Hikkaduwa, 100km from Colombo, one of the liveliest of the southwest coast is close to Beruwala Bay Beach & Bentota Bay Beach Resort of beautiful beaches & large resort hotels. There's a varied choice of beach & sea - coral for snorkelers, waves for board & body surfers, & good wide strips of sand, backed by cafes for sun bathing & relaxation.

Surfing at Hikkaduwa, Wewala, Narigama, Thirangama
Hikkaduwa is Sri Lanka's surf center from November to April, & has hosted numerous international competitions. It is particularly good for beginners as the waves are comparatively gentle, most breaking on the reefs rather than the beach. The focus is around the main break, known as the "A-Frame" because of its distinctive apex, in Wewala.

At Wewala, there's good surf for board riders: international surfers flock here Nov to April.

Narigama & Thirangama further south beach widens out into a fine strip for sunbathing provide good waves for body surfing.

Scuba diving
Hikkaduwa is a good base for scuba diving. Local operators run trips to up to 20 sites along the coast. Most rewarding sites close to Hikkaduwa are the rock formations, especially the deep Kirala Gala (21 m to 38m), 10 minutes offshore, where there is also a wide range of pristine coral with groupers, barracuda & batfish.

A number of wrecks, some in fairly shallow water, can also be visited, such as the Earl of Shaftesbury, though the wreck-diving is better in the bays further south at VOC Galle Dutch Fort & Weligama Bay Beach

Snorkeling, Coral Gardens & Wrecks
Hikkaduwa has excellent snorkeling just offshore. Only 200m offshore, in shallow water no more than 4m deep, a reef protects an expanse of brilliant coral populated by vividly colourful reef fish. It is a perfect snorkeling territory. Compared with glass bottomed boats that operate from the beach, snorkeling herein is an eco friendly means of enjoyment.