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.

About this experience

The Hikkaduwa Glass-Bottom Boat & Snorkelling trip is a 1 to 2 hour outing over Hikkaduwa's coral reef, a protected marine area just off the beach. A glass-bottom boat lets everyone see the reef without getting wet, and confident swimmers can then snorkel in the shallow lagoon behind the reef. It suits families, non-swimmers and first-time snorkellers. What can you see? Corals, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors and other reef fish. Green sea turtles often feed in the shallows close to the beach. Is the coral in good condition? Parts of the reef were damaged by coral bleaching and the 2004 tsunami, but the reef is recovering and still has plenty of fish life. Protecting it is important, so never touch or stand on coral. How does the trip work? You board the glass-bottom boat on Hikkaduwa Beach for a ride of about 30 to 45 minutes over the reef. Snorkelling then takes place in the calm, shallow water inside the reef, with masks and fins available to hire. Can non-swimmers join? Yes, for the glass-bottom boat. For snorkelling, life jackets are available, but you should be comfortable in water. How far is Hikkaduwa from Galle and Colombo? About 20 km from Galle (30 minutes) and 100 km from Colombo (1.5 to 2 hours via the Southern Expressway). Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.

Highlights

  • Glass-bottom boat over the coral reef
  • Snorkelling in a sheltered lagoon
  • Green sea turtles
  • Colourful reef fish
  • Suitable for non-swimmers
  • Protected marine area
  • Easy beach departure

Travel tips

Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash vest. Never touch, stand on or break coral. Watch turtles from a distance and don't feed them. Choose a boat with a clean glass panel and life jackets on board.

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