Hikkaduwa National Park coral sanctuary and the turtles
A shallow fringing reef protected as a national park, good for glass-bottom boats and snorkelling, though far less coral than it once had.
What the coral sanctuary actually is
Hikkaduwa National Park is a marine park of roughly 100 hectares, protecting a shallow fringing coral reef averaging about 5 m deep. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1979, a nature reserve in 1988 and a national park in 2002.
The reef is a shadow of what it was. A bleaching event in 1998 cut live coral cover from about 47% to about 13%, and it has been under pressure from visitors, fishing and the 2004 tsunami since. The Wildlife Department began restoration work in 2023. There are still more than 60 coral species and over 170 reef fish.
Turtles are the draw for many. Green turtles are regularly reported close to shore, around a spot called Turtle Point, and hawksbill and olive ridley turtles are also recorded. You can see the reef from a glass-bottom boat or by snorkelling from the beach.
Worth your attention
Glass-bottom boats
Typically 8–10 people per boat, run from the beach. Agree a price and duration first.
Snorkelling off the beach
In many places you can wade in and see reef fish close to shore.
Turtles
Green turtles often seen near Turtle Point. Visit early, when it is calmer.
Coral recovery
Patches of regrowth beside dead rubble. It shows both the damage and the effort to recover.
Before you go
Do this
- Go in the morning, when the sea is calmest and clearest.
- Agree boat price, duration and number of people before boarding.
- Wear a rash vest and use mineral sunscreen if possible.
- Look rather than touch; keep fins and feet off the coral.
- Bring your own snorkel if you can; the beach hire quality varies.
Know this first
- Reef quality is modest; the 1998 bleaching cut live coral cover from about 47% to about 13%, and recovery is slow.
- Touting is common on the beach, and prices drift upwards if you do not agree them first.
- Do not stand on coral, chase or touch turtles, or feed fish; the reef is protected.
- Rough sea in the south-west monsoon makes snorkelling poor and sometimes unsafe.
Getting to Hikkaduwa National Park coral sanctuary and the turtles
Most people see Hikkaduwa National Park coral sanctuary and the turtles as part of a stay around Hikkaduwa. Our Hikkaduwa guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Hikkaduwa — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Hikkaduwa guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Hikkaduwa National Park coral sanctuary and the turtles — frequently asked
What is Hikkaduwa National Park?
A marine park of about 100 hectares protecting a shallow fringing coral reef, upgraded to national park status in 2002.
Can you see turtles at Hikkaduwa?
Often, yes. Green turtles are regularly reported near Turtle Point, and hawksbill and olive ridley turtles also visit, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Is the coral still good?
Partly. The reef lost most of its live coral in 1998 and is being restored, so expect patchy coral rather than a pristine reef.
How much does it cost?
Figures vary: a 2011 report gave small park fees and fixed boat rates, while another guide says glass-bottom boat prices are not regulated. Check on the day.
Also worth stopping for around Hikkaduwa
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