Hikkaduwa is a seaside resort town in southwestern Sri Lanka. It’s known for its strong surf and beaches, including palm-dotted Hikkaduwa Beach, lined with restaurants and bars.
Hikkaduwa is one of the more popular tropical beach destinations in Sri Lanka located on the southwestern coast, approximately 18 km north of Galle and approximately 136 km from Colombo (2 hours by car). It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant marine life and especially enjoyed by the young, hip and trendy crowd for its lively atmosphere.
It is also considered one of the better beaches for surfing, coming in a close second to Arugam Bay. Hikkaduwa is also one of the best locations for deep sea diving and scuba diving with several unique dive sites consisting of shipwrecks and also an abundance of marine life and a thriving coral sanctuary.
Overall, Hikkaduwa is a fantastic destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking zappy night life in Sri Lanka with lively beach parties.
Renowned for its golden sands and clear blue waters it is an excellent spot for swimming, leisurely strolling along the beach, having a romantic candle lit dinner on the beach or simply soaking in the sun which is one of the simplest pleasures of visiting Hikkaduwa. Pack a beach towel, a good book, and some sunscreen, and simply unwind on a deck chair on the shore and listen to the rustle of the waves.
For visitors who wish to rejuvenate their senses need to undertake one of the most enjoyable and stress-free activities of snorkeling. Hikkaduwa offers some of the best locations for snorkeling where you can view the breathtaking coral sanctuary with almost 70 varieties of colorful coral, reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. The crystal-clear waters which are merely 3 – 4 meters deep, make it ideal for exploring the underwater beauty. Simply remember to bring your snorkeling gear or you can rent it from one of the many local shops.
With idyllic climate conditions and wave formations, Hikkaduwa is ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. The ideal period for surfing is November to April when the waves are more consistent. With an average-sized point, reef and surf break the tropical waters of Hikkaduwa are ideal for those who wish to learn surfing and for those in need of improving their surfing skills.
The beaches in Hikkaduwa have many surf shops with English speaking instructors where you can sign up for lessons. You can also rent a surfboard from one of the surf schools which have adequate equipment. With proper guidance from the resourceful and experienced instructors you can learn the art of this amazing sport in no time and take back wonderful memories of your new accomplishment.
Diving in Hikkaduwa is an incredible experience! The clear, warm waters make it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced divers.
When diving in Hikkaduwa, you can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine species, including colorful reef fish, turtles, moray eels, and even larger creatures such as reef sharks which make you believe that you are in a different world. There are several dive sites around Hikkaduwa, each offering unique underwater landscapes and ecosystems to explore.
Some popular dive sites in Hikkaduwa include:
Whether you’re a certified diver or looking to try diving for the first time, or upgrade your PADI certification, there are many diving centers with qualified diving instructors, offering PADI courses and diving equipment. Delmege Tours will assist you to make sure you select a reputable dive center with experienced instructors to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
The town has a lively and vibrant party atmosphere with most of the beach bars, clubs, and restaurants organizing beach parties offering, music a variety of cuisines, including delicious Sri Lankan seafood dishes.
For those who do not want to get their feet wet or are not swimmers, but want to witness the amazing world of corals a tour on the glass bottom boat is the ultimate experience.
As you cruise on the glass-bottomed boat, you can witness the breathtaking world below which offers a myriad of colorful reefs, schools of fish, sea urchins, and even turtles.
Those who wish to snorkel can also do so as the instructors can provide equipment and hands-on snorkeling instruction, Even beginners can learn snorkeling techniques and explore the underwater world.