Beaches in Sri Lanka

Perhaps the most popular beach town on Sri Lanka’s western coast, Bentota is known for its namesake Bentota Beach. Stretches of golden sands lined by palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, crystal clear waters, a relatively untainted, tranquil and family-friendly atmosphere, and plenty of water sports—Bentota Beach has all the makings of a topnotch seaside getaway.

Unawatuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka, which draws both tourists as well as the locals to its everlasting beauty. This banana shaped beach, with its golden sand, sparkling water, and lush palm trees is the perfect place to relax. There are sunbeds available. The beach is also lively with many hip and trendy restaurants, and small kiosks. You can also visit the famous Japanese Peace Pagoda Statue on the west side.
Top Activities: Diving, snorkeling, kayaking

Mirissa is a small town in the south coast of the country and is 150 KM away from the capital, Colombo. Mirissa Beach in Sri Lanka is a must-visit with its serene blue waters, relaxful beach ambiance, exciting nightlife and adventurous water activities. Mirissa is one of the only places in Sri Lanka to see blue dolphins. The beach also has several beach bars and eateries. Sunbeds, umbrellas, shower rooms and parking is available. 
Top Activities: Snorkelling, Diving, Surfing

The island of Sri Lanka brings to you beaches that are popular for their beauty and surfing spots. One such cosy beach town in Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa. Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is endowed with palm trees by the shorelines, clean blue waters all this alongside the backdrop of the warm sun. The beach is popular for whale watching, glass boats, river safari and sailing. The beach has resto-bars, pubs and a vibrant nightlife.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Negombo Beach is an attraction that lures in tourists from all over the world. It is a cluster of smaller beaches, each stunning and mesmerizing. It is a popular coastal destination in the western part of the country. This beach in Sri Lanka has a very long stretch that make it suitable for long walks while enjoying the gorgeous palm trees. It is surrounded by beautiful hotels, resorts and luxury restaurants.
Top Activities: Snorkelling, surfing, swimming, Kite-flying

Known For : Crocodile Rock, Arugam Bay Arugam Bay Beach Elephant Rock, Arugam Bay

The Sri Lankan coastal town of Arugam Bay lies on the Indian Ocean, 320 kilometres from the capital city Colombo. With several surfing spots scattered across the area, for both beginners as well as skilled surfers, Arugam Bay is often called a surfer’s paradise. The famous surfing points here are Main Point and Whiskey Point, with surfboard rentals in their proximity.  This beach in Sri Lanka also has a good nightlife and host many beach parties.
Top Activities: Snorkelling, Diving, Surfing

Best Time: April to September

10 Arugam Bay Attractions

The Dickwella beach is a tranquil, peaceful and large gold beach in the Dickwella town of Sri Lanka. The main Dickwella beach has a length of two kilometres. Rocks and reefs protect it from the winds and high waves, so this is one of the ideal "bathing" beaches in Sri Lanka. Dickwella beach offers clear blue ocean water, and is also a famous for surfing & swimming. You can also visit The Wewurukannala temple and Sunday market of Dickwella near the beach.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Weligama Bay is located by the Weligama beach. Weligama means “sandy village” in the local language, and you can guess why. It is a beautiful sand beach in Sri Lanka that is the perfect spot for surfing. It is a calm place, where you can lie on the sane and enjoy the mild breeze. The shallow waters are perfect to go for a swim, even take kids with you.  The Taprobane resort island here is also a famous attraction.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Ventura Beach is one of the most popular and breathtaking beaches in Sri Lanka, often known to be one of the many beautiful golden beaches in the country. It is a gorgeous luxury resort and hotel destination and also one of the best locations to engage in water sports and sightseeing activities. Ventura Beach offers numerous water sports including sailing, water ski and wind-surfing. The beach is also known for its Turtle Watching.
Top Activities: Snorkelling, Diving, Surfing

Galle Face Green is a beautiful beach in Sri Lanka with a park stretching half a kilometre along the coast of Colombo's business district. This picturesque 5 hectare park is popular for activities like kite flying, fishing, football, beach volleyball, jogging, and relaxing by the beach. It also offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. There are many stalls along the beach selling food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Doused in aesthetically pleasing golden untouched sands, this hidden gem is placed away from the hustle-bustle of the noisy cities and crowds. The Induruwa Beach is tucked along a small ravine on the west coast of Sri Lanka, offering star class and beach villa-style accommodations. In addition, tourists can visit nearby attractions, including Luba Tours, Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Project & Sea Turtle Information Center.
Top Activities: Snorkelling, surfing, swimming

Surrounded by villages, guesthouses and palm trees, Uppuveli Beach is The place to mellow and chill out to some tunes sunbathing, taking in the scenery it offers. Food lovers can have an abundance of seafood right from the beach from the locals. This beach in Sri Lanka also provides ample opportunities to snorkel, jet ski and try out several other water sports while letting people swim and have fun in the water.
Top Activities: Snorkelling, surfing, water skiing, wakeboarding

Kalpitiya is located in the north of Sri Lanka and is a collection of 14 islands. The group of islands is primarily known for its waterfronts and attracts a lot of crowd throughout the year. Two things that people visit Kalpitiya, especially for are watersports and dolphins. The island is surrounded by a long stretch of sand that attracts a lot of tourists because of its scenic beauty. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and parking is available. 
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

The Nilaveli Beach is approximately 1 kilometre long and is surrounded by lush, green vegetation on both sides. Onlooking the beach from a little far away is Pigeon Island, which is a famous spot for snorkeling and diving. The reef there provides a perfect place to explore the ocean. This beach inSri Lanka is perfect to get sunbathed and playing beach volleyball waters in this beach are quiet and calm, for swimming.
Top Activities: Snorkelling, surfing, swimming

Mostly a deserted island of its own, the name translates as rock bay in Tamil. The town features one of the most scenic beaches in Sri Lanka with its endless golden sands and pristine turquoise waters. The northern edge of the cape boasts a curve-shaped Passekudah Beach with splendid white sands lined with luxury accommodations. If visitors are looking for a more secluded beach encompassed by natural beauty, Kalkudah Beach is perfect.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Polhena Beach is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka with waist-high water and coral reefs. Swimming here is like swimming in a swimming pool but with an extraordinary aquatic life such a numerous giant green turtles, and fish. The beach is well maintained, and the white sand and the clear blue water make a perfect holiday spot. The water is shallow for a long stretch as the waves break far out, so it is ideal for non-swimmers as well. 
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Tangalle is a town located in Hambantota district in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. The city is known for its vast stretches of beaches and has a typical tropical setting. Tangalla Beach, located in this town, has often been voted as the best beach in Sri Lanka by the locals, the travellers and the tourists. Tangalle beach offers the option to rent a canoe and explore the mangroves at the far end of the water.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving

Sri Lanka is home to many different beaches and is a paradise for all the beach lovers. Located in the Galle district is the unexplored and pristine Koggala beach. This beach in Sri Lanka takes the credit for being the longest beach in the country, for visitors to indulge in the perfect holiday of sand, surf and sun. Further, there is also a newly constructed highway which connects Koggala to the airport. The beach also has a sea turtle hatchery.
Top Activities: surfing, swimming, diving