Things to Do in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa's coral reef is one of Sri Lanka's most accessible snorkeling destinations, lying just 100–300 meters offshore in shallow water.

The town was largely rebuilt after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which fundamentally reshaped its geography and infrastructure.

Hikkaduwa Beach hosts an iconic turtle hatchery and sanctuary where injured sea turtles are rehabilitated and released back into the ocean.

The Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, established in the 1980s, was one of Asia's first marine protected areas and remains a critical conservation zone.

Local fishermen still use traditional outrigger boats called 'oruwa' for fishing, a centuries-old practice visible from the beach at dawn.

The town sits on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast along the Galle Road (A2), making it a natural stop between Colombo and Galle Fort.