Hikkaduwa
Sri Lanka's original surf town — reef, turtles, and a laid-back vibe
About Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa was one of the first beach resorts in Sri Lanka and remains a favorite for its vibrant energy, fantastic coral sanctuary, and excellent surfing conditions. The shallow waters just off the beach are teeming with colorful marine life and large sea turtles that frequently visit the shore. Its lively nightlife and array of beachside restaurants make it a fun coastal getaway.
Location on Map
Destination Guide
November to April (south coast season). Surfing is best November to March. Coral gardens snorkelling is best in the morning. Turtle sightings are year-round at the reef.
2-4 days
Key Highlights
- ✨Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary
Sri Lanka's first marine sanctuary — snorkel or glass-bottom boat tour to see sea turtles gliding over coral among colourful fish.
- ✨Surfing
Hikkaduwa Reef is the premier surf break for intermediate to advanced surfers with consistent reef waves.
- ✨Sea Turtles
Multiple turtle species including Hawksbill and Green Turtles feed on the reef — ethical snorkelling tours are widely available.
- ✨Nightlife
Hikkaduwa has Sri Lanka's most established beach nightlife with live music bars and restaurants along the main strip.
- ✨Seenigama Muhudu Maha Devalaya
A Hindu temple built on a tiny island offshore — one of the most atmospheric shrines on the south coast.
Tours Featuring Hikkaduwa
Beneath the Indian Ocean — Sri Lanka Shipwreck Diving
Sri Lanka's most thrilling dive sites in one expedition — WWII-era British and Japanese shipwrecks at Trincomalee (15–32m), the turtle-filled coral reef sanctuary at Hikkaduwa, and open-ocean drift dives with whale sharks and mantas off the south coast.
Golden Shores — South Coast
Sri Lanka's south coast from Colombo to Mirissa — boutique beach hotels, blue whale encounters at dawn, snorkelling over protected coral, wandering Galle Fort's cobbled streets, and your first surf lesson at Weligama.
Explore Other Destinations
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Matale
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Badulla
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Bandarawela
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Haputale
A spectacular ridge town overlooking the southern plains.
Knuckles Mountain Range
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Bundala National Park
A Ramsar wetland vital for migratory waterbirds.