Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa's Coral Sanctuary is one of the most accessible snorkelling sites in Sri Lanka, with a shallow coral garden beginning just 100 metres offshore that can be reached by swimming or by a short glass-bottom boat ride. Hawksbill and green sea turtles are reliably encountered at close quarters — they have become remarkably habituated to gentle snorkellers and will feed and rest on the coral while guests observe them from arm's length.

Beyond turtles, the reef supports triggerfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and vast schools of chromis and anthias that swarm over the coral heads in brilliant colour.

Shorta Tours arranges Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa as part of a tailored private itinerary, providing expert guides, comfortable private transfers, and hand-picked operators to ensure a seamless and truly memorable experience.

Hikkaduwa's reef was protected as Sri Lanka's first marine sanctuary in 1979 and the designation has since been upgraded to National Park status. The reef's condition fluctuated through periods of bleaching (1998), tsunami damage (2004), and visitor pressure, but targeted conservation measures including anchor bans, mooring buoy installation, and snorkelling guidelines have produced a steady recovery.

The reef today is one of the best-studied marine ecosystems in Sri Lanka, with ongoing coral monitoring by the Coastal Conservation Department.

Today, Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa remains one of the highlights of visiting south coast, drawing guests from around the world who seek its unique combination of history, nature, and authentic Sri Lankan character.

Snorkel gear can be hired from shops on the beach; quality varies, so Shorta Tours provides good-quality mask, fins, and snorkel. A reef briefing is given before entering the water.

Glass-bottom boats are also available for guests who prefer not to snorkel.

Essential items to pack: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard, personal mask and fins if preferred, underwater camera..