Quick answer
A Hikkaduwa day trip from Colombo takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by the Southern Expressway. Snorkel the coral sanctuary from roughly November to April, when the sea is calm, watch green turtles graze in the shallows without touching or feeding them, and visit the Peraliya tsunami memorial on the way. Hikkaduwa is roughly 30 minutes from Galle, so the two combine well in a long day.
Key takeaways
- Hikkaduwa is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Colombo by the Southern Expressway.
- The Hikkaduwa coral sanctuary is best for snorkelling roughly November to April.
- Green turtles graze in Hikkaduwa's shallows; never feed or touch them.
- The Peraliya tsunami memorial marks the 2004 disaster in which a train was swept from the tracks.
- Galle Fort is roughly 30 minutes from Hikkaduwa.
The Hikkaduwa day trip at a glance
The Hikkaduwa day trip from Colombo is a beach day with a purpose. The coral sanctuary, a protected stretch of reef close to shore, is one of the most accessible snorkelling spots on the island, and the turtles are a highlight for children and adults.
Hikkaduwa grew as a surf and backpacker town in the 1970s and remains lively, with guesthouses, cafés and surf shops along the coast road. It is busier than Unawatuna and less polished than Bentota.
The day runs from roughly 7 am to 7 pm, with the best snorkelling in the morning before the wind rises.
- →7 am: leave Colombo.
- →Morning: snorkelling and turtles.
- →Midday: beach lunch and rest.
- →Afternoon: Peraliya memorial, or Galle Fort.
The coral sanctuary
The Hikkaduwa coral sanctuary is a shallow reef just off the main beach, protected as a marine sanctuary. In calm conditions, from roughly November to April, you can swim out from the beach with a mask and snorkel to see reef fish, coral and occasionally turtles.
The reef was damaged by bleaching and the 2004 tsunami and is recovering slowly. Do not stand on coral, touch it or collect shells, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Glass-bottom boats operate but are less rewarding than snorkelling.
Snorkel gear is for hire on the beach, but bring your own mask if you can for a better fit.
- →Best months: roughly November to April.
- →Morning: calmer water and clearer visibility.
- →No touching or standing on coral.
Turtles in the shallows
Green turtles graze on seaweed in the shallows at Hikkaduwa, often close to the beach. Watch from a distance and do not feed them, despite vendors offering seaweed for the purpose; feeding changes their behaviour and spreads disease.
Never touch or ride a turtle. Give them space in the water, especially when they surface to breathe. Turtle hatcheries along the coast vary widely in welfare; the wild turtles here are better than any tank.
- →Watch from a distance.
- →No feeding, despite vendors.
- →No touching or chasing.
The Peraliya tsunami memorial
The Peraliya tsunami memorial, a few kilometres north of Hikkaduwa, marks the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, in which a crowded train was swept from the tracks and more than a thousand people died. A Buddha statue and a small museum stand by the line.
Visit with respect. It is a place of mourning for many Sri Lankan families. A short stop of 20 to 30 minutes, on the way south or back, gives the day a quieter, important moment.
The coast road between Hikkaduwa and Galle passes fishing villages, small harbours and quiet stretches of beach, with fresh fish stalls and roadside king coconut sellers. Driving it slowly on the way back, rather than returning straight to the expressway, adds an hour but shows daily life on the south-west coast.
Seasons and variations
From roughly May to September, the south-west monsoon brings rough seas to Hikkaduwa and snorkelling is usually off. In those months, combine the turtles from the shore, the memorial and Galle Fort, roughly 30 minutes away, for a heritage-focused day.
Surfers will find Hikkaduwa's reef breaks working roughly November to April. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange a driver for the day, with Galle Fort added for sunset if you want a longer coastal day.
- →Monsoon months: Galle Fort instead of snorkelling.
- →Surfing: roughly November to April.
- →Long day: Hikkaduwa in the morning, Galle Fort at sunset.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hikkaduwa worth a day trip from Colombo?
Hikkaduwa is worth a day trip from Colombo from roughly November to April for snorkelling the coral sanctuary and watching green turtles in the shallows, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away by expressway. Out of season, combine it with Galle Fort for a fuller day.
How far is Hikkaduwa from Colombo?
Hikkaduwa is roughly 100 km from Colombo, which takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by the Southern Expressway or two to three hours on the coast road. The coastal train from Colombo Fort takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. Galle is roughly 30 minutes further south.
When is the best time to snorkel in Hikkaduwa?
The best time to snorkel in Hikkaduwa is roughly November to April, when the sea is calm and visibility is better. Go in the morning, before the wind picks up. From May to September, the south-west monsoon brings rough water and snorkelling is usually not possible.
Can you swim with turtles in Hikkaduwa?
You can see green turtles in the shallows at Hikkaduwa, but you should not swim close to them, touch them or feed them. Watch from a distance and give them space when they surface. Feeding by vendors changes their behaviour and can make them ill.
What is the Peraliya tsunami memorial?
The Peraliya tsunami memorial, north of Hikkaduwa, marks the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when a crowded train was swept from the tracks and more than a thousand people died. It has a Buddha statue and a small museum. Visit respectfully, as it remains a place of mourning.
Can I do Hikkaduwa and Galle in one day?
You can do Hikkaduwa and Galle in one day from Colombo, because they are roughly 30 minutes apart. Snorkel or watch turtles at Hikkaduwa in the morning, rest at lunch, then walk Galle Fort's ramparts at sunset before the roughly 1.5 to 2 hour drive back.
Is Hikkaduwa good for families?
Hikkaduwa is good for families in the calm months, with turtles in the shallows and easy snorkelling over the coral sanctuary. Supervise children in the water, because currents can be strong, and choose a quieter stretch of beach away from the busier surf spots.