The best beaches in Sri Lanka: do you want to know them?

strWhether you are a water sports enthusiast or just want to relax, this item is perfect for you. We present you the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Places full of magic, with clear water, fine sand, luxurious resorts and even practically untouched areas where you can get lost. If paradise beaches are your thing, read on.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka for surfing

Ahangama surf

The name says it all. Ahangama Beach is a popular surfing destination. It is just over 20km from Galle city and offers perfect surfing conditions, the best waves, the right atmosphere and plenty of companies to hire equipment if you don’t have your own.

If you put the surfboard aside, you can also enjoy a quiet time without the crowds.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a beach with turquoise waters and is considered one of the best in the world. Its white sand and water temperature guarantee this.

It is only 6 km from Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical landmarks and not only perfect for surfing but also a place where turtles lay their eggs.

Around Unawatuna, undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, you will find surf and other water sports instructors, as well as equipment hire and of course typical bars and restaurants. Visit this beach between October and March, but don’t skip July to September entirely, as there aren’t usually crowds during those months either.

Hikkaduwa

If you are looking for one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches for surfing, Hikkaduwa is your ideal destination. It is very common to practice surfing in its waters, especially if you are a beginner. As in the previous cases, there are a variety of equipment rental companies, so there is no need to bring your own board. And it’s also easy to find trainers.

If scuba diving is your thing as well as riding the waves, the seabed at Hikkaduwa will not disappoint. You might even see a giant tortoise. Not to mention the impressive coral reef just a few hundred meters from shore. Seventy species of coral in the most beautiful colors await you, accompanied by fish and other marine life that will remind you of Cousteau’s documentaries.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka to enjoy wildlife

Stilt fishermen in Koggala

Like some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka that we have already mentioned, Koggala is not far from Galle, around 45 minutes drive from the city. Here’s the typical image of the country that you’ve probably seen hundreds of times: stilt fishermen feeding on the beach.

It is common for travelers to stop and watch them. So much so that the locals have turned the stilt fishermen into a business. So don’t be surprised if they ask you for money to take a picture.

While we didn’t include Koggala in our list of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, it certainly has everything one needs to catch the waves. Although due to the underwater currents it is recommended that only the most experienced surfers take risks.

Don’t miss the reefs and seabed either.

Whale Watching in Welligama Bay

Wewligama Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Especially in the months of November to April. If you like diving, this is an area not to be missed. Weligama Bay Dive Center offers dives for both beginners and experienced divers.

Excursions from Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the best places to go on sea trips and see the whales. Dolphin sightings are also not uncommon.

If you travel to Mirissa in October, you can watch the delicate spectacle of turtles swimming to the beach to lay their eggs.

In addition, Mirissa is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka if you want to relax from everyday stress. Peace and tranquility are assured in an area of ​​the country where, for a change, you won’t find large luxury hotels.

The Bentota Turtles

Bentota is not only one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka but also one of the most visited and loved by travelers. It usually fills up from October to March, when the water is calm and the temperature is ideal for swimming.

Turtle lovers can learn all about these animals at the Sea Turtle Conservation Association, a conservation and conservation center.