About Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa has been on the backpacker map since the 1970s and has evolved into a well-rounded beach destination without losing its laid-back character. The town stretches along 3 km of beach with three distinct personalities: the busy southern end near the reef, the mid-section with surf breaks, and the quieter northern end around Narigama.
The main draw is the Hikkaduwa National Park — a protected coral reef just 50 metres from shore where sea turtles glide through gardens of hard and soft coral. You can snorkel straight from the beach or take a glass-bottom boat for a dry look. Four species of sea turtle (green, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley) nest and feed here year-round.
Surfers come for Hikkaduwa's reef breaks — best from November to April — with a wide range of difficulty levels. The most popular break rolls in front of the main beach; more experienced surfers head to Benny's or Narigama Point.
Highlights
- Snorkel with sea turtles at Hikkaduwa Coral Reef National Park — 50m from shore
- Surf the reef breaks — waves for all levels from November to April
- Take a glass-bottom boat over the living coral gardens
- Watch sea turtles come ashore to nest (November–March)
- Explore the Seenigama temple on a tiny island accessible only at low tide
- Vibrant beach restaurants, surf shops, and the best nightlife on the south coast
Plan & Book
Links above are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep this site free.
What to See & Do
Hikkaduwa Coral Reef National Park
A protected marine sanctuary just offshore with living hard and soft corals, sea turtles, tropical fish, and the occasional reef shark. Snorkel gear rented on the beach; glass-bottom boats for non-swimmers.
Hikkaduwa Surf Breaks
Multiple beach and reef breaks along 3 km of coast — from the gentle main beach wave for beginners to the faster Narigama and Benny's breaks for intermediates. Surf schools operate year-round.
Seenigama Temple
A Hindu temple sitting on a tiny island just offshore, dedicated to deity Devol Deviyo and believed to have magical powers against theft. Accessible by boat; visible from the main beach.
Sea Turtle Watching
Four sea turtle species visit Hikkaduwa's beaches to feed and nest. The National Park provides some protection; a local conservation hatchery on the main beach rescues eggs and releases hatchlings.
Getting There from Colombo
Coastal line from Colombo Fort — scenic ride. Hikkaduwa station is right in town.
Express buses from Colombo Bastian Mawatha. Frequent departures.
Via Southern Expressway (E01) — fastest option, exit at Dodanduwa.
Best Time to Visit
South-west facing coast — peak season November to April. Surfing best December to March.
Traveller Tips
- ▸Go snorkelling in the morning — calmer water, better visibility before afternoon winds
- ▸The coral closest to the Coral Reef Hotel area is the most intact and turtle-dense
- ▸Surf school instructors on the main beach offer lessons from USD 20 per hour
- ▸The beach gets busy on weekends with day-trippers from Colombo — quieter midweek
- ▸Walk or cycle north to Narigama for a quieter stretch of beach and fewer touts
- ▸Keep valuables secured — the beach has some opportunistic petty theft
Ready to Visit Hikkaduwa?
We'll build a complete itinerary around your interests, budget, and trip length — from airport arrival to departure.