Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa holds a special place in Sri Lanka's tourism history as the original 'hippie' beach town of the 1970s. Over the decades, it has evolved into a bustling hub for underwater exploration and beachside revelry. It is famous for its 'Coral Sanctuary', a protected marine reserve that lies just meters from the shore, making it the most accessible snorkeling spot on the island. By day, Hikkaduwa is all about the ocean—surfing the main break or diving deep to the ocean floor. By night, it transforms into the nightlife capital of the south coast. The beach is lined with bars and clubs that host vibrant parties, attracting a mix of surfers, divers, and backpackers who keep the energy high long after the sun goes down.
Any of our experiences can be included in your travel itinerary when planning your trip with our travel specialists as we help you plan the best way to include Sri Lankas destinations and experiences into your trip.
Shipwreck Diving
Hikkaduwa is the premier destination for wreck diving in Sri Lanka, offering a hauntingly beautiful underwater museum. The most famous site is the 'Earl of Shaftesbury', a British sailing ship that sank in 1893 and now rests at 15 meters. Another favorite is the 'Conch', one of the world's first oil tankers, which split in two and sank in 1903. Its scattered remains create a massive artificial reef. These wrecks have been reclaimed by the ocean over the last century. They are now encrusted with vibrant soft corals and serve as homes for large groupers, moray eels, and schools of barracuda. Local PADI dive centers run daily excursions, allowing certified divers to penetrate the hulls and explore the engine rooms, offering a thrilling mix of history and marine biology.