Hikkaduwa Snorkelling

Hikkaduwa’s fringing reef runs parallel to the shore, enclosing a shallow lagoon that was declared a sanctuary in 1979 and became a marine national park in 2002. The reef was damaged by coral bleaching in 1998 and by the 2004 tsunami, and parts are still recovering, but it remains one of the most accessible places on the island to see reef life straight from the beach.

With a guide, you swim out from the shore or take a short boat ride to calmer patches of reef, watching for parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and the green turtles that often feed in the shallows. Glass-bottom boats offer a dry alternative for non-swimmers and younger children. Your guide explains the park’s rules and the reasons behind them, and chooses the clearest spots according to the day’s conditions.

Good to know

• The best season is November to April, when the sea is calm; visibility is usually best in the morning.
• Park rules apply: do not touch, stand on or collect coral, do not feed turtles or fish, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
• National park entry fees may apply for boat trips within the park.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest; snorkelling suits confident swimmers, and buoyancy aids can be arranged.

Snorkelling can be added to any private itinerary, with timing arranged around sea conditions and your plans.