Hiriketiya Beach, locally known as Hiri, once used to be a sleepy surf town. We often see people online sharing about this ‘hidden gem’ or secret surf spot, but let’s be real: word is out, and Hiriketiya is buzzing. But here’s the thing, Hiriketiya is still a magical place filled with yogis, surfers and friendly locals. It’s not untouched, but during your visit you’ll still find moments of calm, surf, and sunshine to fall in love with.
We fell in love with Hiriketiya and ended up visiting twice while driving a tuk tuk around Sri Lanka (one of the best ways to get about). The draw of palm tree fringed beaches, laid-back vibes and salty lips from crashing waves was too much to keep us away and now we share with you why we love Hiriketiya Beach and why you should visit!
Included in the guide below are our top picks of Hiriketiya Beach Restaurants, the best places to stay, what to do and more!
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Where Is Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka?
Located on the south coast of Sri Lanka over to the eastern side is the horseshoe bay of Hiriketiya Beach. Near the larger town of Dikwella, this surf town sits further east than the more famous surf spots of Mirissa and Weligama. You can travel by train, bus or hired tuk tuk to reach the busy, little town.
How To Get To Hiriketiya Beach?
Hiriketiya by Train
The closest train station to Hiriketiya is Dikwella, but many travellers choose to arrive via Matara or Weligama, where trains are more frequent. From Colombo, take the coastal railway line heading south toward Matara. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours. From Matara, Hiriketiya is about 40 minutes away by tuk tuk or local bus.
Trains are incredibly affordable (£1-£3) and if you want the local experience, book second or third class to enjoy open doors and ocean views. When we caught the train, admittedly it was rush hour, we were packed in like sardines with locals tapping and singing away, an experience we’ll never forget!
🗺️ 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!
Hiriketiya by Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Sri Lanka. From Colombo, take a Matara-bound bus, then at Matara Bus Station transfer to Dikwella bound local bus; they often go towards Tangalle or Hambantota. From Dikwella take a short tuk tuk ride or walk.
From Ella, you can catch a bus to Wellawaya, then transfer to Tangalle or Matara, and finally to Dikwella.
Don’t fancy getting the bus? Check out this Colombo to Hiriketiya private transfer.
Hiriketiya by Tuktuk
Tuk tuk rentals are popular and you’ll see loads of other tourists in their hired three-wheeled rides around Hiriketiya Beach. We hired ours from Tuk tuk Rental and had the best roadtrip of our lives, an experience we’d recommend to anyone!
What To Do At Hiriketiya Beach?
As tourism keeps growing in Sri Lanka and Hiriketiya, the list of things to do, try and see is growing. There’s no shortage of ‘insta-worthy’ brunch spots, boutiques and nomad Wi-Fi spots but to us that’s not what travelling is about and the real draw here was the surf, local cuisine and picturesque palm tree lined beaches.
Hiriketiya Beach
The beach itself is a horseshoe bay with two surf breaks, beachfront cafes, and soft, powdery sand. Although the beach gets crowded you can always find a place to sit and enjoy the Sri-Lankan sunrays and it was one of our favourite beaches in Sri Lanka. If you’re not into surfing or just want a break, swimming in the sea is just as fun. The big crashing waves will pound and toss you around, this will surely bring out the inner child in anyone.
Hiriketiya Beach Resorts
While Hiriketiya maintains its charm as a laid-back beach town, several large resorts have popped up. Salt House offers a boutique resort experience with tropical gardens and an infinity pool overlooking the jungle. For luxury seekers, Jasper House provides private terraces and direct beach access.
Although we understand why these beach resorts have been built it’s a shame to see the once rustic town turn into a tourist hotspot.
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Hiriketiya Surf
This was probably the busiest surf spot we saw in Sri Lanka and don’t be surprised if 10+ people drop in on your wave. In fact we actually recommend learning in Weligama first where there’s more room in the line-up. For anyone serious about learning to surf, The Surfer Weligama is hands down the best place to learn to surf in Sri Lanka.
Right back to Hiriketiya surf. The beach boasts two surf breaks, one over to the left which is perfect for more advanced riders with longer 100m rides. The middle section of the bay features a beach break, suitable for intermediate surfers. This area also offers softer, rolling waves that are perfect for those learning to surf.
Hiriketiya Surf Schools
Kima Surf House
A popular school that is nestled in the jungles near Hiriketiya bay. As a luxury stay the camp is a blend of Western comfort and island charm. You can choose between private rooms or a shared cabanas. They offer surf lessons for all abilities plus yoga sessions, fitness programs and locally sourced meals.
The Salty Pelican
A popular Surf & Yoga retreat in between Hiriketiya Beach and Dickwella. Guests can participate in daily yoga sessions, surf lessons, and social activities, creating a community atmosphere ideal for solo travellers.
On The Beach?
If you’re not staying at a surf camp, no problem. The beachfront at Hiriketiya is lined with local surf shacks where you can rent boards by the hour or book a quick lesson with an instructor. Board rentals typically cost around 500 to 800 LKR per hour, with daily rates available if you plan to surf longer. One-on-one surf lessons start at about 2,500 LKR for an hour, making this a more budget-friendly way to get in the water and catch some waves.
Yoga In Hiriketiya
Salt House
Salt House is a boutique guesthouse nestled in the heart of Hiriketiya Bay, surrounded by lush jungle and just a short stroll from the beach. Guests can enjoy daily yoga sessions suitable for different levels. There is also an onsite restaurant selling healthy dishes with local ingredients.
Dots Bay
Dots Bay is known for being social with regular live music events and a restaurant and bar. Guests can participate in yoga classes held in their rooftop Shala, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Yoga Hiriketiya
Yoga Hiriketiya is a dedicated yoga studio offering a variety of classes suitable for all levels. They provide daily sessions focusing on different yoga styles, allowing participants to enhance their practice. Lessons cost 2,000 LKR per class and a weekly pass is 10,000 LKR.
Ice Hiriketiya
After a long surf, why not cool off and relax your muscles with an ice bath at Ice Hiriketiya. Although we didn’t try out this spot we did visit ice Weligama which was a chilly 0.5 degrees! The new facility in Hiri is open daily from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the ice bath while overlooking the stunning Hiriketiya Bay.
Ice Hiriketiya also hosts regular events, including live music sessions and community gatherings, creating a vibrant social atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Boutiques & Shopping in Hiri
Around the town, there are many small locally run boutiques for you to discover. From bracelets & postcards to surfing shops and souvenirs there’s lots to browse, uncover and buy. Some of our top shops include The Hiri Surf Shop, Dune, The Paper Boat & Bay Boutique.
Digital Nomad In Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya is becoming a popular destination for digital nomads looking to balance work with a laid-back beach lifestyle. Whether you’re working remotely or building your online business, there are a few spots in town that cater to digital nomads with reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces. One of the most popular is Verse Collective, a cosy co-working space with fast and reliable Wifi for 2000 LKR a day.
Local Market in Dickwella
Every Wednesday morning, Dickwella hosts a vibrant local market where farmers sell fresh produce at non-tourist prices. This is where most restaurant owners source their ingredients – arrive before 8AM for the best selection.
Where To Eat: Hiriketiya Beach Restaurants
Smoke n’ Bitters – A laid-back spot offering delicious grilled dishes and craft cocktails, perfect for a casual night out. This is highly popular and one of the most famous Hiriketiya Beach Restaurants!
Roti Hut – Known for its authentic Sri Lankan roti and curries, this cosy eatery is a local favourite.
Hiriketiya Beach Bus Restaurant – a unique beachfront eatery where all food is prepared inside a bright yellow bus, offering local dishes with a view of the surfers.
Kingsley Hot Chicken – A popular, family-friendly restaurant that serves amazing pancakes and Rotis. This was our favourite Hiriketiya Beach Restaurant for dessert!
Lemongrass café – If you’re looking for something different, Lemongrass Café offers flavourful Thai-inspired dishes and a range of refreshing beverages, ideal for a healthy meal.
Best Places To Stay In Hiriketiya
Pranaya Hiriketiya (Dorm)
If you’re looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly dorm room with a friendly atmosphere, Pranaya is a great choice. It’s perfect for solo travellers or those seeking to meet fellow adventurers.
Salty Pelican: Yoga & Surf Retreat
For a wellness-focused experience, Salty Pelican offers a combination of yoga, surfing, and relaxation in a stunning beachfront location.
La Playa Beach Club: Hiriketiya Beach Resort
If you’re after a luxurious beachfront experience, La Playa Beach Club offers high-end rooms, a private pool, and easy access to the surf, making it the ultimate indulgence in Hiriketiya. This is one of the best Hiriketiya Beach Hotels!
Local Guesthouse: Homebase Hiriketiya
This is where we stayed, the perfect budget choice for couples. We had access to a kitchen, shared bathroom, and shared living space. With a short walk to the beach and parking for our tuk tuk this was the perfect choice for our needs.
Hiriketiya Beach Weather & Best Time to Visit
Hiriketiya Beach enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures averaging 27-30°C (80-86°F). The best time to visit is between December and April during the dry season when surf conditions are optimal and rainfall minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiriketiya Beach
Best Places To Stay In Hiriketiya
$ Budget
Pranaya Hiriketiya
If you’re looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly dorm room with a friendly atmosphere, Pranaya is a great choice. It’s perfect for solo travellers or those seeking to meet fellow adventurers.
$$ Mid-Range
Salt House
Salt House is a boutique guesthouse nestled in the heart of Hiriketiya Bay, surrounded by lush jungle and just a short stroll from the beach. Guests can enjoy daily yoga sessions suitable for different levels. There is also an onsite restaurant selling healthy dishes with local ingredients.
$$$ High-End
La Playa Beach Club
If you’re after a luxurious beachfront experience, La Playa Beach Club offers high-end rooms, a private pool, and easy access to the surf, making it the ultimate indulgence in Hiriketiya. This is one of the best Hiriketiya Beach Hotels!
Spacing
Final Thoughts on Hiriketiya Beach
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, Hiriketiya Beach should be on your itinerary! It’s the perfect small surf town with lots to do! The horseshoe bay boasts two surf breaks allowing both advanced surfers and beginners to enjoy the waves and the location is home to plenty of surf or yoga retreats.
Even if you don’t want to surf the dusty sunsets, palm tree beaches and friendly locals are enough to make the town a worthwhile stop. Local boutiques are nestled in narrow roads, Sri Lankan Curries are served daily and the laid-back vibe is a dream.
