Hikkaduwa - Coral Gardens, Wrecks & Turtle Beach

turtle beach**

Sri Lanka's original dive destination. The reef that started the industry. Still excellent.

Hikkaduwa Marine National Park was Sri Lanka's first gazetted marine protected area. The coral gardens are accessible by snorkel directly from the beach --- some of the most approachable diving in the country. Green sea turtles at Turtle Beach arrive at dawn routinely and can be observed from the sand. The SS Conch wreck, the Kirala Gala drop-off, and the Coral Garden Cave are all within a short boat ride. For the guest who has never dived, Hikkaduwa is the correct introduction. Two nights.

Experiences at this stop

Coral gardens --- National Park reef (all levels)

Colourful tropical fish, clown fish, angel fish, snappers, black corals, and sea turtles in the shallow water of the marine national park. Accessible by snorkel from the beach or by short boat to the deeper sections.

SS Conch wreck (beginner to intermediate)

A sunken British oil tanker now encrusted with coral and reef fish. The wreck structure is clear and accessible. Surrounded by fusiliers, groupers, and lion fish. Excellent for underwater photography.

Kirala Gala drop-off (advanced)

One of the deepest dive sites at Hikkaduwa. Rare black corals and large pelagic species. For certified divers who want something beyond the coral gardens.

Turtle Beach at dawn

Green sea turtles come to shore along the Hikkaduwa beachfront early in the morning. They come routinely and can be observed without entering the water. Twenty minutes before the beach becomes busy.