Is Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary good for snorkelling beginners?

Yes. The reef is unusually shallow — mostly one to four metres deep — which makes it manageable for confident beginners. Snorkel gear is available to rent on the beach, and local guides can accompany those who want extra reassurance in the water.

Can I see sea turtles at Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary?

Green sea turtles are regularly spotted at the reef, as they feed on the algae and seagrass around the coral. Sightings are not guaranteed, but they are common enough that most regular visitors encounter at least one.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee to visit Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary?

There is typically an entry fee charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, as Hikkaduwa is a designated marine reserve. Fees may differ for foreign nationals and locals; check current rates with your accommodation or a local operator before visiting.

Is the water at Hikkaduwa safe for children?

The shallow, relatively calm waters inside the reef make Hikkaduwa one of the more family-friendly reef destinations in Sri Lanka. Glass-bottom boat tours are a particularly safe option for young children who are not yet strong swimmers.

What is the water visibility like at Hikkaduwa?

Visibility depends on season and weather. During the dry season (November to April) the water is typically clear with good horizontal visibility over the reef. After heavy rain or during the southwest monsoon, sediment runoff can reduce clarity.

Are there dive operators at Hikkaduwa?

Several dive schools and operators are based in Hikkaduwa town and offer PADI-certified courses as well as guided reef dives. The reef itself is shallow enough that it suits open-water divers of all experience levels, and there are also deeper wreck sites nearby.

How far is Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary from Galle?

Hikkaduwa is roughly 18 to 20 kilometres north of Galle, making it easy to combine both in a single day or as part of a southern-coast itinerary. The drive along the coastal road typically takes under half an hour.

Coral Sanctuary — Lakpura®

Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is spread out a couple of hundred meters offshore from Hikkaduwa shore. The Coral sanctuary is one of the most popular and respected coral reef destinations in the Country visited by tourists from all over the world for varied reasons.The Coral sanctuary has approximately seventy varieties of multi coloured corals. Visitors can either swim or hire a guide with a glass bottomed boats to view the corals.

The coral reefs are the best place to see and admire corals and water is never more than three or four meters deep. Some of the coral reefs are real close to the beach and can hire snorkels, masks and fins and ventured into the calm crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean to be amazed with the wonderful & colourful corals and tropical fish with various colours and sizes, few inches below the surface.

Visitors can thoroughly enjoy the beach everyday as Hikkaduwa beach has plenty of beachfront accommodation. Hikkaduwa beach is also reputed as the second best surfing spot in Sri Lanka by the international board-riding set.