fish and sea turtles reliably. Don't expect pristine reef — it's more about the turtles and fish now. Local efforts are replanting coral.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Hikkaduwa Beach & Coral Sanctuary

Snorkel at Coral Sanctuary (north end) — turtles visible from shore. Avoid glass bottom boat tours (overpriced, harass turtles). Rent mask/fins cheaply on beach. Beach cleanup and coral planting efforts ongoing.

From Colombo: 2 hours via expressway then coastal road. From Galle: 20 min. Train station in town. Bus from Colombo Central or Galle.

Main beach busy with development. Coral Sanctuary (north section) for snorkeling — turtles swim close to shore. Reef has declined but still fish to see. Glass bottom boats available. Good surfing further down coast.

Sea turtles in shallow water at Coral Sanctuary. Sunset from beach bars.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather24°
96%2 м/с
Todayweather30°24°
Tomorrowweather30°24°
Thuweather30°24°
Friweather30°25°
Satweather30°24°
Sunweather29°25°
Monweather29°25°
30°
23°Jan
31°
24°Feb
32°
25°Mar
31°
25°Apr
30°
26°May
29°
26°Jun
29°
25°Jul
29°
25°Aug
29°
25°Sep
29°
25°Oct
30°
24°Nov
30°
24°Dec
Water temperature
28°
28°
29°
30°
29°
28°
27°
27°
27°
28°
28°
28°

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