Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's original surf and reef beach — a National Park coral garden teeming with sea turtles, consistent beach break surf, and sunset seafood dining all in one legendary stretch.
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's original surf and reef beach — a National Park coral garden teeming with sea turtles, consistent beach break surf, and sunset seafood dining all in one legendary stretch.
Location
Hikkaduwa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Best For
Families, Snorkeling, Surfing
Water Temp
27–29°C year-round
Surf Season
Nov–Apr (beach break + reef breaks)
Crowds
Busy Dec–Mar; moderate shoulder season
Facilities
Surf Schools, Dive Centres, Restaurants, Hotels
Hikkaduwa was Sri Lanka's original international surf and diving destination, pioneered in the 1970s and 1980s by early travellers drawn to a remarkable combination of reef snorkelling, beach break surfing, and spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. It occupies a 3-km strip of the south-west coast, 100 km from Colombo, and remains one of the island's most energetic and best-equipped beach destinations. The Hikkaduwa National Park coral reef — which directly fronts the northern section of the beach — is the oldest marine protected area in Sri Lanka and home to an extraordinary density of marine life including large numbers of resident green turtles that feed in the sea-grass beds just off the beach.
Snorkelling at Hikkaduwa National Park (accessible directly from the beach) is one of the most accessible reef experiences in South Asia. The coral begins in as little as 1–2 metres of water, making it perfect for all ages and non-swimmers in life jackets. Green and hawksbill turtles are seen on virtually every snorkel session and have become the emblem of the beach — they move calmly through the coral gardens seemingly unperturbed by human visitors. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for those who prefer to stay dry, and a number of dive centres offer guided dives to deeper sections of the reef and to offshore wrecks.
The surf at Hikkaduwa's southern end is consistent and well-served by surf schools, making it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn. The beach break is best November–April when the south-west monsoon has departed, producing gentle 1–2 m peaks perfect for beginners. More experienced surfers can paddle outside to the reef breaks that produce longer, more powerful rides. The beachfront strip of Hikkaduwa is one of the liveliest in Sri Lanka, with excellent seafood restaurants, beach bars, live music, and a social scene that draws a cosmopolitan international crowd throughout the dry season.
Hikkaduwa is 100 km south of Colombo (about 2 hrs by car, 2.5–3 hrs by train). The train journey from Colombo Fort is one of South Asia's most scenic coastal rides — take the right side window seat for ocean views. The station is right in the town centre. Buses and tuk-tuks connect easily to Galle (17 km), Unawatuna, and Mirissa.
November to April is the dry season for Sri Lanka's south and west coasts — ideal for snorkelling visibility, swimming, surfing, and diving. December–February brings the finest weather. May–October brings the SW monsoon — the outer reef can still be snorkelled on calm days but the sea can be rough. Sea turtles are present year-round.
Snorkel in the National Park zone (northern beach) for the best coral and turtle encounters. Please don't touch or feed the turtles. For surfing, go to the southern end of the beach near the surf schools. Book a morning glass-bottom boat tour for the clearest water. Sunset from any of the beachfront restaurants is legendary — arrive early to grab a table.