Hikkaduwa National Park National Park

Address: Hikkaduwa Marine National Park, Hikkaduwa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset

Hikkaduwa National Park is a marine protected area on Sri Lanka’s south-western coast near the town of Hikkaduwa. It conserves nearshore coral reef and coastal waters important for marine biodiversity.

The park includes shallow fringing reef that is popular for snorkelling and diving, with colourful reef fish and coral formations close to shore. Sea turtles and small reef sharks are among the marine species commonly seen in the protected waters.

The area was set aside to protect coral reefs and associated marine life from overuse and habitat loss. Management focuses on balancing tourism activity with reef conservation.

The park sits off the coast of Southern Province near Hikkaduwa town, on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, roughly south of Colombo along the main coastal route.

• Coral reef access: Shallow fringing reef lies within easy snorkelling distance from the beach near Hikkaduwa town.

Hikkaduwa National Park lies off the coast near the town of Hikkaduwa, approximately 100 km south of Colombo. Travelers usually reach the town by road or by train on the coastal line; local boat operators in Hikkaduwa run snorkeling and dive trips to the park.

• Arrive early at the main snorkeling sites to avoid crowded reef tours from Hikkaduwa town.
• Local operators often run turtle-watching and snorkeling trips-ask which sites are being visited on the day for the best visibility.
• Stick to licensed operators; boat approaches can damage reefs and responsible operators will brief guests on reef etiquette.