Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? There are so many great places to visit it can be hard to choose your destinations, but a visit to one of the beautiful south coast beaches is an essential stop.
A great option not too far from Colombo is Hikkaduwa. With pretty beaches, turtles and great surf, you can easily spend more than a few days here. If this sounds like fun, here are some of the top things to do in Hikkaduwa.
10 Things to do in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka
So where is Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka? Hikkaduwa is a small coastal town adorned with tropical woodland and sandy shorelines just 116 km (72 miles) south of Colombo.
With beautiful beaches and a large range of hotels & restaurants, the town is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka not only for international visitors but for locals too.
Don’t worry – there is more to do than sitting on the beach in Hikkaduwa.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on a visit to Hikkaduwa – let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa
One of the top things to do in Hikkaduwa Beach is snorkeling. The reason is that one of just two marine parks in Sri Lanka is located off Hikkaduwa.
Simply rent some snorkeling gear and take a short boat ride over to the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef. Once you arrive, dive in and enjoy the views of the underwater world.
There are many local tour operators that can organize snorkelling trips and the average cost is around 2,000 rupees for one hour.
The best time of year for snorkelling is between November and April.
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2. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
If snorkeling is not your thing or your kids are too young, then a ride on a glass-bottom boat is the perfect (and a unique) way to explore the sea life from above.
The transparent bottom boats are available on the main beach to hire and explore independently.
Paddle along and take glimpses of the underwater world below. The cost is around 4,000 rupees.
3. Swim at Hikkaduwa Beach
Obvious perhaps, but simply one of the best things to do in Hikkaduwa is to enjoy time on the beach.
Explore the different beaches nearby, take in the gorgeous sunsets and take a swim.
One of our best Hikkaduwa tips is to look out for giant turtles in the shallows later in the day at the southern end of the beach.
They are enormous animals and observing them in the their natural habitat is one of the best things to see in Hikkaduwa Beach Sri Lanka.
4. Go On A River Safari
If you are wondering what to do in Hikkaduwa apart from visiting the beach, there are a number of large lakes and rivers close to town to explore.
A river safari is a great way to explore the backwaters and is one of the best things to do around Hikkaduwa.
The Madhu River near Balapitiya is a popular place to explore, or rent a canoe and paddle up the Hikkatuwa lake system.
As you cruise through the mangroves, look out for wildlife, particularly birds, monkeys and possibly even a crocodile or two.
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