Hikkaduwa Coral Reef
Discover vibrant fish and occasional turtles while snorkeling off the beautiful sandy shores of Hikkaduwa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility & calm seas
Hikkaduwa Coral Reef
Best Time
Best visibility & calm seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant fish and occasional turtles while snorkeling off the beautiful sandy shores of Hikkaduwa.
"Excellent snorkeling with plenty of fish, even in the shallows."
🐠 Snorkel Smart
Rent masks & fins for ~1000 LKR. Explore beyond red buoys for bigger fish. :athletic_shoe:
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Be mindful of corals; many are dead. Avoid touching or disturbing any marine creatures. :shell:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snorkeling Adventures
Beachfront
Discover vibrant fish and occasional turtles even in shallow waters. Venture past the red buoys for larger marine life.
Turtle Spotting
Turtle Beach
A dedicated spot where you might encounter gentle sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Sunrise Beach Walks
Hikkaduwa Beach
Experience the serene beauty of a long, sandy beach with soft sand and clean shores.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Coral Health
Boat Tours vs. Snorkeling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Snorkel Smart
Rent masks & fins for ~1000 LKR. Explore beyond red buoys for bigger fish. :athletic_shoe:
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Be mindful of corals; many are dead. Avoid touching or disturbing any marine creatures. :shell:
☀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning for a peaceful experience and better wildlife sightings. :sunrise:
🚗 Parking Pains
Finding parking can be difficult, especially on busy days. Consider walking if possible. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Snorkel Smart
Rent masks & fins for ~1000 LKR. Explore beyond red buoys for bigger fish. :athletic_shoe:
🐢 Respect Marine Life
Be mindful of corals; many are dead. Avoid touching or disturbing any marine creatures. :shell:
☀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning for a peaceful experience and better wildlife sightings. :sunrise:
🚗 Parking Pains
Finding parking can be difficult, especially on busy days. Consider walking if possible. :car:
💰 Boat Tour Caution
Some boat tours show dead or artificial corals. Snorkeling from shore is often better. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikkaduwa offers a beautiful sandy beach and enjoyable snorkeling with plenty of fish, though the coral itself is largely dead. Visitors appreciate the chance to see turtles and the convenience of beachside amenities. However, be wary of some boat tours and the difficulty in finding parking.
"For coral reef boat ride there are scammers. Most of the corals are dead and some of them are planted artificially. difficult to find parking and snorkeling will be a good option instead of the boat ride."
Azan Rahaman
"Hikkaduwa is an amazing place to enjoy, though weekends tend to get crowded. For the best experience, I recommend visiting during the season (November to March). There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour. Unfortunately, most of the corals in Hikkaduwa are dead, but you can still find some live ones. However, many locals (and sometimes even foreigners) don’t seem to care about the corals, and their actions often contribute to the destruction of the remaining live coral.
Despite this, there are still many fish and a few turtles to see. If you want a truly great experience, visit early in the morning before it gets crowded. Let’s all do our part to save nature! 🍂"
Pasan Abeykoon
"Excellent snorkeling with plenty of fish, even in the shallows. You can venture out a little further, past the Red bouys, and see some of the larger fish
We hired masks and fins - 1000 per set. We also rented Sun beds next to Hikka Joint Beer Garden. 3000 for beds next to each other.
Really enjoyed the beach and snorkeling!"
Anton Varga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hikkaduwa is accessible via the Southern Expressway from Colombo. You can take a bus or hire a taxi. Once in Hikkaduwa, the coral reef area is easily reachable from the main beach road. :bus: :taxi:
Yes, Hikkaduwa is a well-established tourist destination. The main beach area is walkable, and tuk-tuks are readily available for shorter distances. :walking: :oncoming_taxi:
Tuk-tuks are the most common and convenient way to get around Hikkaduwa for short distances. Negotiate fares beforehand. :oncoming_taxi:
Local buses run along the coastal road, stopping near the main beach areas where snorkeling is popular. :bus:
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season and weekends. It's advisable to arrive early or consider walking from your accommodation if it's nearby. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for snorkeling directly from the beach. You'll typically pay for mask and fin rentals. :ticket:
Mask and fin rentals are generally around 1000 LKR per set. Prices can vary slightly between vendors. :money_bag:
Yes, glass-bottom boat tours have a fee, but reviews suggest snorkeling from shore might be more rewarding as some boat tours visit areas with dead corals. :moneywithwings:
Snorkeling is generally possible during daylight hours. Early mornings are recommended for the best experience. :sunrise:
Yes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, often costing around 3000 LKR for a pair of beds. :beach_umbrella:
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of fish, even in shallow areas. Some visitors have also seen turtles. Venture further out past the red buoys for potentially larger species. :fish_cake: :turtle:
Yes, the shallows offer good visibility for beginners. With a mask and fins, you can easily learn to snorkel here. :star2:
Always be aware of the red buoys marking deeper or potentially hazardous areas. Swim within your limits and consider going with a buddy. :warning:
Unfortunately, many of the corals in Hikkaduwa are dead due to environmental factors. However, some live corals and marine life can still be found. :broken_heart:
Many visitors enjoy snorkeling directly from the main beach. Exploring areas past the red buoys is often recommended for seeing more diverse marine life. :compass:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the beach is lined with numerous hotels and restaurants, including options like Hikka Joint Beer Garden, offering various cuisines. :hamburger: :tropical_drink:
You'll find a mix of local Sri Lankan dishes, fresh seafood, and international options catering to tourists. :ricebowl: :fishcake:
Local eateries and smaller cafes away from the main beachfront hotels often offer more affordable meals. :moneywithwings:
Many restaurants offer fresh seafood caught daily. It's a popular choice for visitors. :shrimp:
Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests, and many offer vegan dishes, especially those featuring local vegetables and rice. :leafy_green:
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. :camerawithflash:
The long sandy beach, the vibrant marine life during snorkeling, and the sunsets over the ocean are all highly photogenic. :sunset:
Yes, if you have a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case, you can capture amazing underwater shots of the fish and corals. :underwater:
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography at the beach or reef area. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy. :iphone:
Focus on capturing the colorful fish, the textures of the coral (even the dead parts tell a story), and the expansive beach views. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the coral itself may not be as vibrant as it once was, the presence of turtles can be a magical sight for children. Turtle Beach is a good spot to try and spot these gentle creatures. Keep in mind that parking can be a hassle, so arriving early or opting for a tuk-tuk might be easier with little ones. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water to ensure a comfortable day under the Sri Lankan sun. :sunwithface: :water_wave:
🐠 Budget Travelers
Food options range from local eateries offering delicious and inexpensive Sri Lankan cuisine to more tourist-oriented restaurants. Beachfront sunbed rentals are also reasonably priced. While some boat tours might seem appealing, focusing on shore-based snorkeling and enjoying the beach will significantly cut down on costs. :ricebowl: :beachumbrella:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Coral Reef's Condition
While the natural coral may be diminished, efforts are sometimes made to maintain the visual appeal or support marine life. Some reports mention artificial corals, and while this can be disappointing for purists, it's important to understand the context of conservation and restoration attempts. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their impact and support responsible operators who prioritize the reef's well-being.
Despite the coral's state, the surrounding waters are still teeming with fish, and the chance to see turtles adds to the allure. The beach itself remains a beautiful stretch of sand, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the ocean breeze. The key is to manage expectations regarding the coral's health and focus on the other natural wonders Hikkaduwa offers. :ocean:
Navigating Boat Tours and Snorkeling Options
In contrast, snorkeling directly from the beach is frequently recommended as a more rewarding experience by visitors. This allows for more flexibility and direct interaction with the marine environment. You can rent masks and fins affordably and explore at your own pace. Many reviewers highlight that even in the shallows, there's a good chance to see plenty of fish. For those seeking larger marine species, venturing a bit further out past the red buoys is often advised.
Ultimately, the choice between a boat tour and snorkeling depends on your comfort level and expectations. However, the consensus from many travelers leans towards the personal exploration offered by snorkeling from the shore as a more authentic and satisfying way to experience the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef. :snorkel:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit