Coral Gardens – Hikkaduwa

Coral Gardens – Hikkaduwa, one of Sri Lanka’s premier snorkeling and diving spots:

Overview & Location

• Situated within Hikkaduwa National Park, Sri Lanka’s first marine reserve, established in 1979 and designated a national park in 2002 .

• It’s located just off Hikkaduwa Beach, easily accessible via a short swim from shore or by glass-bottom boat.

• Coordinates: Near the Hikkaduwa police station on Galle Road; open daily from 7 am to 5 pm Tr.

Marine Life & Coral Types

• Hosts around 60 species of hard corals (brain, staghorn, elkhorn, table corals, etc.) and 170 + reef fish species.

• Look out for parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, triggerfish, gobies, dragonets, blennies, plus creatures like moray eels, octopus, and rays.

• Sea turtles are common, and there’s occasional sightings of harmless reef sharks (e.g., blacktip reef sharks) .

• Water depth ranges from 3–5 m, with some deeper spots for divers.

Activities

• Shore snorkeling: Best at 9–11 am in calm conditions; buoy lines mark safe zones in the coral sanctuary .

• Guided tours available for snorkelers of all levels, including gear rental and safety briefings.

• Scuba diving: Perfect for exploring deeper reefs, caverns, and even shipwrecks .

• Glass-bottom boat rides: Great for non-swimmers to view the reef without getting wet.

Best Time to Visit & Conditions

• Peak snorkeling season: November to April (or May) when seas are calm and visibility excellent.

• Water temps hover around 28–30 °C, hardly varying year-round.

Tips for a Great & Responsible Visit

• Arrive early, ideally between 9–11 am, to catch calm water and fewer crowds.

• Respect the reef: stay within marked zones, don’t touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen

• Safety: Use a flotation jacket if needed, snorkel with a buddy, and be cautious of currents near reef edges; boats may pass nearby .

• Equipment: Most operators include gear; if you prefer, bring your own for comfort/hygiene 1.

Entry Fees & Logistics

• Park & activity fees (estimates in INR/lokal rates):

  • Snorkeling: ~INR 128

  • Glass-bottom boat: ~INR 347

  • Foreign boat trips: ~INR 1 750; locals ~INR 750; students ~INR 650.

• Pay park entrance separately; local currency accepted. Hire a tuk-tuk or taxi from central Hikkaduwa to reach the beach .

 Final Take

Coral Gardens – Hikkaduwa offers a vibrant, accessible, and family-friendly underwater playground. Ideal for first-time snorkelers and day-trippers eager to witness coral reefs, turtle encounters, and diverse sea life. For more adventurous explorers, guided dives and boat excursions offer deeper exploration.

Would you like help with booking gear, figuring out from Colombo, or combining this with other nearby attractions? Happy to assist!