South Coast
Galle Fort
Walled colonial streets, a white lighthouse and ocean-facing ramparts made for sunset walks.
South-West Coast
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka's longest-established beach towns, with a busy strip of guesthouses, restaurants and surf shops along the south-west coast.
Hikkaduwa at a glance
- Where
- South-West Coast, Sri Lanka
- Best for
- Beaches, Wildlife
- Time needed
- Two to four nights.
- Best time
- Usually best from around November to April on the south-west coast; seas are rougher in the middle of the year.
- Nearby
- Galle Fort, Unawatuna Beach, Bentota, Weligama
- Visit with us
- Private tour with your own vehicle and driver
Why visit Hikkaduwa?
A shallow reef close to shore makes snorkelling easy, and sea turtles are often seen near the beach.
It has a livelier atmosphere than many quieter south-coast beaches, with surf breaks and dive centres.
Top attractions and things to do
Hikkaduwa reef
A protected reef area close to the shore; corals are recovering and fragile.
Sea turtles
Turtles often feed in the shallows; observe without touching or feeding.
Surf breaks
Several breaks suit intermediate surfers in season.
Diving
Local dive centres visit reefs and wrecks offshore.
About Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka's original beach resorts, on the south-west coast north of Galle. It has a lively strip of guesthouses, restaurants and bars, a coral reef close to shore and several surf breaks.
It is livelier than many south coast towns, which suits travellers who want restaurants and a bit of nightlife.
Turtles, reef and surf
Sea turtles often feed in the shallows close to the beach. Watch them from a respectful distance and do not feed or touch them.
The coral sanctuary offshore can be explored by snorkelling or glass-bottom boat, and there are dive centres for wrecks and reefs further out. Surf breaks suit intermediate surfers, with gentler waves for learners at some spots.
Tsunami memorial
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit this stretch of coast hard. A memorial at Peraliya, just north of Hikkaduwa, and small community museums tell the story. They are a moving stop if you are interested.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to beach hotels. Narigama and Thiranagama, at the southern end, are a little quieter than the centre.
Planning your visit
- Suggested time
- Two to four nights. (Guidance only.)
- Best time to visit
- Usually best from around November to April on the south-west coast; seas are rougher in the middle of the year.
- Getting there
- Hikkaduwa is on the coastal road and railway between Colombo and Galle.
Check current details before travelling: prices, opening hours, access and seasonal conditions change.
Visitor tips
- Don't feed or touch turtles, and avoid standing on coral.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and choose responsible snorkel and dive operators.
- Check where it's safe to swim; currents vary along the beach.
Experiences around Hikkaduwa
Plan with our guides
Hikkaduwa: frequently asked questions
Can you see turtles in Hikkaduwa?
Turtles are often seen in the shallows, but they are wild animals and sightings vary. Please don't feed them.
Is Hikkaduwa good for surfing?
Yes, mainly for intermediate surfers in the south-west coast season.
Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna?
Hikkaduwa is livelier with a longer beach and surf scene; Unawatuna is a more sheltered bay closer to Galle.
When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
Usually best from around November to April on the south-west coast; seas are rougher in the middle of the year.
How do I get to Hikkaduwa?
Hikkaduwa is on the coastal road and railway between Colombo and Galle.
How much time do I need at Hikkaduwa?
Two to four nights. This is guidance only; we can adjust it to your pace.
Can you include Hikkaduwa in a private tour?
Yes. We can add Hikkaduwa to a private route planned around your dates, and drive you there in our own vehicle. Tell us what else you'd like to see and we'll suggest how it fits.
Nearby destinations
South Coast
Unawatuna Beach
A sheltered bay near Galle with snorkelling, beach restaurants and a jungle-covered headland.
West Coast
Bentota
A golden beach where a river meets the sea, with water sports and Geoffrey Bawa's gardens.
South Coast
Weligama
A wide, gentle bay that's one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf.
Plan a trip that includes Hikkaduwa
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love, and we'll suggest a route that fits. There's no obligation.