Trincomalee is a bustling town on the east coast of Sri Lanka, less commonly visited by tourists compared to the southern coastal towns such as Mirissa, however don’t be fooled, it is still home to some beautiful beaches right beside the busy town. Trincomalee Beach sits right beside Fort Frederick built by the Dutch, hence why the beach is also referred to as Dutch Bay Beach by the locals.
Although Nilaveli Beach or Uppuveli Beach are better suited for sunbathing or going for a swim, Trincomalee Beach offers the perfect chance to go for a stroll along the coast with an ice cream in hand. There are also wild deer along the beach which we saw many of the locals stroking and feeding, a great spot for a family day out in the heart of Trinco Town.
Chapters
No time to read now?
Save this guide on Pinterest
Where Is Dutch Bay Beach?
Dutch Bay Beach is sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the busy town of Trincomalee, located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, right next to the famous Fort Frederick, Thirukoneswaram Kovil and Lover’s Leap. Some of Sri Lanka’s best snorkelling can be found along the east coast, especially the nearby Pigeon Island Marine National Park.
How To Get To Trincomalee Beach?
The best way to get to Trincomalee Beach is with your own scooter or tuktuk which you can most likely get from your homestay. We opted to rent a tuktuk and drive around Sri Lanka which gave us complete freedom rather than relying on transport.
However, if you are a large group or family and don’t fancy driving the crazy Asian roads then we don’t blame you! You could hire a private driver for the day or even join a tour to Trincomalee from one of the busier towns nearby.
🗺️ 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!
Trincomalee Beach Description
A crescent of white sand with tree-lined lanes and plenty of parking; colourful local boats line the shores of Dutch Bay Beach, which are ready to take tourists for day trips to the nearby Pigeon Island Marine National Park.
There are lifeguards on duty at Trincomalee Beach due to strong undercurrents at times however swimming is still possible, we also recommend Nilaveli Beach & the nearby Uppuveli Beach for swimming hotspots.
As commonly seen with beaches next to busy towns, Trincomalee Beach can be lined with litter at times which is a shame however we have seen much worse during our travels and the sight of the deer along the beach is a beautiful sight.
There is also ample parking for Dutch Bay Beach, where you will see buses and Tuktuks lined up along the front. Location 📌
Deer At Trincomalee Beach
Along the seafront you can see spotted deer or you can make a visit to the deer park nearby to buy food to feed the friendly animals that look so out of place on a beach.
Best Trincomalee Tours
Trincomalee Beach Glass Bottom Boat
Also available for rent are multiple tourist boats, ready to take people for a day trip. When we visited, the captains were offering a private boat for SR10,000 which split between a large group would be very reasonable. You can snorkel or just enjoy the boat ride along the picturesque Trinco Coast.
Final Thoughts on Trincomalee (Dutch Bay) Beach
After visiting the busy streets of Trinco Town, it was a lovely surprise to be greeted with such a stunning beach, lined with trees providing shade from the midday sun. Whether you’re looking for a snorkelling day trip to Pigeon Island, or just going for a beachside stroll with an ice cream, Trincomalee Beach makes for a great day out. You can also bring the children to the deer feeding station.
Best Beaches in Trincomalee Map
Best Places To Stay In Trinco
$ Budget
Breeze Guesthouse
We chose to stay at Breeze Guest House in Uppuveli when visiting Trincomalee and found it was the perfect budget friendly choice. Our room was spacious with a fan, mosquito net and large bathroom.
$$ Mid-Range
Lobster Inn
Lobster Inn is a friendly, laid-back guesthouse just minutes from Uppuveli Beach. Known for its relaxed vibe and great seafood, it offers clean, comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.
$$$ High-End
Uppuveli Beach by DSK
Uppuveli Beach by DSK offers clean, modern rooms just steps from the sand. The amenities here look incredible, with some villas having private plunge pools, a large infinity pool, gym and bicycles to get around.
Spacing
Essential Items for Sri Lanka
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Water Shoes – Lightweight with Protection
Stay protected from sea urchins with these shoes. Also useful for trekking to waterfalls and snorkelling. We also love our microfibre towel and dry bag.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Things To Do In Trincomalee
