Hikkaduwa Beach
Golden sands, vibrant coral reefs, and a chance to swim with sea turtles make Hikkaduwa a tropical paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for turtle sightings
Hikkaduwa Beach
Best Time
Best for turtle sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Golden sands, vibrant coral reefs, and a chance to swim with sea turtles make Hikkaduwa a tropical paradise.
"A beautiful and lively beach with golden sand and tropical charm! Boating, snorkeling and other water activities are available."
🎯 Morning Turtle Spotting
Head to Turtle Beach early morning for the best chance to see sea turtles! :turtle:
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Hikkaduwa is a prime spot for surfing, with many schools offering lessons. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtle Beach Encounters
Hikkaduwa
Swim with or feed majestic wild sea turtles in their natural habitat. Best spotted in the mornings!
Coral Reef Snorkeling
Hikkaduwa Beach
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and even baby sharks. A must-do for marine life enthusiasts.
Surfing Paradise
Hikkaduwa Beach
Catch waves at this renowned surfing spot, attracting enthusiasts globally with its consistent swells.
Golden Hour Sunsets
Hikkaduwa Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Indian Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Turtle Sightings
Embrace the Beach Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Morning Turtle Spotting
Head to Turtle Beach early morning for the best chance to see sea turtles! :turtle:
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Hikkaduwa is a prime spot for surfing, with many schools offering lessons. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sunscreen is Essential
The Sri Lankan sun is strong; always use sunscreen to avoid burning. :sunwithface:
🚤 Glass Bottom Boat Tours
See marine life without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat tour. :boat:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Morning Turtle Spotting
Head to Turtle Beach early morning for the best chance to see sea turtles! :turtle:
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Hikkaduwa is a prime spot for surfing, with many schools offering lessons. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sunscreen is Essential
The Sri Lankan sun is strong; always use sunscreen to avoid burning. :sunwithface:
🚤 Glass Bottom Boat Tours
See marine life without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat tour. :boat:
⚠️ Heed Current Warnings
Be aware of strong currents; red flags indicate dangerous swimming conditions. :warning:
☕️ Beachside Cafes
Relax at charming cafes with ocean views and enjoy local treats. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikkaduwa Beach is celebrated for its stunning golden sands, vibrant marine life, and excellent surfing conditions. Visitors rave about the chance to see sea turtles and the breathtaking sunsets. However, some find the availability of clean washrooms and changing facilities to be a challenge, and caution is advised due to strong currents.
"If you are a turtle fan and you want to see big turtles, you have to come to this beach specially in the morning like at seven and maybe you can do a little bit of snorkeling as well on top of the beach. You don’t have to really swim a lot and you will see a lot of colorful fishes. It’s really worth it and I came here for the second time just to see the turtles."
Jannat Ul Ferdous
"A beautiful and lively beach with golden sand and tropical charm! Boating, snorkeling and other water activities are available.
Sunbeds are offered at reasonable price, but finding proper washroom and changing facilities was a bit of a challenge.
There are lots of squirrels on the trees, and we got to see baby sharks near the reefs.
Our main reason for visiting this beach was to see ocean turtles, but the cloudy weather made them harder to spot.
We were told the turtles come out in sunny weather. On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to spot the turtles, enjoy feeding them and even swim with them! Luckily, the locals found one for us, anyway, and I got the chance to feed it, in spite of the high waves)) A truly memorable experience!"
Armine Safaryan
"Hikkadua beach boasts over two miles of surfing paradise and stunning sunsets. The peak season starts in December and runs till the end of April. There are dozens of beachside restaurants, cafes, juice bars, chill out bars, surf schools, diving schools and hotels, guesthouses. Whether you’re visiting for 2-3 days or a fortnight, there is plenty to do.
Solo travel, couples or small groups, there’s so much on offer. It’s busy peak season but not too overcrowded. There’s nightlife, water activities to suit all budgets. You really are spoilt for choice. Local transportation connections to Colombo, private hire and not far from Galle Fort. The current is strong so be advised there are constantly red flags on display along the beach.
Surfers gravitate here from all over the world. There are tournaments also. I went scuba diving with Blue Deep Diving, very good. Most places cater for tourists, so they will have a local and western menu. The top floor of Riff hotel offers a panoramic view of the whole beach. Sunset is usually 18:15/20 each day. You will burn if you don’t use sunscreen wisely. Temperature is between 27-32 degrees."
Justin Marley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train or a bus from Colombo to Hikkaduwa. Taxis and private hires are also readily available. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
Yes, Hikkaduwa is well-connected by public buses and trains along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, making it easy to reach from major cities.
Local buses are frequent and affordable for travel between Hikkaduwa and Galle. Taxis are also an option for a more comfortable ride.
Yes, pre-booked airport transfers are available from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Hikkaduwa, offering a convenient start to your trip.
Scooter rentals are common in Hikkaduwa, providing a flexible way to explore the local area and nearby attractions. Ensure you have the necessary permits and insurance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hikkaduwa Beach itself is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. However, some activities or private beach clubs might have charges.
While not always necessary, booking popular tours like glass-bottom boat rides or guided snorkeling trips in advance, especially during peak season, can secure your spot.
Water activities like snorkeling and boat tours generally operate during daylight hours. Turtle spotting is best in the morning.
Sunbeds are often available for rent at a reasonable price from vendors on the beach.
Yes, you can typically arrange surf lessons directly with surf schools located on or near the beach.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time to see sea turtles is in the early morning, especially on sunny days. They are often seen feeding on seaweed.
While parts of the beach are suitable for swimming, be aware of strong currents. Red flags are often displayed to warn swimmers.
You can expect to see colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and sometimes even baby sharks and sea turtles.
Finding proper washroom and changing facilities can be a challenge, so it's advisable to be prepared or use facilities at nearby cafes or hotels.
Find a comfortable spot on the beach or at a beachfront cafe to enjoy the spectacular sunset, which typically occurs around 6:15-6:20 PM.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hikkaduwa offers a wide range of dining options, from beachside restaurants and cafes serving local and Western cuisine to juice bars and chill-out bars.
Most restaurants in Hikkaduwa cater to tourists and offer vegetarian and vegan options. Sri Lankan cuisine itself has many plant-based dishes.
Yes, local eateries and smaller cafes often provide delicious and affordable meals. Look for places frequented by locals.
Don't miss trying Kottu Roti, Rice and Curry, and fresh seafood. Many places also offer delicious tropical fruit juices.
Absolutely! Many beachfront restaurants and cafes offer stunning views of the sunset, making for a perfect dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Hikkaduwa Beach itself offers stunning vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset. The coral reefs and marine life are also great subjects. 
Yes, Hikkaduwa offers beautiful aerial views, particularly of the coastline and the fishing village. Ensure you are aware of local drone regulations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh.
Yes, you can take photos of the sea turtles, but always be respectful of their space and avoid using flash photography that might disturb them.
Consider capturing the vibrant local life, the colorful fishing boats, and the lively atmosphere of the beach, especially during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The beach offers opportunities for kids to see marine life, like baby sharks near the reefs, and the chance to spot sea turtles can be a thrilling experience for younger ones. While the beach itself is engaging, parents should be mindful of the strong currents and supervise children closely when they are near the water. Finding convenient washroom and changing facilities might require some planning, so packing essentials is recommended.
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the beach offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Glass-bottom boat tours are also a popular option for a relaxed way to see the underwater world.
📸 Photographers
Capture the unique marine life, from colorful fish to the majestic sea turtles. Drone photography also offers stunning perspectives of the coastline and the charming fishing village.
Remember to be mindful of local regulations if using a drone. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Marine Life Encounters: Turtles and More
Beyond turtles, the coral reefs off Hikkaduwa are a vibrant underwater world. Snorkeling here reveals a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, and some lucky visitors have even spotted baby sharks near the reefs. The clarity of the water on a sunny day enhances the snorkeling experience, making it a highlight for many visitors.
While the marine life is a major draw, it's worth noting that cloudy weather can sometimes make spotting turtles more challenging. However, the overall experience of exploring the underwater beauty of Hikkaduwa remains a significant attraction.
Surfing and Water Sports
Beyond surfing, Hikkaduwa offers a variety of other water activities. Glass-bottom boat tours are popular for viewing the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet. Snorkeling is also a fantastic way to explore the underwater world, especially in areas with clear visibility.
It's important to be aware of the strong currents present in Hikkaduwa's waters. Red flags are frequently displayed along the beach to indicate dangerous swimming conditions. Always heed these warnings and swim in designated safe areas.
The Hikkaduwa Beach Experience
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, Hikkaduwa has something to offer. The peak season, typically from December to April, sees the beach busy but not overly crowded, with a good mix of local and international visitors. The town also offers a lively nightlife scene.
While the beach offers a fantastic experience, some visitors note that finding proper washroom and changing facilities can be a bit of a challenge. However, the overall charm of the golden sand, clear waters, and stunning sunsets makes Hikkaduwa a must-visit spot on Sri Lanka's southern coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit