Beautiful coral beach with many tourists.... We can watch huge turtles on one side of the beach ... Varieties of coral reel fishes can be spotted ... There are beach resorts located at this place with a beautiful view... Water sports are also available .. Must visit place with friends and families to spend a day ....

The beach offers relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The vibrant coral reefs are a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts, allowing you to explore a mesmerizing underwater world.We can watch huge turtles on one side of the beach.

Hikkaduwa Beach is the epitome of paradise in the south. With its stunning sea creatures, pristine sands, and the calming sea breeze, it's a sanctuary for the mind and soul. Don't miss the mesmerizing turtle watching sessions in the mornings and evenings, adding an extra touch of magic to this coastal gem.

Great beach with easy snorkelling and chances to see many different reef fishes and even turtles.

Hikkaduwa Beach can be very busy with tourists but they seem to congregate in one area, if you walk up the beach you can find solitude. There are restaurants that sit back along the beach which are great places to eat and drink and get out of the sun. There are turtles that are hand fed with seaweed by local traders to encourage the turtles into shallow water for the tourists to see. The tourists that I saw were manhandling the turtles which was horrible. The sand is clean and the sea has good waves for surfers, there are surf shop where you can get lessons and rent boards and equipment.

Hikkaduwa Beach in Sri Lanka is a tropical escape that stole my heart. The golden sands, swaying palm trees, and azure waters create a picturesque setting that is truly postcard-worthy. The beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The vibrant coral reefs are a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts, allowing you to explore a mesmerizing underwater world. The beach is lined with charming cafes and restaurants, offering delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Sri Lankan culture, Hikkaduwa Beach is the ideal destination for an unforgettable beach experience.

Sitting on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa Beach stands out as one of the country’s most popular coastal destinations. Embraced by everyone from families to solo surfers, it is renowned for its sea turtles, immaculate beaches, safeguarded coral reefs, and the relaxed ambiance of a beach town.

Beautiful beach with many activities to do. Snorkeling, Diving, Whale watching and many more.

Famous beachside tourist town in sri lanka. consider as one of the best place for snorkeling and scuba diving in southern coast. Hikkaduwa is also great location for shipwreck diving SS Conch, The four Masted iron sail ship, Earl of Shaftesbury sunk near the area. Best Time November to April

Hikkaduwa Beach in Sri Lanka left an enduring mark on my memory, and even after 12 years, its charm persists. The golden sands and turquoise waters created a picturesque setting for relaxation and enjoyment. The beachside cafes offered delightful Sri Lankan cuisine, adding a flavorful touch to the experience. While the lively atmosphere was engaging, the passage of time might have brought changes. Hence, a 4-star rating reflects the fond memories, acknowledging that perfection often lies in the imperfections that time may bring. The rhythmic dance of the sea waves at Hikkaduwa Beach was truly mesmerizing. Each wave, with its unique size and form, carried a captivating energy, creating a natural spectacle that left a lasting impression. The continuous ebb and flow seemed like a symphony, a dance of nature that brought a sense of tranquility and awe. It's moments like these, where the sea communicates through its ever-changing waves, that stay etched in the memory, a reminder of the beauty and power of the ocean.

Long stretch of beach and probably one of the best I have been to while in Sri Lanka, can enjoy surfing and snorkelling, can have big waves and have seen people getting a bit knocked about, there are parts which are more busier but if you want a little more peace you can walk a little further down and will find it, for me this beach had it all

Beautiful beach which has yellow sand and is kept clean. The only downside is there isn’t much shade for those who don’t wish to be in the sun all day (although there are some Sun loungers for a fee). There are restaurants dotted around and locals selling fruits and coconuts. The snorkelling was the best here from the shore you can go in yourself and there is a large reef. It’s nice to see that coral restoration is also happening. We saw more snorkelling here than anywhere in Sri Lanka (Moray eel, octopus, turtles, trigger fish and even a large clam).

I great tourist destination in Sri Lanka. There are lot of activities to be done, once if you visit there If you are go for whale watching, it's better to go in noon time rather than going in a evening.

Gorgeous pristine beach with activities suited for all ages, including snorkeling, laid-back shacks, and breathtaking sunsets.

I enjoyed snorkeling here: there's lots of corals and many different kinds of beautiful fish to look at. You can find some garbage here and there but it's mostly clean.

This is a place to breed and reserve turtles and free to the sea. As per the information received from them, the place was closed for more than 2 years and as a result not much turtles can be seen there. Lots of tanks were empty except few with very old disabled turtles and with very little ones. They only issue tickets for foreigners, and it's completely free for locals, but any desired amount is accepted as donations. Also turtles can be freed to the sea for special occasions as how it happens with birds and cows.

Place is a small private location, but they keep it clean and nicely. They protect different turtle varieties including baby one to old and injured turtles. Kids are really enjoyed by looking them and they have provided us with very good information on turtles.

These guys are doing a great job in saving lives of turtles, several injured animals also are residing in the place. With the current economic condition and less number of tourists, they have found it difficult to maintain and obtain funds required to take care of these animals. Owner is a nice person who will educate you a lot, entrance is free and your kind donations are welcome here.

Very good place to learn a little bit more about turtles! You can hold baby turtles in your palm while the guide is telling you some information and facts about these incredible sea creatures! There is an enterting fee 1000RS pp.

The turtle hatchery is a beacon of hope for injured turtles, providing vital care and rehabilitation to these magnificent creatures. Their dedication to saving turtles is both heartwarming and essential for the preservation of marine life. With their tireless efforts, they not only heal injured turtles but also contribute significantly to the conservation of these precious species. Kudos to the team for their invaluable contribution to protecting our oceans' biodiversity.

Good experience. They have wounded turtles in tanks to protect them and heal them. Part of that have turtle eggs. Some can pick them up and take photos.

There is no tickets for this place but they expect donation , mr Ruwan will give details about turtles and you can hold it small turtles on your palm You can give them donation if you wish but they insist

Place worth of visit. It's small hatchery where owner dedicated his life to saving turtles. He will give you tour and explain everything about his passion for turtles. Worth leaving a donation.

Sri Lanka shelters a good count of endangered species across the globe, and one of the most exciting species amongst them is the sea turtle. The hatcheries along Sri Lanka’s western coast regularly witnesses a good count of sea turtles. Swimming all their way through the mighty Indian Ocean, the Sea Turtles reach hatcheries during their hatching period. To protect these frequent Galle sea coast visitors, the Galle Sea Turtle Hatchery of Sri Lanka was established around 40 years ago. This hatchery in Galle has outer walls covered with themed murals portraying vibrantly coloured turtles. Inside, you will find a series of turtle preservation tanks. Every tank is accompanied with a precautionary sign board for visitors. The tourists visiting the hatchery are regularly guided through a live demonstration of depicting the entire life-cycle of sea turtles and their conservation period. The place functions as daycare for all those newborn sea turtles who opened their eyes here for the very first time. The hatchery homes to several small water tanks for protecting these newly born sea turtles. Gradually, five different varieties of Sea Turtles are found here at the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Sri Lanka – Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Leatherhead Turtle. All the injured sea turtles are protected within a separate tank, which is specially reserved for their protection. Every member working here at the Galle Sea Turtle Hatchery is trained with the basics of helping all the sea turtles who are in thorough need of medical assistance or all those who are pregnant. Copied

Don’t bother, it isn’t a sanctuary, the poor animals just sit in what May as well be a cage, only reason I gave them the entrance fee was to take photos of these horrible conditions

The entrance fee was on the high end, as we had to pay $20 for a single person. The living conditions provided for the turtles were questionable. However, the explanation provided by our guide was thorough and clear.

On the south coast of Sri Lanka, turtles have laid their eggs for generations. Throughout the south western coastline of Sri Lanka, there are several turtle hatcheries that conserve sea turtles. And this is one of them you should buy a ticket to this place. You can donate them to take care of these innocent turtles because guide explained to us that local fishermen collect the eggs and sell them to the establishment. If the eggs are left on the beaches, they after often eaten by predators or taken by poachers, who sell them on the black market. The hatchery pays the fisherman a higher amount (I’m not sure how much) for the eggs than what they could get elsewhere, which encourages them to keep bringing the eggs to the hatchery. Some of them are disabled due to acts of man kind and I assume this is where the ticket fee goes. Our guide began the tour. At the first tank, he explained that after the turtles hatch, they are kept at the project for the first five days of their lives for “head starting”. He explained that many turtles don’t survive the predators of the sea, but in the tanks, they are able to build their strength before heading back to the big, scary ocean. If you are interested about studying about the turtles for your researches and higher education purposes this is the best place that you can visit. Also you can release baby turtles to the sea by donating reasonable price to hatchery.

Great place to visit and see the conservation work being done in saving these beautiful creatures. Can also release the baby turtles into the sea. Small contribution asked for at entrance.

This museum is very interesting. I didn't know all the details and consequences of the tsunami., now I know. The manager is very touching. I wanted to express to her all the grief I could feel in 2004 and how much I wanted to come and help them but I was only 9 years old. I hope your project will succeed. Thank you for what you are doing. Good luck to you. With all my respect 🙏

It's a very small museum which shows how the 2004 tsunami struck and the devastation it left behind in photos and pictures. A very informative guide gave an explanation about the devastation Was emotional. No entrance fee but donations are welcome

Fantastic experience! The lady that runs this place is a brilliant teacher and her English is perfect. She walked us through the museum explaining everything from how the tsunami formed, to how the rescue efforts took place etc and how the community was reformed. Overall it was a very informative visit and exceeded our expectations. The ticket price is 500 rupees but you can also gove a donation of your choice if you prefer. This was worth 500 rupees easily, and we even bought a lovely drawing from the shop.

They force a donation at the end. At the we bought a small turtle of wood. And the lady took that money and put it into the tip box. Then she wanted another 2000 rupees for the turtle. Looks like a bit of scam. It should be transparent.

Extremely informative, information very well explained and just incredible how the country has recovered as much as they have given the destruction caused. Would definitely recommend. Try to see the Tsunami Honganji Viharaya (big Buddha statue) first as this helps visualise the height of the wave when the museum explains. Graphic photographs are shown (with prior warning).

Absolutely surreal experience. The guy sharing about his story and showing you around is very friendly and informative. 10/10 would recommend going and learning about the horror the Sri Lankans experienced. It is free to enter but you will without a doubt want to leave a donation and sign the guest book. 100% of the donations go to helping the children & women who lost their families from the Tsunami. You can even see pictures of them there. No photos aloud inside.

Made a visit to this museum in honor of the victims in the Sri Lanka 2004 tsunami. Run by a lovely local lady who was in her village on 26th of December in 2004. You will learn a lot about tsunamis with lots of photos, Be warned some photographs are not very nice to look at but you are not forced to look as the pictures as there's a black curtain. photographs are actual photos of what happened in 2004. You can also see a train carriage from the wreck killing over 1250 people. Would recommend you take time to visit.

Hosted by a very knowledgeable local who explains the science behind the tsunami and then the terrible consequences of it. Although warned, the photographic records of the event and aftermath are gruedomely graphic. They bring home the reality of the event to foreigners like us who watched in comfort from the other side of the world. Very informative and upsetting but one should go out of respect and remember that terrible day.

Very insightful museum and tsunami education centre. Some stunning photos. Beautiful artwork by survivors and families. Art therapy helped the young deal with their trauma, and their work is for sale in the museum

We had a very impactful tour here. The museum was very impressive and the woman explaining what happened had a very clear story. It gave us informational about tsunamis and what they are and how they start etc. But it also gave a very clear and tragic insights in what happened during and after the tsunami and how Sri Lanka is recovering.

A really eye opening experience. The centre explained the tsunami formation before going on to talk about the impact of it on the wider and local community. They have done so much to help with the lasting impacts and is just really worth a visit.

There are lots of Tsunami photo museums in Peraliya as it was badly affected by the 2004 Tsunami. This one is absolutely the one to go to. Run by a lady for whom the tsunami is personal, she gives an extremely informative and moving tour and talk about the causes, the consequences and period after the Tsunami. A must see.

My family and I learnt a lot from this this visit. We were told about how tsunamis are formed, the impact of the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 and the aftermath. There are some confronting images, but we were able to learn about the impact of the tsunami on the people and economy. There’s a train carriage that was damaged by the tsunami to view. It’s pretty confronting viewing.

Entrance fee 500 rupees per person. This was not mentioned or advertised when we first arrived and we were asked to pay as we were leaving. Bad practice as people should be informed beforehand and they can then decide whether or not to pay & enter. Donation boxes within the facility are separate to the entrance fee. Informative and the guide did a decent job of explaining basic geology and tsunamis in general. Graphic photos are behind a curtain and you will first be asked if you want to see or not.

This is one of the best educational museums I have been to. On arrival you are greeted by amazing guides who are part of the museum and is free. The guides are survivors from the Tsunami it’s self so you get a very authentic experience. It was very sad however would 100% recommend you visit here to fully understand the affect it had on Sri Lanka! Thank you again for your the education you provided!

Good little museum with explanations of tsunamis and how they are formed, heart breaking to see pictures of how the local area was affected, very sad when you see the children’s drawings. There is a guide to walk you round who will share stories of her experience. 500 rupees entry fee

If you are in Sri Lanka you must visit this place to pay respect to the recent tragedies that have fallen on this wonderful population. The museum staff are survivors of the tsunami and speak with such wisdom, detail, passion and depth. I was brought to tears by the kind lady who guided part of our tour as she recounted the trauma of the tsunami for her and her family. The impacts of the disaster are still felt by so many today and the museum is working to not only ensure that the country is ready if another disaster were to strike, but also to help heal some of the trauma still being faced by multiple generations following the harrowing events of that day. We received our guide in English, which was not only incredibly easy to understand but also extremely detailed - I was able to ask lots of technical questions about tectonic plates and the Richter scale etc that were all answered in great detail which was amazing. If you are able to you should donate generously to this place - it is so much better to give money to an incredible and important cause like this, than spend the same amount of rupees on a bottle of wine or fancy meal somewhere. The most important and moving stop on our three weeks in Sri Lanka - thank you to the museum team.

Nice 30 minute visit just for a donation for the childen. It was very interesting to hear the story from the first lips. The owner lived at this place when the tsunami happened and told all the details about the accident. Also there is a vagon of the famous train which was blown by the wave.

Beautiful statue. However, the belonging photo museum is disappointing. One can find better ones nearby.

This Buddha statue was opened on the 26th of December 2006 at Paraliya as a memorial to the over 35,000 Sri Lankans killed by the Tsunami on the 26th December 2004. This statue is a exact replica of the 5th Century 175 feet Barmiyan Buddha Statue destroyed by the Muslim Fundamentalists in Afghanistan. This replica was created using the earliest known sketches of the statue.

It is sad and unbelievable how powerful mother nature is, however is a good place to see some pictures of the tsunami and might make you an idea of it. God bless those people.

Nice place to visit andYou can also get good experience

Quick stop here to see memorial from tsunami that came through in 2004 now with actual warning systems available to Sri Lanka people

Dec 2004 Tsunami Memorial Five of us visited Tsunami Honganji Vihara on 26th December 2019, exactly fifteen years after the 2004 boxing day tsunami - the most destructive natural disaster to hit Sri Lanka. Over 2000 lost their lives at this village, Peraliya. 1700 of these were caught hapless inside an express train that was plying from Colombo to Galle along the rail-track only a short distance from the sea. The train had halted as there were people on the railway line that was lying above the surrounding land filled with water from the first wave of the tsunami. When the train stopped people climbed on to the stationary train. The second more forceful wave swept the train off the ground along with the people. Most people on the train perished. Thousands of families were devasted in this village. There were many visitors at this temple on that fifteenth anniversary day to remember the lost and loved ones. We too participated in the Buddhist commemoration activities conducted in the evening. The yellow coloured compassionate serene statue standing in the middle of a lake is said to be the replica of the Bhamian Buddha in Afghanistan destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The 30-metre statue gazes out into the Indian ocean that brought such destruction to that "Peraliya" coastal village. The statue had been built with Japanese assistance. Entrance is free. Since this is a place of worship visitors are required to be modestly dressed. Footwear are left at the entrance. Whilst there, we heard stories of the disaster from several survivors. It was a moment and a place for quiet contemplation remembering and imagining what it would have been for the unsuspecting victims!

built in memorizing the devastating tsunami hit Sri Lanka... so peaceful and elegant viharaya.....

Very nice and big, 18m tall, Buddha statue to remember the deaths from the December 2004 Tsunami who hit hard the small town of Peraliya and Hikkaduwa, above all the train station where a train got stuck with the first wave and 1200 people died from the train only... There is a museum with pics, some really hard to watch, of the days following the tragedy, 1 km North, more or less.

Nice place for a short stop. The guides (one monk) were very friendly and happy to explain everything about the tsunami.

Reliable friendly boat service…Boat ride is good..You can see beautiful fish through glass boat..no live corals…

There are no corals in hikkaduwa any more, this boat ride is worth less.

No coral to see. Only few fish. It does not worth for money. Brokers charged Rs 5500 for boat but you can get a boat hire for less than 2000. This is picture of a broker. There are some turtles to watch.

It was a so great! I’m satisfied! I show many beautiful color fish ! I never see like this beautiful fish before in my life! I show beautiful sea turtle! And it was amazing ! I come to boat ride good time and that’s why I show everything so prefect ,

Coral reef is no longer for seeing. Only can see beautiful 🎏 from the bottom glass boat.

No corals to see in hikkaduwa anymore. There are some fish. No turtles . Waist of money .

One of the best experiences watching corals. Very friendly and reliable service. Highly recommend to contact them and arrange your tour before hit to the beach.

This is managed by the government. Their rates are reasonable. Don't get cheated by the cunning brokers over there. Park your car in a safe place little far away and walk to the ticket counter. Some people try to offer you free parking but they force you to get their boats for a higher prices.

Not the best experience. Very poorly maintained boats and not a well organised setup. Its run by locals and therefore prices vary and no accountability. The kids just loved the boat ride and seeing the fish eat the bread pieces thrown in to the water. But the water is dirty so not much corals and cannot see much through the glass bottom boats.

Boats with glass in middle to view fish, quite good. Also one of the best places for snorkelling. Prices vary, need to negotiate definetly.

Nice long beach with lots of space and wonderful sunsets. Some places have huge waves and strong currents so be careful!

Beautiful long clean and quiet sandy beach, about 5km long. Southern end is peaceful, northern end has several Surf Schools, beach bars and restaurants. Waves can be fun to enjoy, but you have to learn how to handle them. When you know when you can enter the ocean, you can also swim (for experienced swimmers!). You can find some beach bars with sunbeds and sun-umbrellas - free upon consumption. Or hotels on the beach have their own sunbeds and umbrellas. Amazing place. Not crowded like Mirissa or Unawatuna. Recommended. Many restaurants by the road also.

The best beach we found in Hikkaduwa. Has very large sandy beach. Not busy, very quiet. The sunset is beautiful. But it's hard to find shade during the day. Also it's very wavy, which is awesome for surfers, but not that friendly for swimmers.

Great beach for surfing and swimming. Just be aware that it could be a bit difficult for people who aren’t good swimmers.

Not one of the nicest beach in srilanka but quite local. It’s kind of dirty and a lot bugs mosquitoes.Stayed here last day of the trip because it was close to Colombo.

Great place to be and learn to surf. Narigama has two main surf breaks and the beach break is good for beginners to intermediate and the main break mostly pumping barrels for pro levels.

Always love this beautiful coastal village with beach.I would kindly request few things 01: Please do not brings foods (plastic packet food/ plastic cups) ,always choose local restaurant to dine rather bring take away foods and drinks.Try to be simple as possible and enjoy the beach and ocean. 02: Try your best to minimize smoking on the beach,there is so many cigarette buds on the beach.Just leave nothing!Thankyou