Hikkaduwa: Coral Reef, Sea Turtles and Surf on the South-West Coast

Coral, Surf and Turtles on the South-West Coast

About Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is one of the south-west coast's original beach towns, strung along a busy road with a long sandy beach, a coral reef close to shore and a relaxed, backpacker-friendly feel. The reef is the main attraction: it forms part of a marine sanctuary where snorkellers and glass-bottom boat passengers can see coral, tropical fish and, with luck, green turtles feeding in the shallows.

The town also has a surf scene, with several breaks suited to different levels, and a lively strip of cafes, bars and guesthouses. Nearby are a sea turtle hatchery, the Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya, a small shrine on a rock in the sea, and the Peraliya tsunami memorial, which remembers one of the saddest events in the country's recent history. Hikkaduwa suits snorkellers, surfers, budget-conscious travellers and anyone who wants an easygoing beach town with plenty to do. Coral is fragile, so choose operators who keep boats off the reef and never stand on or touch it.

Hikkaduwa at a glance

  • Type: Beach destination
  • Region: Southern Province
  • Best time: November to April
  • Suggested stay: Two nights
  • Part of: South Coast

Understanding Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa lies on the south-west coast between Bentota and Galle, with a long beach and a fringing reef that is protected as a marine sanctuary. The reef has been affected by bleaching and past damage, and restoration efforts are under way, so visitors are asked to be careful not to stand on or touch the coral.

The town was hit hard by the 2004 tsunami, and the Peraliya memorial near the coast road remembers those who died, including passengers on a train that was swept from its tracks. Today Hikkaduwa is a busy resort strip with a mix of simple and mid-range stays.

Things to do in Hikkaduwa

Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat

The coral sanctuary is close to shore, with fish and sometimes turtles. Go early for calmer water and fewer boats.

Surf the local breaks

Several breaks suit different levels, and schools offer lessons in the main season.

Visit a turtle hatchery

Choose an operation that releases hatchlings and respects the animals. Do not use flash, touch or feed turtles.

See Seenigama sea temple

A small shrine on a rock in the sea, reached by a short walkway and associated with local fishermen.

Pay respects at Peraliya

A memorial and a Buddha statue remember the victims of the 2004 tsunami. Visit quietly and respectfully.

Highlights

  • Beaches
  • Adventure
  • Wildlife

Things to see and do

Hikkaduwa Beach and Coral Reef

A sandy beach beside a shallow reef where snorkellers can see colourful fish and, with luck, turtles.

Best time: November to April

Tip: Do not stand on or touch the coral, and use reef-safe sun cream.

Hikkaduwa National Park (Coral Sanctuary)

A small marine national park protecting the reef just offshore, visited by glass-bottom boat or while snorkelling.

Best time: November to April

Tip: Take a boat from the beach and agree the price before you go.

Sea Turtle Hatchery

Conservation projects along the coast protect turtle eggs and care for hatchlings, giving visitors a close look at sea turtles.

Best time: Morning

Tip: Choose a hatchery that releases hatchlings to the sea and does not keep turtles in small tanks for tourists.

Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya

A small temple on a rocky islet reached by a short walkway, known for its Devol Devalaya shrine and as a place where travellers ask for blessings.

Best time: Morning or late afternoon

Tip: Dress modestly and remove footwear.

Peraliya Tsunami Memorial and Honganji Vihara

A memorial and a large white Buddha statue near Peraliya remember the people who died in the 2004 tsunami, including the passengers on the Queen of the Sea train. A quiet place for reflection.

Best time: Daytime

Tip: Visit respectfully and dress modestly.

Best time to visit Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa's sea is calmest and clearest from about November to April. The southwest monsoon from May to September brings rough seas, poorer visibility and rain.

  • December to March: Calm seas and good visibility, the busiest period.
  • November and April: Shoulder months with variable conditions and fewer crowds.
  • May to September: Rough water and rain. Snorkelling and boat trips may be cancelled.

How long to stay

Two nights

Two nights covers snorkelling, a surf session and a hatchery or temple visit. Longer if you use Hikkaduwa as a base for the coast.

How to get to Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is about two to three hours by road from Colombo, depending on traffic, and a short drive from Galle. It is also on the coastal railway, though the trains can be slow and crowded.

A private car with a driver is easiest, and can include stops at Bentota or a river safari.

Where to stay in Hikkaduwa

The town has beachfront guesthouses, mid-range hotels and a few larger resorts, mostly along the coast road. Quieter areas lie to the north and south of the main strip.

Tell us your dates and style and we will suggest where to stay.

Who Hikkaduwa suits

  • Snorkellers and beach lovers: A coral reef close to the beach and a lively beachfront.
  • Surfers: Multiple breaks for different levels in season.
  • Families: Glass-bottom boats and a hatchery visit are easy for children, with supervision.
  • Budget-conscious travellers: A wide range of simple stays and cafes.
  • Muslim and halal-conscious travellers: Tell us in advance if you need halal meals or prayer-time stops, and we confirm arrangements with hotels and restaurants before you travel.

Experiences in Hikkaduwa

  • Hikkaduwa Glass-Bottom Boat & Snorkelling - A 1–2 hour glass-bottom boat ride and snorkelling session over Hikkaduwa's protected coral reef on Sri Lanka's south-west coast. See reef fish and sea turtles in shallow, sheltered water.
  • Sea Turtle Hatchery Visit - A 1–2 hour visit to a sea turtle hatchery near Hikkaduwa on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, where eggs are protected and hatchlings released to the sea. An easy, family-friendly stop about 30 minutes from Galle.

Combine Hikkaduwa with

More in South Coast

Tours and itineraries that include Hikkaduwa

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?

The best conditions are generally from about November to April, when the seas are calmer and visibility is better. From May to September the southwest monsoon brings rough seas and rain.

Is Hikkaduwa good for snorkelling?

In calm conditions, yes. The coral sanctuary is close to shore and glass-bottom boats are also available. Visibility depends on the sea state, so go early and respect the reef.

How far is Hikkaduwa from Galle?

It is a short drive north of Galle, usually well under an hour, so it makes an easy day trip or a base for the coast.

Should I visit the sea turtle hatchery?

Turtle hatcheries vary in standards. Choose one that releases hatchlings promptly and does not keep turtles in tanks for entertainment, and follow rules about no flash, touching or feeding.

Is Hikkaduwa good for surfing?

Yes. There are several breaks for different levels, with the main surf season usually from about November to April.

Plan your trip to Hikkaduwa

Tell us your dates and what you enjoy and we will plan a private trip that includes Hikkaduwa. Send an enquiry, ask for a tailor-made tour or message us on WhatsApp.