Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

If you are looking for a beach destination with serious energy and serious fun, Hikkaduwa — or Hikka as everyone calls it — is exactly where you need to be. This legendary stretch of Sri Lankan coastline has something for absolutely everyone. Spend your mornings snorkelling through vivid coral reefs, diving around fascinating shipwrecks, or catching incredible waves on one of the island's best surf breaks. Come afternoon the beach bars and cafes fill up with a wonderfully mixed crowd of locals and travellers, and by evening the whole strip transforms into one long celebration of great food, cold drinks, and infectious good music. Hikka is the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is — and makes you perfectly happy about that.
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2 tours in Hikkaduwa

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The Ultimate Ceylon Journey
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Arugam Bay

The Ultimate Ceylon Journey

Duration

5-7 days

Group size

1 - 15
from$45.00 /person

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FAQ’s about Hikkaduwa

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Where is Hikkaduwa located and how do I get there?
Hikkaduwa is a vibrant beach town located on the South West coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 100 km south of Colombo. It is one of the most easily accessible beach destinations on the island. The most scenic and enjoyable way to travel is by train from Colombo Fort station along the stunning coastal railway line, a journey of around 2 to 2.5 hours with breathtaking ocean views along the way. By road via the Southern Expressway, Hikkaduwa is just over an hour from Colombo by private car or hired vehicle making it a popular choice for both day trips and longer stays.
What is Hikkaduwa most famous for?
Hikkaduwa is most famous for its lively and energetic beach atmosphere, world class surf breaks, and spectacular underwater experiences. The coral reef sanctuary just off the shore is one of the most accessible and impressive in Sri Lanka, teeming with colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral gardens. The town is also renowned for its buzzing restaurant and bar scene, making it the go-to destination for travellers seeking a beach holiday with a fun and social party vibe. The surf off Hikkaduwa bay is consistently rated among the very best on the island attracting surfers of all levels throughout the season.
What water activities are available in Hikkaduwa?
Hikkaduwa offers an outstanding variety of water activities for all levels of experience and adventure. Snorkelling directly off the beach allows visitors to explore the famous coral reef and swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles in shallow crystal clear waters. Scuba diving is extremely popular with several experienced dive operators offering guided dives to explore the magnificent coral gardens and fascinating historic shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor. Surfing is another major draw with the waves at Hikkaduwa bay offering excellent conditions for both beginners taking their first lessons and experienced surfers seeking a serious challenge.
What is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is from November to April when the South West coast enjoys its dry season with calm seas, sunny skies, and ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. December to February is the peak season when the town is at its most lively and vibrant. The surf season runs slightly differently with the best waves typically arriving between June and October when the South West monsoon generates powerful and consistent swells perfect for experienced surfers. Even during the wetter months Hikkaduwa retains its charm and the restaurant and nightlife scene remains active throughout the year.
Is Hikkaduwa suitable for families with children?
Hikkaduwa is a great choice for families looking for a fun and action packed beach holiday. The shallow coral reef area is perfectly suited for children to safely snorkel and observe the incredible marine life up close making it a wonderfully educational and exciting experience for young visitors. The wide sandy beach is ideal for relaxed family time and the wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes ensures that even the fussiest young eaters will find something they love. Families with older children and teenagers will particularly enjoy the surf lessons, glass bottom boat tours, and the vibrant energy of the town itself.
What is the nightlife and dining scene like in Hikkaduwa?
Hikkaduwa has one of the most vibrant and enjoyable dining and nightlife scenes on the entire Sri Lankan coast. The main strip is lined with a wonderful variety of beachside restaurants, casual cafes, and lively bars offering everything from freshly caught grilled seafood and authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry to international cuisine, wood fired pizzas, and tropical cocktails. As the evening progresses the beach bars come alive with live music, DJ sets, and a wonderfully relaxed and social atmosphere that brings together travellers and locals in the most convivial way. Hikka after dark has an infectious energy that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka.

Regards from travelers

Ben T

I have been to beach destinations all over the world but Hikkaduwa has a magic that is completely its own. The energy here is absolutely infectious from the moment you arrive. Days spent snorkelling over the most incredible coral reef I have ever seen, catching waves at the surf break just down the beach, and discovering the most amazing little seafood restaurants tucked between the palm trees. Evenings spent at the beachside bars with great music, cold drinks, and the most wonderfully mixed crowd of locals and travellers from every corner of the globe. I came for five days and stayed for two weeks. Hikka does that to people and I am absolutely not complaining.

Ben T

Australia

Hannah K.

I visited Hikkaduwa primarily for the snorkelling and it completely exceeded every expectation I had. The coral reef is just a short swim from the shore and the moment you put your head underwater you enter a completely different and utterly magical world. Sea turtles gliding gracefully past you, enormous schools of brightly coloured tropical fish darting through the coral, and the most vivid and beautiful reef formations stretching in every direction. I spent three hours in the water on my first morning and could not tear myself away. The town itself is wonderfully lively and the food along the main strip is fantastic. Hikkaduwa is simply one of those places that makes you fall in love with travelling all over again.

Hannah K.

Germany

Carlos M

As a surfer I had heard about Hikkaduwa for years and finally making the trip was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The waves here are seriously impressive — powerful, consistent, and with a variety of breaks that kept me challenged and entertained every single day. But even on the days when the surf was quieter I never ran out of things to do or reasons to smile. The diving around the shipwrecks was extraordinary, the local food scene is sensational, and the atmosphere along the beach strip in the evenings is just pure joy. The people of Hikkaduwa are some of the warmest and most welcoming I have encountered anywhere in my travels. This place has my heart completely.

Carlos M

Spain

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