Hikkaduwa Beach - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 18 km from Galle and 37 km from Bentota, Hikkaduwa Beach is a serene beach situated in the coastal town of Hikkaduwa. It is one of the popular beaches on the island as part of the Sri Lanka Tour.

The beach of Hikkaduwa was the first (the 1960s) beach discovered by tourists in Sri Lanka. The beach stretches over 4 kilometers and hosts many fun activities to keep the tourists engaged. These water sports include snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, swimming in the ocean and glass boats for the adventure seekers. The clear waters beckon the nature lovers who wish to take a dip inside the waters to witness the vibrant, colorful aquatic life. The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa hosts gorgeous coral formations. Off the beach, there is a collection of small islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here.

Hikkaduwa offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in Sri Lanka as it has unique dive sites such as wreck dives and spectacular reef dives. There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment. Also, Hikkaduwa is an international destination for board-surfing and even featured in Anthony Bourdain's television show 'No Reservations'.

The beach has resto-bars, pubs and a vibrant nightlife. One can also visit Narigama Beach, Sea turtle hatching and rescue center, Tsunami Photo Museum, Gangarama Maha Vihara and the Hikkaduwa National Park here.

Timings: 24 Hours

Entry: Free