Hikkaduwa Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular holiday destinations, home to turtle beach, and as guide books describe ‘paradise.’ There’s no arguing on the sensational wildlife, dusty Tuk tuk lined roads and draw of the Indian Ocean. Yet, like many popular spots, there’s a more complex side, one of animal exploitation and a fragile ecosystem clinging to the fringes of existence.
This travel blog is here to inspire you, share stories and sometimes unearth the complex dilemmas that travel brings, from over tourism to the ethical challenges of interacting with animals.
Moving on, as it’s not all doom and gloom, we still enjoyed our time in Hikkaduwa Beach, and managed ethically to enjoy the ocean, bustling eateries (Kottu Please!) and storied past (ground zero of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami).
This blog shares everything about Hikkaduwa Beach Sri Lanka, from the best things to do in Hikkaduwa, to insider tips for a more responsible visit. Whether you’re looking for some Hikkaduwa snorkelling or to visit Coral Garden we share the ultimate itineraries from our experience of the small seaside town home to some pretty epic giant turtles.
Here’s our Hikkaduwa Travel Guide!
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Best Time To Visit Hikkaduwa Beach
Wondering about the best time to visit Hikkaduwa? Sri Lanka’s dry season runs from November to April, making Hikkaduwa the perfect ‘winter sun’ destination. The weather is dry & hot ( 27°C to 31°C), perfect beach weather and great for surfing or snorkelling. The calm, clear waters on Turtle Beach also make this the best time for wildlife spotting (we know you’re here for the giant Hikkaduwa turtles).
The monsoon season hits from May to October, bringing heavy rainfall and rough seas. We don’t advise you to visit as lots of the business close for the off-season.
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How To Get To Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is easily accessible from Colombo.
You can take the scenic coastal train to Hikkaduwa, which is budget-friendly (Rs. 180 to Rs. 500 $1-2) and popular with backpackers taking around 2 hours.
Be warned some trains are hectic, we rode the train down the south coast in third class, an experience of sardine stuffed, singing commuters – one we wouldn’t change.
Regular buses run from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Hikkaduwa, with a travel time of around 3 hours. Tickets cost between Rs. 230 and Rs. 400 (approximately $0.65 to $1.10).
For more comfort, hire a private car with a driver. This will cost $50-$80 from Colombo and will take around 2 hours.
Coming from Galle, Weligama or Mirrisa, you can hop on the train heading towards Colombo or catch one of the regular buses.
Our favourite way to travel, closely followed by our memorable train journey, is a self-drive Tuk tuk. We drove our little red machine around the whole country for 2-months, we found it the best way for freedom and immersion into the culture. If you want to get stuck into the hectic traffic head to Tuktukrental.com.
Things To Do In Hikkaduwa Map
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Top Things To Do In Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa Turtles & Turtle Beach Hikkaduwa
The main reason we were drawn to visit Hikkaduwa was from an instagram post we viewed of a drone shot showing two tiny dots (humans) next to two mammoth turtles. Picturesque, pristine and peaceful.
Although this wasn’t quite our experience we did head down to Turtle Beach Hikkaduwa to be greeted by three humongous turtles. On the way down to the beach we saw a sign,
‘Do not feed, touch or ride the turtles.’
‘Ride the turtles’, what did that even mean!
We soon found out as we saw a lady sit on top of one of the surrounded creatures. This is where the ethical concerns emerge, locals sell seaweed for tourists to stuff in the turtles mouths, the animals are caged in by bars of legs and they are constantly knocked, beached and stroked.
This took away from the experience, tainting what should be a majestic creature in the wild. We did return the next day at dawn to experience them without the crowds but honestly it was upsetting to see.
For more information head over to our dedicated Hikkaduwa Turtle Beach blog where we share more of our experience.
Responsible Tourism In Hikkaduwa
Is there a way to ethically see the turtles? The first thing is visit during the morning or evening when the crowds have thinned, giving the turtles more space. Make sure to not touch, feed or we can’t believe we’re typing this, ‘ride’ the turtles.
For an even more peaceful experience, consider heading elsewhere. We had the pleasure of seeing two turtles near Coconut Hill in Mirissa, where the environment was calmer and less disruptive to the creatures.
Hikkaduwa Turtle Sanctuary
You can visit the turtle sanctuary in Hikkaduwa and, if you’re lucky and visit at the right time you can see baby turtles make their journey down to the sea. The sanctuary plays a vital part in protecting the endangered turtles and educating visitors about responsible wildlife practices (I guess no one we saw at the beach had been here then)!
Other Wildlife in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa town actually sits on the fringes of Hikkaduwa National Park, which is home to diverse ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves and beaches. This means there’s plenty of wildlife around (one of the reasons we fell in love with Sri Lanka). You’ll find a variety of creatures including kingfishers, snakes and lizards.
Hikkaduwa Coral Reefs
For those drawn to the ocean, visit Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens, an area of colourful marine life and plentiful coral. You can visit with a glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling tour.
Hikkaduwa Snorkelling & Diving
Snorkelling In Hikkaduwa
Having read about schools of tropical fish just off-shore we were a little disappointed when we put on our snorkels to be greeted with churned up silt and one fish! We may have been unlucky due to a storm that had rolled in, but we couldn’t imagine the damaged seafront teeming with life even in better weather due to the sea turtle crowds (we hope we’re wrong)! Instead we recommend a snorkelling excursion or glass-bottom boat experience to get the most out of snorkelling in Hikkaduwa.
Diving
We’re not divers (yet) but heard there are a few wreck sites you can dive off the coast of Hikkaduwa. There are a few reputable dive centres in Hikkaduwa offering courses and guided dives if you’re keen to explore below the surface. If this is something that interests you, check out the tour here.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka Surfing
Along the beachfronts you’ll find some stands advertising surf lessons on Hikkaduwa Beach and board rental. The waves here were small, maybe good for beginners but for real surfing in Sri Lanka head to our favourite surf spots of Weligama, Hiriketiya Beach and the famous surf town Arugam Bay!
Cultural Attractions In Hikkaduwa
Perhaps your lips have become a little too salty and skin a little crisp so you’re looking for some inland cultural attractions in Hikkaduwa. Firstly, you can visit the Gangarama Temple in the heart of Hikkaduwa or experience some traditional Sri Lankan Art at the Hikkaduwa Art Gallery.
There are also plenty of shops, boutiques to look around.
If you want to really feel the cultural significance in Sri Lanka, take a day trip to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The 2004 Tsunami & Community Tsunami Education Center & Museum
One area of history that interested us was that Hikkaduwa was ground zero for the devastating 2004 tsunami that took 30,000 lives in Sri Lanka alone, something shared graphically in the tsunami museum. Having studied this back in school it was a surreal experience to be in the place that had seemed so far away in a text book.
The Community Tsunami Education Center & Museum features personal accounts, photographs and artifacts of the event, harrowing but informative.
Some reviews online mention concerns about how the donation money is used. Use your own travel intuition and ethical compass to decide whether or not to support it.
Hikkaduwa Restaurants: Where To Eat
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Hikkaduwa, being set up for tourists you can find all types of cuisine, we even popped into a ‘pub’.
We recommend trying a variety of Hikkaduwa Restaurants, try the Rotti Shop for budget eats, Amaroo for seafood and Top Secret for a Sri Lankan Curry.
We also stopped off at Family Restaurant which had the best Manchurian, if you’re driving to Galle we recommend stopping off here for lunch!
Suggested Itineraries For Hikkaduwa: What To Do In Hikkaduwa
2-day Hikkaduwa Itinerary
If you’re passing through then two days is enough time to see the highlights.
- Day 1: Arrive and check into your accommodation. Visit the Tsunami Education Center then head down to the beach at sunset to see the turtles.
- Day 2: Start your day at dawn and visit the turtles at turtle beach Hikkaduwa then book a snorkelling tour to visit Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying dinner.
4-day Hikkaduwa Itinerary
- Day 3: In the morning visit the Hikkaduwa Turtle Sanctuary to learn about the majestic creatures that are sadly being exploited just meters away. In the afternoon you could try a surf lesson but we think save that for Weligama and instead relax on the beach.
- Day 4: Mooch the local shops, try a local cooking class or visit the art gallery before heading on to your next destination. Galle makes a great next destination as it’s not too far along the coast.
Longer in Hikkaduwa?
If you’re spending more time in Hikkaduwa, it makes a great base for day trips in southern Sri Lanka. Many tour operators in Hikkaduwa offer transport or guided tours to surrounding attractions.
Day Trips From Hikkaduwa
Here are some of the best day trips to consider:
- Galle Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage Site just 40 minutes away. Wander cobbled streets, Dutch colonial buildings, and boutique cafes.
- Mirissa – Around 1.5 hours away, perfect for whale watching, we went with Raja & The Whales who specialise in ethical tours.
- Madu River Safari – Cruise through lush mangroves and spot monitor lizards, birds, and even cinnamon harvesting (30 min drive).
- Moonstone Mines in Meetiyagoda – Learn how Sri Lanka’s precious moonstones are mined (just 30 minutes from Hikkaduwa).
Where To Stay In Hikkaduwa
When travelling we often look for budget homestays where we stay alongside the family in comfortable but basic rooms. This is exactly what we found in Hikkaduwa at Weerakoon, a charming homestay within walking distance of the famous Turtle Beach and the main town. You will however hear the railway crossing signal, a reminder you’re in Sri Lanka but a little loud at night!
If you’re looking for a hotel, rather than a homestay Suite Lanka provides a peaceful retreat. They have delicious food, an outdoor swimming pool and direct beach access.
Perhaps you want luxury, the ultimate indulgence is Haritha Villas & Spa. Private pools, a world-class spa and personalised service… one can dream, maybe for a honeymoon!
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out our detailed guide to the best Hikkaduwa accommodation options for every budget.
Best Places To Stay In Hikkaduwa
$ Budget
Weerakoon Homestay
When travelling we often look for budget homestays where we stay alongside the family in comfortable but basic rooms. This is exactly what we found at Weerakoon, a charming homestay within walking distance of Turtle Beach and the main town.
$$ Mid-Range
Hikka Tranz
A huge complex right next to Turtle Beach Hikkaduwa. This means you can be the first down to the beach to experience the turtles without the crowds. The hotel includes sea views, a large swimming pool and onsite restaurant. This is a great value hotel.
$$$ High-End
Riff Hikkaduwa
If you are looking for a luxury stay we recommend Riff Hikkaduwa. The hotel has an onsite spa, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Plus it is located only a 10-minute walk away from Hikkaduwa Beach and Turtle Beach.
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