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Sri Lanka Beaches Map
Sri Lanka has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The popular beaches are mostly found in the southwest part of the country. Whether you want to go whale watching, surf the waves, or have a relaxing family vacation, the southwestern beaches of Sri Lanka have got you covered. Especially from November to April, the weather is sunny and pleasant.
However, the eastern coast of Sri Lanka also offers secluded and unspoiled beaches that provide an escape from the crowds. They can be an ideal alternative, particularly from May to September.
No.1 Bentota Beach - Best for A Vacation
Bentota Beach is like a paradise getaway in Sri Lanka, and it's one of the best beaches on the country's west coast. This place is famous for its stunning sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and loads of water sports fun. You can splash around, go snorkeling, hop on jet skis, or even take a boat ride in this picture-perfect setting. And the coastline is packed with fancy resorts and spas that'll make you feel like royalty!
As one of the most popular beach destinations in Sri Lanka, Bentota brings together sunshine, the ocean, and sandy shores. The beach stretches for miles, giving you plenty of space for sunbathing and strolls along the coastline. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are perfect for swimming, and the constant waves make it an excellent spot for water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
If you're into wildlife, check out the nearby Bentota River for boat tours where you can spot all sorts of local flora and fauna. It's also home to a turtle conservation association, where you can learn about their work and glimpse these fascinating creatures.
The best time to visit Bentota Beach is from October to April when the beach is calm and perfect for swimming. However, deep swimming in Bentota can still be challenging as the vast open bay lacks wave protection measures.
No.2 Mirissa Beach - Whale Watching
Mirissa Beach, located at the southern tip of Sri Lanka, is a crescent-shaped beach and a prime destination for whale watching. Apart from whale watching, Mirissa Beach itself is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, catering to both beginners and experienced surfers.
Whale-watching tours are a popular activity in Mirissa and Sri Lanka. The waters near the beach provide excellent opportunities to see magnificent blue whales, as well as sperm whales, fin whales, and sometimes even killer whales. Dolphin sightings, including acrobatic spinner dolphins, are also common during these tours. The best time for whale watching is typically in the early morning.
One of the highlights near Mirissa Beach is the secluded Secret Beach. As you make your way to this hidden gem, you'll come across two stunning beaches. The first beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, where you can even swim alongside turtles.
The second beach features a tranquil waist-deep lagoon, ideal for a leisurely float. Even when the surrounding waters become rough, this lagoon remains calm and peaceful.
At the far end of Mirissa Beach, you'll find the iconic Parrot Rock jutting into the sea. It provides an excellent vantage point to witness breathtaking sunsets, making it a must-visit spot for visitors.
No.3 Unawatuna Beach: Family-friendly
Unawatuna Beach, nestled in a picturesque bay on the southern coast of Sri Lanka near Galle, is renowned for its calm turquoise waters and soft golden sands, making it an ideal destination for families in Sri Lanka.
The beach's gentle waves and shallow waters provide a safe environment for children to swim and play. The natural reef barrier protects the shore from strong currents, ensuring a more relaxed swimming experience for all ages. It's a perfect spot for building sandcastles, paddling, and introducing little ones to the joys of the ocean.
Family-friendly amenities are plentiful, with beachfront restaurants and cafes that happily cater to both parents and children. Many establishments offer beach chairs and umbrellas, meaning families can comfortably spend the whole day by the sea. The local cuisine, with a variety of seafood and international dishes, ensures that there are options for even the pickiest eaters.
For adventurous families, there are snorkeling opportunities where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life just a short swim from the shore. Additionally, the area boasts several diving schools offering courses and excursions for older children and adults.
Just a short tuk-tuk ride away is the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is great for a family excursion. Here, you can wander through the old streets, visit museums, and take in the charming blend of Dutch and Sri Lankan architecture.
No.4 Arugam Bay Beach - Eastern Surfing Haven
Arugam Bay Beach, located on the southeast coast, is considered one of the best surfing beaches in the world. As premier surfing destination of Sri Lanka, it particularly attracts surf enthusiasts from around the globe during the surfing season from May to September. It is during this time that international surfing competitions are also held, adding to the beach's allure.
The bay's main point, known simply as "The Point," offers a long and consistent right-hand break that can hold swell sizes up to several meters, attracting both intermediate and advanced surfers from around the globe.
Several other nearby surf spots like Pottuvil Point and Whiskey Point provide a variety of waves suitable for all levels, from beginners seeking gentle rollers to experienced surfers looking for challenging rides.
Surfing aside, Arugam Bay is also celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere. The area is sprinkled with chill cafes, seafood restaurants, and beach bars where travelers can unwind after a day in the waves.
For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, Arugam Bay is close to wildlife-rich lagoons and national parks, such as Kumana National Park, where safari tours offer the chance to see elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
No.5 Hikkaduwa Beach: Snorkeling and Diving
Hikkaduwa Beach, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and popular destination known for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The area is home to the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, which boasts a large reef of shallow fringing corals teeming with marine life, making it an underwater paradise for enthusiasts.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa is accessible and enjoyable due to the clear, warm waters and the abundance of marine life just a short distance from the shore. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear from numerous outlets along the beach and explore the underwater world, which includes a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals.
The best time for snorkeling is typically during the dry season, from November to April, when visibility is at its highest.
Diving
For divers, Hikkaduwa offers a range of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. There are professional dive centers that provide PADI certification courses, equipment rentals, and guided dives.
The underwater landscape features not only the coral sanctuary but also several interesting wreck sites. Among them is the SS Conch, which sank in 1903 and now lies at a depth suitable for novice divers.
No.6 Hiriketiya Beach - Surfing and Yoga
Hiriketiya Beach is indeed a choice for surfing from September to March. As part of a renowned surfer's route, this beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is quickly gaining a reputation as a surfing hotspot.
You'll find suitable waves for any surfboard here. The left-hand surf break on the western end of the bay is perfect for experienced surfers, offering a constant surfing experience. Meanwhile, the waves in the middle of the bay are milder, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.
Surf schools and surfboard rental shops are scattered along the beach, making it easy for visitors to get lessons or equipment. The friendly local surf instructors are often praised for their patience and expertise, helping newcomers get up to speed and ride the waves swiftly.
In addition to surfing, Hiriketiya maintains a relaxed atmosphere, with a growing community of yoga practitioners, digital nomads, and travelers.
No.7 Trincomalee Beach - Whale Watching and Historical Sites
Are you in search of enchanting beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka? Trincomalee Beach fulfills all your desires. Trincomalee Beach is renowned for its historical significance, natural harbor, and pristine blue waters. It boasts miles of white sandy beaches and lush green vegetation, offering a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure for visitors.
Visitors to Trincomalee Beach can enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. The area's coral reefs and abundant marine life make it an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Swami Rock, offering panoramic views of the ocean, is a popular location for cliff diving.
Trincomalee is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching from May to September, with frequent sightings of blue whales and sperm whales.
Trincomalee also boasts a rich history, with landmarks such as Fort Frederick and the ancient Koneswaram Temple. These cultural sites add depth to the beach experience, allowing visitors to blend relaxation with exploration of Sri Lanka's rich past.
No.8 Uppuveli Beach - Safe Swimming
What are the Safest Beaches in Sri Lanka? Uppuveli Beach! Located just a 10-minute drive from Trincomalee, is hailed as one of the safest and most appealing swimming beaches in Sri Lanka.
For those seeking a tranquil beach experience with guaranteed swimming areas, Uppuveli Beach is the top choice. Its gentle waters, warm shallow depths, and mild currents make it an ideal destination for families and swimmers of all skill levels.
Visitors to Uppuveli can indulge in the pleasure of swimming without worrying about stronger waves. The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling near the shore, observing an array of colorful fish and marine life.
In addition to swimming and snorkeling, Uppuveli Beach offers opportunities for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and leisurely boat rides, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful coastline from different perspectives.
No.9 Nilaveli Beach - Relaxation and Pigeon Island
Nilaveli Beach is often described as one of the most tranquil beaches in Sri Lanka. Located on the northeast coast near Tangalle, it is renowned for its soft white sands and serene atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for relaxation and exploring Pigeon Island.
The shallow coral reefs here are teeming with tropical fish and turtles, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. The spacious and pristine beach offers a more serene and undisturbed environment. The long stretch of beach is ideal for long walks, sunbathing, and picnics without the crowds.
Pigeon Island is the highlight of Nilaveli Beach and is one of Sri Lanka's marine national parks. It is named after the rock pigeons that inhabit the island.
No.10 Tangalle Beach - Natural Beauty
If you're looking for a beach in Sri Lanka that is away from crowds and commercialized tourist centers, Tangalle (sometimes spelled as Tangalla) Beach is a destination where people can truly connect with nature.
Tangalle boasts some of the most picturesque and unspoiled beaches on the island. Long stretches of white sand, surrounded by palm trees, and kissed by turquoise waters, create a picture-perfect view.
The coastline is dotted with secluded coves and bays, offering visitors secluded spots to unwind and bask in the sun in a relatively private setting. Beyond the beaches, the area is also characterized by lush tropical vegetation, adding to the sense of being in a hidden paradise.
There are several retreat centers in the area catering to wellness-oriented travelers. Tangalle is also home to important wildlife conservation areas such as the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, where visitors can witness turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
If you have time, taking a stroll in the town of Tangalle is worthwhile. The town itself allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the daily life of locals, with markets and fishing communities maintaining a traditional way of life.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Sri Lanka
Discover the wonders of Sri Lanka with Asia Odyssey Travel, your trusted companion for an unforgettable journey. Sri Lanka, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, is a destination that captivates the hearts of travelers from around the world. Navigating through the country's diverse attractions and planning an itinerary can be overwhelming, but fret not, as we are here to make your travel dreams a reality.
With over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of Sri Lanka, Asia Odyssey Travel offers a range of budget-friendly options to suit every traveler's preferences.
Popular Destinations: Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka National Parks, Beaches
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