The 10 best beaches in Sri Lanka
The tropical beaches of Sri Lanka are loved by everyone who visits them. With a 1340 km (833-mile) coastline, there are many beaches, coves, and bays with different topographies that attract tourists throughout the year. The wildlife in the area also adds to the experience, with beaches serving as nesting grounds for endangered marine turtles and blue whales being spotted at sea.
Sri Lanka is a great place to visit all year round, but its weather patterns are influenced by two opposing monsoons which can affect your travel experience. Generally speaking, the southwest coast is best visited between November and April, while the east coast is ideal from May to September. To make the most of your Sri Lankan beach experience, here are some of the best beaches to visit.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna, located 6km (3.7 miles) away from the historic Galle Fort, is still one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming, despite the ongoing development in the area. Due to the presence of an offshore reef, the water here is usually calm throughout most of the year, and there are sun beds available for visitors to relax on the beach. Jet Skis are also available for those who want to enjoy the bay. Although it can get crowded during peak season, it never feels too congested. Unawatuna’s dining scene is quite sophisticated, and there are regular weekend beach parties to keep visitors entertained.
Weligama
Weligama is a beautiful bay that stretches for 2km (1.2 miles), and it has become one of the most popular surfing beaches in Sri Lanka for beginners. The sandy-bottomed break is very forgiving, making it ideal for people who are new to surfing. You can rent boards and book lessons from the surf outfits located on the western side of the bay. Most of these surf outfits are run by young surfers who have first-hand knowledge of the local breaks. In addition to surfing, Weligama’s fine sand makes it a popular attraction for families. You will find plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep in every price range
Dalawella
Located just to the east of Unawatuna, Frog Rock is a popular attraction that overlooks the slender champagne sands of Dalawella. The beach is also commonly known as Wijeya Beach, named after the famous restaurant located nearby. The stunning aqua-blue lagoon at this beach is protected by a reef, which makes it safe to swim or paddle for most of the year. Families can enjoy this beach as it is a great spot to relax and unwind. Moreover, visitors are often lucky enough to spot curious turtles in the area.
Kabalana
Kabalana is a part of Ahangama that is popular for its surf and yoga scene. It is a quieter and more intimate alternative to Weligama or Unawatuna. You can easily arrange surf lessons from the beachfront restaurants or rent a board to ride the local breaks. The A-frame, known as the Rock, is said to be the best deep-reef break in Sri Lanka. In the evening, the focus shifts to the foodie restaurants located along the busy Galle-Matara road.
Mirissa
Mirissa’s bay has become a popular destination for tourists. Many of them come to see the blue whales, and during the season, half-day cruises are available daily with good chances of sightings. However, there is much more to Mirissa than just whale watching. You can explore the bay’s eastern side and snorkel, or surf the western reef break. Additionally, you can take a yoga class or go for a scenic walk, such as the one to Mirissa’s not-so-secret beach. There are many restaurants in the area, and evenings can be quite lively.
Hiriketiya
Nestled between two jungle-clad headlands, Hiriketiya Bay is a breathtaking sight to behold. Originally discovered by surfers seeking out some sun and waves, this stunning location is now popular with visitors of all kinds throughout the year, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and warm waters. The bay is sheltered by coconut palms and boasts a range of upscale restaurants, coffee shops, guesthouses, and villas, which stretch out along the western hill and lead to the vast sandy beach of Dikwella.
Bentota
The western coast of Sri Lanka is mainly occupied by large hotels that cater to package holidays, which are located near beautiful sandy beaches. Among these hotels, the best option is Bentota, known for its long, honey-hued beach that culminates in a sandbank separating the Indian Ocean from a large lagoon. The beach offers a range of water sports, safe swimming, and lifeguards, making it ideal for families. However, it is important to note that there are no independent restaurants available directly on the beach.
Arugam Bay
The East coast of Sri Lanka is known for its excellent surfing spot called A-Bay. It is best to visit between May and September when the weather is great. There are many different breaks to choose from, each with their own unique name such as Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, and Crocodile Rock. These locations are often wild, unspoiled and can be challenging to reach. In the past, Arugam Bay was popular only among serious surfers and fishermen, but now it attracts budget-conscious travelers who want to combine surfing with visits to deserted beaches, historic temples, and remote national parks, such as Kumana and Lahugala Kitulana.
Kalkudah
If you’re in the mood for secluded and unspoiled beaches, the vast stretch of Kalkudah is as close to perfect as you’ll find in Sri Lanka. This idyllic east-coast beach is backed by a profusion of coconut estates and gnarled cashew plantations. While it’s possible to swim here, it can be dangerous out of season as the sea shelves deeply. You can stay overnight in one of Karpaha Sands’ chic tents or make a day trip from the upmarket resort-lined bay of Passekudah, which is 2km (1.2 miles) to the north
Nilaveli
Nilaveli, located 13km (8 miles) north of Trincomalee, is a stunning 4km-long (2.5-mile) beach on Sri Lanka’s east coast with wide ivory sands, palmyra palms, and free-range cattle. From May to September, the shallow ocean gently laps onto the beach, turning Nilaveli into an ideal destination for deep-sea diving and whale-watching. Just off the coast, you’ll find Pigeon Island’s protected marine park, which is home to turtles and blacktip reef sharks. The park is one of the country’s best sites for snorkeling and diving, with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Casuarina Beach
If you travel far enough to the northernmost Jaffna peninsula, you will see that the beaches are barren, windswept, and remote. Most of them are deserted and offer little shade. However, Casuarina Beach is an exception. It is named after the variety of trees fringing the sand and is very popular, despite the adventurous 40-minute cross-island drive from Jaffna. Casuarina Beach tends to be busiest on weekends, with day-tripping family groups enjoying the warm, shallow sea
Kalpitiya Beach
Kalpitiya is a beautiful peninsula that stretches out for 35km (22 miles) from the northwest coast near Puttalam. The beach is flanked by fir trees and extends almost uninterrupted to the very tip of the peninsula, where you can find a ruined Dutch Fort. Towards the east, you will find the vast Puttalam Lagoon, where kite-surfers color the skies with their dancing sails during the windier, off-season months of May to September.
Mawella
Mawella is a stunning yet lesser-known beach located on the south coast. Its crescent-shaped bay stretches for 2km (1.2 miles) and is surrounded by only a few boutique hotels, villas and simple bungalows, nestled in vast palm-shaded grounds. Despite being just 7km (4.3 miles) from Tangalla, those who are aware of this hidden gem come here for a rare taste of southern escapism and plan to do very little at all. That being said, the rolling waves are perfect for body-boarding, and the long beach is ideal for early morning runs.
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