Hikkaduwa is one of the many gorgeous beach towns in Southern Sri Lanka, and somewhere you should definitely see! It’s a place that has started to gain popularity with Sri Lanka’s recent tourism push but is often overlooked by travelers heading south from Colombo. There’s no real main part of town, and if you didn’t know to go you might fly past the small beachside street. Yet beyond the buildings is a stunning ocean town that’s full of surprises. From snorkeling with turtles to all the great hotels and restaurants, let’s break down the best of Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka!
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Exploring Hikkaduwa Beach
The star of Hikkaduwa is undoubtedly the beautiful beach! The sand is kept clean and the water is crystal clear. Another nice part is out in the ocean there is a natural reef where the waves break.
That means at some stretches the water is calm and perfect for soaking in the sun. Don’t worry surfers! If you’re looking to catch some waves there are some great breaks in Hikkaduwa Beach as well.
Tides/Currents: Please take note of the tides and currents. They can be very strong at times, even close to shore.
Hikkaduwa Main Beach
The start of the beach near the main bus station and small harbor is typically empty, and towards the middle there are dozens of boats that line the shore. You you might be wondering why so many people fill the water in this area and are all bubbling with excitement.
When we visited there were thousands of fish swimming between everyone right near the shore line! We’re not sure if it’s always great Hikkaduwa snorkeling or this was just a seasonal thing, but it was incredible to see.
The “main beach” in Hikkaduwa is small but beautiful, set right off of the main road. Bright golden sands fill the cove and locals and tourist alike take to the water. It is common to see surf schools and sunbathers down on this part of Hikkaduwa Beach. This is also where you can catch a boat to go snorkeling which we talk about below.
Turtle Point: Don’t miss the Turtles! Just to the left of the beach in front of one of the biggest Hikkaduwa hotels (Hikka Tranz By Cinnamon) is turtle point where the sand jets out.
Narigama Beach
If you continue to walk south on Hikkaduwa Beach you’ll eventually see a massive stretch of long white sand. This is actually called Narigama Beach and is not to be missed either! It is perfect for taking a long sunset stroll, surfing in the more advanced waves, and chilling at one of the many colorful beach bars that look over the water.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the major water activities in Hikkaduwa. You can rent a pair of goggles and take off just from shore! As we said, we were shocked to see the hundreds of fish right at the waters edge. For a more fun and tranquil experience though you can easily hire a boat.
It won’t take you long to find someone walking Hikkaduwa Beach and asking if you want to go on a snorkeling trip. You can have them take you to the rocks out at sea and to see some of the larger fish. Just make sure to set an amount of time and price before you head out to avoid any surprises.
→For scuba driving there are a few great companies that have been recommended to us!
Hikkaduwa Beach Restaurants
Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka has everything from extremely local eats to upscale seaside restaurants! Below are some of the places we suggest checking out.
Sri Lankan Rice & Curry: Don’t let the two tables and rundown appearance fool you… This spot was so good we came back twice. Veggie curry and egg hoppers were amazing and our go-to order.
P&S (Perera & Sons): If you don’t come early this bakery might be sold out! Great spot to grab beach snacks and other delicious goods.
Mama’s: Set right on Hikkaduwa beach, this is one of the more upscale restaurants you’ll see in town. Here you can order everything from veggie rice plates to a full seafood platter.
Get Fresh Restaurant: Great lunch spot with large portions. When we went there was just one guy making dishes from scratch, and it was well worth the wait.
Most travelers stay in the city of Galle and make a day trip to Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. If you have an extra couple days you should consider making this place priority. Hikkaduwa is much quieter and laid back then the other beach towns in Sri Lanka and totally worth a visit!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where To Stay In Hikkaduwa Beach Sri Lanka
Ultra Luxury – Villa Saffron Hikkaduwa – 5-star resort with massive rooms, beachfront location, and all the high-end amenities you look for in a luxury hotel.
Fun Vacation – Mountain Wave Hotel and Surfshop – Fun surf style hotel right on the beach and close to two surf breaks. Friendly staff, large rooms, and perfect location.
Travel Couple– Cozy Sea view Inn – Our home in Hikkaduwa! Clean, high ceiling rooms, with small balconies close to the beach.
For more Hikkaduwa hotels you can explore the latest prices here!
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Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner. That’s how we flew from Norway to Poland for under $20 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Transportation: 12Go is what we use to book ferries, trains, buses, and transfers while traveling through South East Asia!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around the world. From food tours to skip the line entry passes!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
