If you are looking for a perfect beachside vacation with thrilling surfing, snorkeling, diving, and nightlife, look no further than Hikkaduwa Beach in Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand and turquoise water that offers something for everyone.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find the ideal waves and conditions to suit your level and style. You will also discover a rich and diverse marine life, a vibrant and lively nightlife scene, and a relaxing and rejuvenating spa retreat. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Hikkaduwa Beach and its nearby beaches, so you can plan your dream trip to Sri Lanka’s surfing paradise.
Hikkaduwa Beach: The Ultimate Surfing Destination
Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the most popular and famous surfing spots in Sri Lanka. It has been attracting surfers from all over the world since the 1970s, when it was first discovered by hippies and backpackers. Today, it is a well-developed and modern surf town, with plenty of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs and preferences of surfers.
Why Hikkaduwa Beach is a Surfer’s Dream
Hikkaduwa Beach has everything a surfer could ask for: consistent waves, favorable wind, warm water, and sunny weather. The waves at Hikkaduwa Beach are suitable for all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced. There are several surf breaks along the beach, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Some of the most popular surf breaks at Hikkaduwa Beach are:
Main Reef: This is the main surf spot at Hikkaduwa Beach, located in front of the town center. It is a reef break that produces powerful and fast waves, ideal for experienced and adventurous surfers. The best time to surf here is from November to April, when the swell is big and the wind is offshore.
Benny’s: This is a surf spot located to the left of the Main Reef, near the Hikkaduwa National Park. It is a reef break that produces long and smooth waves, perfect for intermediate and longboard surfers. The best time to surf here is from May to October, when the swell is small and the wind is onshore.
Beach Break: This is a surf spot located to the right of the Main Reef, near the Hikkaduwa Lake. It is a sand break that produces gentle and fun waves, suitable for beginner and novice surfers. The best time to surf here is all year round, as the waves are always easy and forgiving.
Getting There
If you are wondering how to reach Hikkaduwa Beach, here are some options for you:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Hikkaduwa Beach is Koggala Airport, which is about 29 km away. However, there are no direct flights from India to Koggala Airport. You can fly to Colombo International Airport, which is about 145 km away from Hikkaduwa Beach, and then take a taxi, a bus, or a train to Hikkaduwa Beach. There are many flights from India to Colombo, with fares ranging from INR 10,300 to 13,500.
By Train:
The cheapest and fastest way to reach Hikkaduwa Beach from Colombo is by train. You can take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Hikkaduwa Station, which takes about 2 hours and costs INR 35 to 130. The train numbers 8056, 8058, 8096, and 8766 are the best ones to travel to Hikkaduwa Beach. The nearest stations to Hikkaduwa Beach are Thiranagama Railway Station and Kumarkanda Railway Station.
By Road:
You can also drive or hire a cab from Colombo to Hikkaduwa Beach, which takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes and costs INR 4,200 to 5,500. You can also take a bus from Colombo to Matara, which passes through Hikkaduwa Beach, and get off at Hikkaduwa Bus Stop or Narigama Beach5. The bus journey takes about 3 hours and costs INR 100 to 200.
How to Learn Surfing at Hikkaduwa Beach
If you want to learn surfing or improve your skills, you will find plenty of surfing schools and instructors at Hikkaduwa Beach. They offer surfing lessons and courses for all levels and ages, from kids to adults. You can choose from different options, such as private, group, or package lessons, depending on your budget and preference. Some of the best surfing schools and instructors at Hikkaduwa Beach are:
Hikkaduwa Surf School:
This is one of the oldest and most reputable surfing schools in Hikkaduwa. It is run by a team of experienced and certified surf instructors, who will teach you the basics and techniques of surfing in a safe and fun way. They offer surfing lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers, as well as surfboard rental and repair services.
Surf Lanka:
This is another well-established and professional surfing school in Hikkaduwa. It is run by a group of friendly and qualified surf instructors, who will guide you through the steps and skills of surfing in a relaxed and enjoyable way. They offer surfing lessons for all levels of surfers, as well as surf camps, surf trips, and surf yoga.
Surf with Lahiru:
This is a personal and customized surfing service in Hikkaduwa. It is run by Lahiru, a local and passionate surf instructor, who will tailor your surfing lesson according to your level and goal. He offers surfing lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers, as well as surf photography and videography.
There are many benefits and advantages of learning surfing at Hikkaduwa Beach, such as the quality, the safety, and the fun. You will not only improve your surfing skills, but also your fitness, confidence, and happiness. You will also meet new friends and experience the local culture and hospitality.
Hikkaduwa Beach: A Snorkeling and Diving Wonderland
Hikkaduwa Beach is not only a surfing paradise, but also a snorkeling and diving wonderland. It is home to a stunning coral reef, which is part of the Hikkaduwa National Park, a marine sanctuary that protects and preserves the biodiversity and beauty of the underwater world. You will be amazed by the variety and abundance of marine life, such as colorful fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and more.
Why Hikkaduwa Beach is a Snorkeler’s and Diver’s Paradise
Hikkaduwa Beach has everything a snorkeler and diver could wish for: a coral reef, a marine life, and a visibility. The coral reef at Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the best and most accessible in Sri Lanka. It stretches for about 4 km along the shore, and can be reached by a short boat ride or even by swimming from the beach.
The coral reef is composed of different types of corals, such as brain, table, and staghorn corals, which provide shelter and food for the marine life. The marine life at Hikkaduwa Beach is diverse and plentiful.
You will encounter hundreds of species of fish, such as butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish, as well as larger creatures, such as turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. The visibility at Hikkaduwa Beach is excellent, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, depending on the season and the weather. You will be able to see the details and colors of the coral reef and the marine life clearly and vividly.
The best time to snorkel and dive at Hikkaduwa Beach is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is clear. The best spots to snorkel and dive at Hikkaduwa Beach are:
Coral Gardens: This is the main snorkeling and diving spot at Hikkaduwa Beach, located in front of the Hikkaduwa National Park. It is a shallow and easy site, suitable for beginners and families. You will see a variety of corals and fish, as well as turtles and rays.
Hikkaduwa Gala: This is a snorkeling and diving spot located to the left of the Coral Gardens, near the Hikkaduwa Lighthouse. It is a deeper and more challenging site, ideal for intermediate and advanced divers. You will see a large rock formation, covered with corals and sponges, as well as fish, sharks, and dolphins.
Conch: This is a snorkeling and diving spot located to the right of the Coral Gardens, near the Hikkaduwa Harbour. It is a moderate and interesting site, suitable for all levels of divers. You will see a sunken shipwreck, which is a conch shell factory, as well as fish, rays, and turtles.
How to Experience Snorkeling and Diving at Hikkaduwa Beach
Snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular activities at Hikkaduwa Beach. You can explore the underwater world of the Hikkaduwa coral reef, which is home to hundreds of colorful fish, turtles, and other marine creatures. Here are some tips on how to experience snorkeling and diving at Hikkaduwa Beach:
The best time to snorkel and dive at Hikkaduwa Beach is from November to April, when the water is calm and clear. Avoid the monsoon season from May to October, when the water is rough and murky.
The best spots to snorkel and dive at Hikkaduwa Beach are the Hikkaduwa National Park, which is a marine sanctuary that protects the coral reef, and the Hikkaduwa Shipwreck, which is an artificial reef created by a sunken cargo ship. You can also snorkel and dive at other nearby beaches, such as Narigama Beach and Turtle Beach.
The best equipment to snorkel and dive at Hikkaduwa Beach is provided by the snorkeling and diving centers that are located along the beach. You can rent or buy snorkeling and diving gear, such as masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, and tanks. You can also hire a guide or join a group to snorkel and dive safely and enjoyably.
The benefits and advantages of snorkeling and diving at Hikkaduwa Beach are many. You can witness the beauty and diversity of the coral reef and its inhabitants. You can also learn more about the marine ecology and conservation. You can also have fun and relax in the warm and clear water.
Nightlife is one of the main attractions of Hikkaduwa Beach. You can enjoy the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the beach after dark, with a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Here are some tips on how to experience nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach:
How to Experience Nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach
The best time to experience nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach is from December to March, when the tourist season is at its peak and the parties are more frequent and lively. Avoid the off-season from April to November, when the nightlife is more quiet and subdued.
The best places to experience nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach are the beachfront bars and clubs that are located along the main road of the town. You can find a range of options, from cozy pubs and cafes to trendy lounges and discos. Some of the most popular nightlife venues at Hikkaduwa Beach are:
[Top Secret]: A popular bar and restaurant that offers live music, DJ sets, and karaoke nights. You can also enjoy the delicious food, drinks, and shisha at this place.
[Vibration]: A lively club that features local and international DJs, dancers, and performers. You can also join the themed parties, such as foam parties, beach parties, and glow parties, that are held regularly at this place.
[Mambo’s]: A chic lounge that offers a relaxing and sophisticated ambiance, with a stunning view of the ocean. You can also savor the cocktails, wines, and tapas at this place.
The best drinks to experience nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach are the local and imported beers, wines, and spirits that are available at the bars and clubs. You can also try the signature cocktails, such as the arrack sour, the lion lager, and the coconut rum, that are made with the local ingredients and flavors.
The benefits and advantages of experiencing nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach are many. You can have fun and dance to the music, meet new people and socialize, and enjoy the culture and vibe of the beach.
Nightlife at Hikkaduwa Beach is an experience that you will never forget. You will be amazed by the energy and excitement of the beach at night and the joys of the nightlife scene. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Hikkaduwa Beach.
How to Experience Spa at Hikkaduwa Beach
Spa is one of the relaxing and rejuvenating activities that you can enjoy at Hikkaduwa Beach. You can pamper yourself with a variety of natural, holistic, and therapeutic treatments, such as massage, yoga, and meditation. Here are some tips on how to experience spa at Hikkaduwa Beach:
The best time to experience spa at Hikkaduwa Beach is anytime, as the spa centers are open throughout the year. However, you may want to avoid the peak season from December to March, when the spa centers are more crowded and busy.
The best places to experience spa at Hikkaduwa Beach are the spa centers that are located near the beach or in the hotels and resorts. You can find a range of options, from traditional Ayurvedic spas to modern wellness spas. Some of the most popular spa centers at Hikkaduwa Beach are:
[Hikka Spa]: A luxury spa that offers a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, body scrubs, and wraps. You can also enjoy the sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi at this place.
[Hikkaduwa Ayurveda]: A traditional spa that offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments, such as herbal oil massages, herbal steam baths, and herbal medicines. You can also consult an Ayurvedic doctor and get a personalized treatment plan at this place.
[Hikkaduwa Yoga]: A holistic spa that offers yoga classes, meditation sessions, and pranayama exercises. You can also join the yoga retreats and workshops that are held regularly at this place.
The best equipment to experience spa at Hikkaduwa Beach is provided by the spa centers that are located near the beach or in the hotels and resorts. You can use the towels, robes, slippers, and toiletries that are available at the spa centers. You can also bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and comfortable clothes if you want to join the yoga classes or meditation sessions.
The benefits and advantages of experiencing spa at Hikkaduwa Beach are many. You can relax and unwind your body and mind, heal and rejuvenate your skin and muscles, and enhance your well-being and happiness.
Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the most amazing and diverse beaches in Sri Lanka. It offers something for everyone, whether you are a surfer, a snorkeler, a diver, a partygoer, or a spa lover. You can enjoy the natural beauty, the cultural heritage, and the fun activities of this beach and its nearby attractions. You can also learn more about the marine ecology, the surfing history, and the nightlife culture of this beach and its people. Hikkaduwa Beach is a place that you will never regret visiting and will always remember fondly.
We hope that this guide has helped you to learn everything you need to know about Hikkaduwa Beach and its nearby attractions. We also hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and have found it informative and engaging. Thank you for choosing Tripoto as your travel partner and we wish you a wonderful and memorable vacation at Hikkaduwa Beach.