From Instagrammable beaches to wildlife, Sri Lanka is your all-in-one spot for beaches. Not sure about that? Don’t take our word for it. Take the word of the 2.3 million people who visited just last year’s beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
Since you are already looking for beaches in Sri Lanka, I’m going to assume that you are already in the wagon with the rest of us. Sri Lanka has some of the best beaches in the world. I know you want more details. That’s why we brought together a complete guide for an awesome best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
So, let’s get right into it!
Where to stay in Sri Lanka?
Nothing can beat the peace you will feel living close to the ocean. And Sri Lanka is the best place to get the experience of living with nature. There are beach resorts and hotels close to the sea. From the moment you wake up, you’ll never be out of sight of the ocean.
If you are travelling on a budget, you can also stay in Airbnb, do home sitting, and more. Sri Lanka has a range of accommodations meant for tourists. Do a quick internet search and you’ll find so many options. Check out reviews and make sure that the accommodation fits your need.
Travelling around Sri Lanka
Using local transport is the cheapest way to travel around Sri Lanka. Apart from that, tuk-tuks or taxis can also be used to get around. Travelling in a tuk-tuk is the best way to get around in cities. But, make sure you are not getting into any scams.
By far, the coolest way to travel in Sri Lanka is by taking the train. The rail system is built through the hill country and has no shortage of scenic views. You are sure to spot quite a few waterfalls, rivers, and cliffs. The railroad also passes large tea and rubber estates, and architectural excellences like the nine arches bridge. It’s also possible to sit on the footboard (as long as you are being responsible for your security) and enjoy the passing scenery. If you love nature, taking a train in Sri Lanka is something you’ll never forget.
The best beaches in Sri Lanka
So, for a perfect best beach vacation, where should you go?
Being an island country, Sri Lanka has a gazillion of beaches. While most beaches are good, some beaches exceed expectations. Picking out the best beaches can be like looking for needles in a haystack. But, look no more.
Here’s an extensive list of some awesome best beach vacations in Sri Lanka. around this Island paradise waiting to be discovered by you,

East Coast beaches
Clustered around with small villages, beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka are less crowded than the south or the west and are perfect for some relaxing time. Check out these four beaches on the east coast.
Marble Beach
Marble Beach Trincomalee- Srilanka
Marble beach
Marble beach Trincomalee
This beach is also known as Marble Bay Beach., the best beach vacation in Sri Lanka. It gets its name from the marble-like reflections of the sun on the white sand and water on calm days. The Srilankan Air Force unit keeps it very clean.
The water is pristine blue with colorful fish swimming in schools. Because of this, marble beach is also a snorkelling destination. The calm quality of the water and the shallow bottom make this an ideal place for swimming as well as for spending the best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
The Srilankan Air Force manages the beach and it has the Famous Air Force resort. Marble Beach is a public beach which means it’s free to access. It’s mostly uncrowded but can get a little busy on weekends with local visitors. Otherwise, it’s a clean, calm, and peaceful best beach vacation. You can wash away the sand at the open showers available for visitors. There are also toilets and other facilities on this beach.
Arugam Bay
Arugam bay beach Srilanka
Arugam bay beach
There are two words to describe Arugam Bay; it’s a surfer’s paradise. The high season is from June through April. During these months, tourists from all over the world gather at popular surf spots in Arugam Bay such as baby point, peanut farm beach, the main point, and elephant point. There are also surfing courses you can take if you are a beginner best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
If you are not a surfer, you can still enjoy the tropical sun while lying on a hammock. Yoga sessions on the beach are a common scene if you visit during the busy season. At night, there are parties and drinking which can get pretty loud.
From smoothies, pizzas, and seafood to vegan food everything is delicious and worth a try. Experience the taste of true Sri Lankan cuisine at the restaurants that dot the beach. You’ll find yourself smitten.
If you are not for the party scene, you can visit Arugam Bay during the low season which is from November to April. The beaches will be less crowded and extremely quiet. However, most shops and restaurants close down in the low season. A plus about visiting Arugam Bay in the low season is that the prices are extremely low.
Arugam Bay is close to the Yala national park which means you get a chance to experience wildlife including elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles. However, as the crocodiles are active don’t go near rivers.
Other than surfing, you can climb up the elephant rock. But, avoid going there in the mornings and late afternoons. Elephants roam the area at these times. You should also visit the Muhudu maha viharaya which is a Buddhist temple, climb the Kudumbigala monastery for an awesome view of the surrounding area, go on a lagoon safari, and more. Arugam bay beach is the best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
Nilaveli beach
Nilaveli beach srilanka
Nilaveli beach
Nilaveli Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. The white stretch of sand on the beach extends for up to 16 km. The sea is calm and good for swimming. You can lie down on the sandy beach and soak up the Trincomalee sun for the best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
The waves make Nilaveli Beach a good surfing spot. Apart from that, spend your time diving, snorkelling, or going on a boat ride. The area is full of corals and marine life.
Further up the beach, you will also find a reddish rock which is known as the red rock beach. This beach is an ideal spot for a family beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
Pigeon Island
pigeon island sri lanka
pigeon island
Pigeon Island is located 2 km into the sea from the Nilaveli beach. To get to Pigeon Island, you have to take a boat from Nilaveli. Named after the rock pigeons that nest on the island, it is also a popular snorkelling destination with a shallow reef for the best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
Pigeon Island is one of the two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. Therefore you have to buy tickets and some sensitive areas of the coral reef are protected from access. However, the accessible area is wide enough.
Although the coral reefs have been damaged to coral reefs due to the surge in tourism, the reef is full of colour and acts as the feeding ground for 300 different coral fish. If you are lucky, you may even spot a shark. Blacktip reef sharks that are small and harmless are common around the area. The reef is also popular among visiting turtles such as Green sea turtles, Leatherbacks, Loggerheads, and more. This is also home to several endangered fish species like the Blue-ringed angelfish.
It’s a completely different underwater world for you to explore. The guides are very knowledgeable about the reef and the species of flora and fauna that live among the coral. Hire one if you to know more about this fragile, yet spectacular ecosystem. Be careful not to step on corals as this will hinder their growth.

South Coast beaches
The south coast has the most stunning views out of all beaches in Sri Lanka. From golden sand to rising palm trees, these south coast beaches are the tropical dream.
Unawatuna beach
The beach is shaped like a crescent and has gorgeous turquoise blue water with a backdrop of palm trees against the tropical blue sky. It is famous among both tourists and locals. You can catch some sun lying on a rented sunbed or go swimming.
There are many things you can do around Unawatuna such as snorkelling, surfing, and paddleboarding. A good snorkelling spot around Unawatuna is the Unawatuna coral reef where you can see many colourful fish and corals. There is a surfing spot between Unawatuna and Galle. The best time to surf here is between November to May. You can rent surfboards and even have lessons from surf schools in the area. To make your evening perfect, rent a paddleboard and go paddling in the sunset.
One of the most popular beaches in Unawatuna is Wijaya Beach. It’s famous for its rope swing. This hangs on a coconut tree curved towards the ocean and you can swing forward to the waves. It’s an excellent spot for some great photos if you visit in the early morning or the golden hours of the evening.
Unawatuna Beach is surrounded by shops and restaurants in case you’re looking for a taste of local cuisine (which is a little spicy) or want to shop. The local market which happens on weekends is also a great place to explore the local scene. You can also buy many varieties of fresh fruit, spices, curry mixes, and more from this market.
If you’re visiting Unawatuna Beach, the best time is late August and early September before the rainy season start.
Mirissa beach
mirissa beach sri;anka
mirissa beach
Mirissa Beach was trending on Instagram a while back. You might have seen this hill full of coconut trees creating a triangular silhouette against the sky on your social media feeds. The sea here is clear and blue. The beach is wide and great for just laying back and enjoying the scenery while sipping a coconut.
Mirissa is also a great place for snorkelling. The water is shallow, and you can enjoy the small reefs and rocks that surround the beach. If you are into surfing, you’ll find Mirissa very appealing. The waves are great but there’s less crowd compared to Arugam Bay which makes Mirissa a surfing spot loved by all surfers. If you want to surf, the best time to visit is from October to March.
Whale watching Mirissa season
Whale watching is also a popular thing to do around Mirissa. There are boats on the beach that offer whale-watching tours. If you visit Mirissa around November to March, you may get the chance to see some whales, dolphins, and turtles in the Indian Ocean. If you are lucky, you may even spot a rare blue whale.
The most famous spot in Mirissa is the coconut farm hill which is a short walk down the beach. Here, you’ll get an awesome view of the area. The view gets better around sunset. But, be careful about the coconuts. They fall.
Another good spot to catch the sunset is the secret beach of Mirissa. Ask a tuk-tuk to take you here. As the name suggests, the beach is hidden yet amazing.
To get a great view of the area, climb the parrot rock. This rock is located a little way into the sea and gets separated from the mainland at high tide. However, you can still walk through the water to climb it.
There are also some nice restaurants serving delicious food around the beach. They put up tables in the evenings along with lanterns and candles. At night, you can enjoy the seafood barbecues this beach is best beach vacation in Sri Lanka.
Mirissa is a lovely beach with a very relaxed and laid-back vibe. With the latest rise in tourism, it is also developing fast.
Hiriketiya beach
Hiriketiya beach srilanka
Hiriketiya beach
Hiriketiya beach, better known as Hiri is located close to the jungle. With palms hanging over the golden sandy beach, it’s truly a beach paradise.
The hiriketiya beach is shaped like a horseshoe protruding into the island. The beach is narrow and can get really crowded easily. This is one of the go-to beaches for sunbathers and surfers.
Yes, you read it right. Hiriketiya Beach is an ideal beach for surfers looking for the next wave. It’s good for surfing all around the year. But the tide is pretty small from December to February. If you are a beginner surfer these waves are the best. August to December has the best waves for seasoned surfers. You can still learn how to surf at this time around some areas.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try going out early. You won’t regret having to wake up to the early morning view. Although surfers are a staple here, there is also enough room for swimming. You may even spot some turtles swimming in the shallow waters.
You can also join a yoga class and get some of that spiritual cleansing. There are several cafes, surf shops, and restaurants around the area as well. In the evenings you can hang out at dots which is the most popular place at Hiri for parties and live music.
While you are there, hire a tuk-tuk and go visit the Dondra lighthouse which is the southmost tip in Sri Lanka. This lighthouse is free for access and is quite picturesque.
Hiriketiya is a fine beach for some relaxing time. If you wait around for the evening, you’ll catch the gorgeous sunset smearing the sky and the water in a rosy red. This is the nice best beach vacation in Srilanka for family.
Tangalle Beach
Tangalle is home to some most exquisite beaches in Sri Lanka. These wide stretches of golden sand coupled with rising palm trees and the blue ocean are the ultimate tropical scenery from your dreams.
Tangalle beaches are still mostly undiscovered. You can walk along the sand and stumble on some hidden beaches away from the population. Tanaglle has it all including quiet beaches such as the Amanwella silent beach and Medilla beach which is a nice beach for swimming.
Other sections of Tangalle Sea are not recommended for swimming as the waves can be pretty rough. But, you can still enjoy lounging around enjoying the balmy sun and the salty sea breeze.
Dikwella Beach
Dikwella is a nice, family-friendly beach. It’s protected by sandbars and reefs that drown out the waves so that kids can safely swim. However, because of the natural protection, it is not a good spot for surfing. But you can have fun doing adventure sports and beach games such as volleyball. Dikwella is a great place to just chill, take a walk down the beach, and get a tang.
There’s no such time as the best time to visit Dikwella because the area receives good weather all around. However, we would advise you to not visit between July to October. In these months, the area receives most rain and the sea can be too rough to swim in. Dikwella attracts the most crowds around April and June as these months receive the least rain.
Some things to do around Dikwella beach include visiting the Sunday market which is very popular with tourists around the world. You can buy little souvenirs such as porcelain figures, paintings, handloom items, and more. If you are looking for a relaxing time, get a massage on the beach. The local food is delicious and you can try some at the many small stalls lining the beach. We would also recommend a herbal massage at the Dikwella beach resort and spa.
Dikwella -Hummanaya blowhole
Another great spot to visit while you are in Dikwella is the Hummanaya blowhole. This is the second-largest blowhole in the world. The tide which is shot through a narrow area among two rocks reaches up to 36 km. To see the wave reaching that high, you’ll have to visit during high tide. July to August is the best time.
However, even if you don’t see it in action, the blowhole is at a hilltop and can provide quite a satisfying view of the deep blue sea and the surrounding greenery.
Weligama Beach
Weligama is a small fishing village in the south of Sri Lanka. The village has a unique fishing technique where fishers sit cross-legged on stilts holding fishing rods. It’s a quite picturesque sight against the setting sun.
Besides the photo-worthy fishers, the sea is also the domain of many surfers. Weligama is famous for its surfing schools that dot every nook and cranny. So, if you are a beginner surfer, this is a good place to start your surfing journey. The local surfers have experienced and have been on the waves since forever, and some are even certified trainers. Experienced surfers can enjoy surfing here as well.
The beach may be crowded by afternoon. Therefore, if you are looking for a quieter time, try to come to the beach before 8 AM.
Enjoy your time in Weligama Beach windsurfing or taking a boat ride around the area. Whale-watching tours are also popular in Weligama.
Talalla Beach
This scenic beach is still an undiscovered gem among more popular beaches in the south of Sri Lanka such as Unawatuna or Mirissa. It’s uncrowded for most of the year and is the place to go if you’re looking for a quiet time after some hectic days traveling around the country. Talalla beach is also a hatching ground for turtles. You may see turtles coming to the beach to lay eggs.
The sea here is good for swimming and is a great spot for families. If you are into surfing, you can surf here as well. The best surf location around Talalla is between the two villages Gandara and Kottegoda.
This is a nice, quiet place that is quite isolated and not very popular among surfers. If you are a beginner surfer or an intermediate surfer, this location is the best beach vacation in srilanka. Advanced surfers too can surf a little further into the sea where waves are a bit stronger.
Apart from surfing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery, you can join Yoga sessions at Talalla retreat. Don’t forget to get an Ayurvedic massage as well.
The best time to visit Talalla beach is between January to March. These months are milder in terms of temperature. April to May see the hottest temperatures of the area. But you can still visit the beach at these months if you don’t mind a little hot weather.
Talalla beach is a charming beach which is waiting to be discovered. Don’t forget to chill a day or two lying on the golden sands of Talalla on your visit to Sri Lanka.
Rekawa Beach
Ever fancied watching tiny turtles coming out of their shells and paddling towards the sea? Then you have got to visit Rekawa Beach. This beach is the laying ground of five different species of turtles. The rarest kind you can see here are the leatherbacks.
Freedom walking Turtles
Turtles lay eggs on clear nights with a full moon. Therefore, if you decide to take a tour, you’ll have to wait around till late. However, it’s all worth it. Large turtles come to the beach to lay over 100 eggs. As it’s a popular laying ground among turtles, you will not spend the night without seeing at least two turtles.
Hatching also happens at nights and you need to be careful where you step. Make sure that you’re not blocking the path of any turtle. It is also not recommended to feed the turtles as land food can cause abdominal problems.
Turtles are endangered animals. Therefore, it is important to not disturb their egg-laying process. You need to be silent and patient for the turtle to feel comfortable laying her eggs. You are not supposed to turn on your flashlights or torches. Flash photography too is not allowed. Bright lights will scare them away.
The guide will have a red light that looks similar to the moonlight that the turtles are used to. These guides are also very informative and will tell you what you need to know about the turtles.
Although turtles come here all year round, the best time for turtle watching is January to April with weekends being the most popular. The beach can get pretty crowded at night because about 100 people are granted access at once. Do your best to stay quiet and not disturb the turtles. To access, the officials charge a small fee. This fee is directed towards the conservation efforts of the beach.
Unlike other turtle hatcheries on the west coast of Sri Lanka, the eggs laid on Rekawa beach are left undisturbed. So, if you want to see turtles in their natural habit, this is the place to go best beach vacation in srilanka.
Polhena Beach
Polhena Beach is a small, sandy cove located in Matara. This beach will steal your heart with the beautiful, clear blue water and the little seashells strewn around the beach. If you come here once, you’ll definitely want to visit again.
The soft coral reef shelters the area from large tides, turning the beach into a natural pool made for swimming. The sea here is also shallow. So, if you are traveling with the family, this is a great spot with natural protection. There are also a lot of turtles that swim here. So, you may even spot one swimming with you.
The reef is full of colourful fish and coral. So, if you are fancying snorkelling, this is the best place. There are so many varieties of fish such as eels, stingrays, and more. You can take a guided snorkelling tour or go diving in Polhena. Both would prove to be magical experiences.
If you are not into that, you can just chill and get some sun. The view is still amazing even when you are above the water.
Polhena Beach is also very popular among locals. So, there are many small shops selling snacks, towels, and such items on the beach. There are also some really good beach restaurants that offer delicious food. Although the beach is generally quieter, it can get a little crowded on the weekends.

West Coast beaches
The wide sandy beaches of the west coast are perfect for sunbathing. These beaches are popular for whale watching, a wide variety of water sports and nightlife.
HIKKADUWA BEACH
Hikkaduwa beach srilanka
Hikkaduwa beach
Hikkaduwa is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. It is also a national park and a marine sanctuary. The beach is protected by the Hikkaduwa coral reef and is excellent for swimming. It’s also spotless and not too overcrowded even within the season. There are so many things to do an see around Hikkaduwa Beach.
Because of the reef, this is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The marine life here is wide and colorful and each trip is carefully monitored by officials to ensure that the corals endure no disturbance. Visit the famous coral gardens to observe conservation projects. The colourful baby corals are a sight to see. If you for some reason are not looking to get into the water, you can still take a tour in a boat with a glass floor and see the corals.
If you are a diver, you’ll be excited to know that Hikkaduwa is home to not one but four shipwrecks. Beginners in diving or snorkelling can take a crash course from certified dive centres in the area. Other water sports around Hikkaduwa include body surfing, boating, and more. There are also some great spots for surfing around Hikkaduwa.
While on the beach, you have plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sunset. The restaurants around the area serve the best seafood curries. Experience a relaxing massage or visit a Buddhist temple while you are in the area.
NEGOMBO BEACH
Negombo beach srilanka
Negombo beach
Negombo Beach is located just 15 minutes away from the Bandaranaike international airport. So, this is the best place to rest a few days before you embark on your journey around Sri Lanka. The wide sandy beaches of Negombo are made for sunbathing and spending a relaxed evening looking over at the sunset.
Brown beach Negombo is popular among locals as well as tourists. The beach offers a number of water sports such as kite surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. A moonlight swim is one of the best things you can experience at this beach.
Negombo town is best known for its nightlife. You can join one of the beach parties to enjoy music, awesome food, and drinks. It is the perfect scene if you enjoy partying and meeting new people.
Negombo is known as ‘little Rome’ because of the many churches that you can visit throughout the town. Some of these churches date back to when the Dutch ruled the coastal regions of Sri Lanka. This little city was a popular center for cinnamon export back then.
Negombo is a town for everyone. Whether it is the nightlife or the relaxing beach, you can find what you want in Negombo.
BENTOTA BEACH
bentota beach srilanka
bentota beach
Bentota Beach is a must-see beach for everyone. The beach is wide, clean, and never that busy. The soft sand and the awesome view make this beach an incredible place for relaxing. The water is warm here and some lazy time swimming around is highly recommended.
The beach is perfect for water sports
This beach is a popular place for water sports. It has even been nicknamed the capital of water sports in Sri Lanka. So, if you are looking to have some fun, here you can do almost every water sport you can think of including jet ski riding, windsurfing, boogie boarding, water skiing, kite surfing, paragliding, riding a banana boat with the family, and more. Bentota has colourful marine life and is also a good snorkelling spot.
Whale watching in Bentota is popular and should definitely be on your to-do list. The whale-watching tour will take you from Bentota to Mirissa and you can spend an hour watching the whales. You can see sperm whales, fin whales, and even rare blue whales around here. The tours will always be conscious and will keep a minimum distance from the whales. If you’re planning on joining a tour, the best time to see whales are beach vacation in Sri Lanka from December to April.
Another great thing about Bentota is the vibrant nightlife here. The parties here are more laid-back and still can be quite fun. Especially if you are not going to go hardcore partying. There’s a floating nightclub for dancing, music, and meeting new people. The beach bars also offer a variety of delicious cocktails. There are high-end bars as well as more casual bars around here. It’s easy to find an affordable bar if you’re on a budget. The local seafood dishes are spicy and tastes incredible. You might want to try them as well.
Bentota generally has good weather throughout the year. But it receives the most crowd from October to April.
KALPITIYA BEACH
kalpitiya beach
kalpitiya beach
Kalpitiya is a closely clustered group of 14 islands in the northwestern province of Sri Lanka. Known as the future of tourism in Sri Lanka, this beach is the best kite-surfing destination on the island. The sea is rich in biodiversity and whale and dolphin sightings are common around here beach vacation in Sri Lanka. The best time to visit Kalpitiya Beach is from October to May during the dry climate.
Because of the tropical sun, the water is warm and is nice to swim in. There are many water sports you can do here including kite surfing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and more. Snorkelling and scuba diving are also popular things to do around here.
The bar reef sanctuary in Kalpitiya is a colourful coral garden and is best for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can spot turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and more animals that live around the reef. Kalpitiya Beach is popular for whale and dolphin gazing as well. Some species that commonly visit this area are spinner dolphins and sperm whales. December to April is the best time to go on a whale and dolphin-watching tour.
Kalpitiya Beach is at its most beautiful in the evenings while the sun is dipping down the horizon. To take in the view, get a jeep ride along the sandy beach. You’ll find that there’s nothing more breathtaking than driving along with the sunset.

Conclusion
So, there you have it. The complete guide to a beach vacation around Sri Lanka. We know that you may not have time to visit every beach mentioned here. So, choose wisely and don’t miss what Sri Lanka has to offer.
With so many stunning places to visit, planning where you want to go can be pretty hectic. If you want some extra help planning your trip to Sri Lanka, we’re here to help.
Check out our carefully curated tour packages. We have many options from day excursions to 15-day tours around Sri Lanka. These packages cover everything from nature, heritage, culture, adventure, and more.
If you already know where you would want to go, you can go ahead and choose a tailor-made tour. Tell us what you want to see and we’ll take care of everything else.
If you want to know more about a beach vacation in Sri Lanka. our tours, contact us right away do you interesting srilankan toursim news.
We hope you enjoy Sri Lanka!

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