Hikkaduwa Beach

The story

Hikkaduwa is the classic Sri Lankan beach town — golden sand, reef breaks, beach bars, and a lively coral sanctuary just offshore. The protected Coral Sanctuary is home to parrotfish, angelfish, and hawksbill turtles, while the main beach buzzes with restaurants, surf shops, and nightlife. It's one of the island's longest-established resort areas.

Highlights

• Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary snorkelling
• Reef and beach breaks for surfing
• Lively beachfront restaurants and bars
• Hawksbill and green turtle sightings

Things to do here

1. 1Snorkel the Coral Sanctuary with a glass-bottom boat
2. 2Surf the reef and beach breaks
3. 3Turtle spotting while snorkelling near the sanctuary
4. 4Beachfront seafood BBQ at sunset
5. 5Night out along the Hikkaduwa beach strip
6. 6Visit a nearby turtle hatchery and release centre