Things to Do in Hikkaduwa: 13 Best Experiences

Hikkaduwa at a glance

1. See sea turtles at Turtle Beach

At the northern end of Hikkaduwa Beach, sea turtles often swim into the shallows to feed on seagrass. It's one of the easiest places in Sri Lanka to see turtles.

Please be responsible:

• Don't touch, chase or ride turtles.
• Don't feed them. Feeding turtles seaweed for photos harms their natural behaviour.
• Give them space in the water.

2. Snorkel in Hikkaduwa National Park

Hikkaduwa National Park was Sri Lanka's first marine sanctuary, protecting a coral reef just off the beach. In the calm season, snorkel to see colourful fish, corals and sometimes turtles. Coral restoration work has been carried out in recent years. Never touch or stand on coral; it's strictly prohibited. See snorkelling and coral reefs.

3. Take a glass-bottom boat ride

If you don't want to swim, glass-bottom boats take you over the reef to see fish and coral from above. Choose operators that don't anchor on the coral.

4. Surf

Hikkaduwa has several surf breaks, from beginner-friendly waves to reef breaks for experienced surfers. Surf schools offer lessons and board hire. The season usually runs from about November to April. See surfing.

5. Go diving

Hikkaduwa has dive centres offering courses and dives on reefs and shipwrecks along the coast. See scuba diving and shipwreck diving.

6. Visit a turtle conservation project

Several turtle conservation centres along the coast near Hikkaduwa protect eggs and release hatchlings into the sea.

Choose responsibly:

• Hatchlings should be released quickly, ideally at night.
• Avoid places that keep turtles in small tanks.
• Don't handle turtles.

See turtle hatching.

7. Take a lagoon boat trip

Hikkaduwa Lake, inland from the beach, is a peaceful lagoon with mangroves, birds and water monitors. Boat trips and kayaking are relaxing alternatives to the beach. See lagoons and kayaking.

8. Visit the tsunami memorial at Peraliya

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit this coast hard. At Peraliya, just north of Hikkaduwa, a wave struck a crowded train, in what's often described as the worst rail disaster in history. A memorial and a large Buddha statue, around 30 metres tall, now stand nearby in memory of the victims. It's a moving place to visit quietly and respectfully.

9. See mask-making in Ambalangoda

Ambalangoda, about 20 minutes north of Hikkaduwa, is famous for traditional carved and painted masks used in dance and healing rituals. Visit a workshop and museum to see how they're made. See craft villages.

10. Watch the sunset

Hikkaduwa's beach faces west, so the sunsets over the Indian Ocean are spectacular. Find a beach café and stay for dinner.

11. Enjoy the nightlife

Hikkaduwa is known for its relaxed nightlife, with beach bars, live music and parties in the busy season. Look after your belongings, and take a tuk-tuk back to your hotel late at night.

12. Take a day trip to Galle Fort

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 30 minutes away. Walk the ramparts, explore the lanes, cafés and boutiques, and watch the sunset from the walls. See Galle Fort, things to do in Galle and our Galle day tour.

13. Explore other beaches nearby

• Unawatuna: a calm bay for swimming, about 40 minutes south.
• Bentota: river safaris and resorts, about 40 minutes north.
• Mirissa: whale watching, about an hour south.

See best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Best time to visit Hikkaduwa

In the monsoon months, the sea can be dangerous, and snorkelling is usually poor. When the west coast is wet, the east coast is often dry. See the best time to visit Sri Lanka and the east coast.

Swimming safety

The sea can have strong currents and waves, especially from May to October. Swim only in calm water, follow red flags and local advice, and be careful near the reef.

How long to stay

A sample 2-day plan

Day 1

• Morning: snorkel at the reef while the sea is calm.
• Afternoon: relax on the beach, then Turtle Beach.
• Sunset: dinner at a beach café.

Day 2

• Morning: a surf lesson or a lagoon boat trip.
• Afternoon: Galle Fort, with sunset on the ramparts.

Getting to Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa also has a railway station on the coastal line between Colombo and Galle. See Colombo to Galle, Sri Lanka airport transfers and our private driver page.

Where to stay

Hikkaduwa has guesthouses, surf camps, boutique hotels and beach resorts. The town centre is lively; quieter areas are further north and south. See where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa for families

Children usually love seeing turtles and snorkelling in calm, shallow water. Choose a quieter part of the beach, and watch children closely in the sea. See Sri Lanka with kids.

Hikkaduwa for couples

Sunsets, beach dinners and day trips to Galle make Hikkaduwa a relaxed stop on a honeymoon. See our honeymoon tour.

Food to try

Fresh seafood, coastal rice and curry, hoppers for breakfast, kottu and fresh fruit smoothies. See Sri Lankan food to try.

Hikkaduwa's history in brief

Hikkaduwa was once a fishing and coconut-farming town. From the 1970s, travellers came for its reef and surf, and it became one of Sri Lanka's first beach destinations. The 2004 tsunami caused great loss, but the town rebuilt, and tourism is now its main industry.

Responsible travel in Hikkaduwa

• Never touch coral or turtles.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Choose ethical turtle projects.
• Avoid single-use plastic.
• Dress modestly away from the beach.

See our responsible travel guide.

Getting around Hikkaduwa

The main beach road is easy to walk. For Turtle Beach, the lagoon or Ambalangoda, take a tuk-tuk and agree the fare first. For day trips, a private driver is more comfortable.

Hikkaduwa on a Sri Lanka itinerary

Hikkaduwa works well at the start or end of a trip, being about two to three hours from the airport. Combine it with Galle and Mirissa for a week on the coast, or add it to a classic island tour. See our beach holidays and 10-day tour.

Hikkaduwa National Park in brief

Hikkaduwa National Park protects a fringing coral reef just off the beach, and it was Sri Lanka's first marine sanctuary. The reef is home to dozens of types of coral and many species of reef fish. Corals were damaged by bleaching and the 2004 tsunami, and restoration projects have been working to help them recover. Visitors should never touch, stand on or break coral, and should use reef-safe sunscreen.

What you might see while snorkelling

Rent snorkelling gear from a reputable shop, and snorkel in the morning, when the water is usually calmer and clearer.

Surf spots

Surf schools can match you to the right waves for your level.

Rainy-day ideas

On a rainy day, visit the mask museum in Ambalangoda, take a cooking class, book an Ayurvedic massage or explore Galle Fort's museums and cafés.

Hikkaduwa on a budget

Hikkaduwa has plenty of good-value guesthouses and local restaurants. Snorkelling gear and surfboards are cheap to rent, and Turtle Beach and the sunsets are free.

Is Hikkaduwa worth visiting?

Yes, especially from December to April, for turtles, snorkelling and surfing. It's livelier than some south coast beaches, with a fun, sociable atmosphere.

Hikkaduwa at night: staying safe

Hikkaduwa's nightlife is fun, but take the usual care: watch your drinks, keep valuables in your room, and use a tuk-tuk recommended by your hotel late at night. Women travelling alone may prefer to go out in a group. See Sri Lanka solo female travel.

Shopping

Along the main road, you'll find surf shops, batik, handicrafts, tea and spices. For masks, visit the workshops in Ambalangoda. Buy gems only from reputable, licensed shops.

Hikkaduwa or Mirissa?

Many travellers visit both on a south coast trip.

Hikkaduwa with a private driver

With a driver, you can combine Hikkaduwa with Galle, Bentota and the turtle hatcheries in one easy day, without arranging tuk-tuks.

Hikkaduwa's lagoon and countryside

Inland from the beach, Hikkaduwa's countryside is green and quiet, with paddy fields, temples and small villages. Take a tuk-tuk or bicycle ride away from the coast to see everyday village life. Hikkaduwa Lake is good for birdwatching, with kingfishers, herons and cormorants, and water monitors sunning themselves on the banks. Early mornings are the best time, when it's cooler and the birds are most active.

Planning tips

• Book accommodation early for December to March.
• Snorkel in the morning for the calmest water.
• Carry cash for small restaurants and tuk-tuks.
• Bring water shoes for the reef and rocks.
• Check the sea conditions with your hotel before swimming or snorkelling each day.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Visiting in the monsoon expecting calm seas.
• Feeding or touching turtles for photos.
• Standing on coral while snorkelling.
• Leaving valuables unattended on the beach.