Roughly the size of Ireland, Sri Lanka may be diminutive, but it covers a lot of ground in between its palm-fringed shores. Poised above the equator in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has a coastline fringed with numerous golden beaches. Not sure which coast to head to first? Here’s a breakdown of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
Arugam Bay is on the east coast and is known for surfing. The main break draws experienced surfers, but there are smaller breaks nearby that are easier if you’re just getting started. Even if you’re not into surfing, it’s still a good place to slow down. You can visit nearby lagoons where you might see birds or crocodiles, or head to Kumana National Park—people go there hoping to see elephants.
The town feels low-key. It hasn’t been built up the way some of the western beaches have. You’ll find cabanas right on the beach, simple guesthouses, and restaurants grilling fresh fish. It’s also popular with people doing yoga—there are beachside studios that run early morning classes overlooking the water. It's a great place to base a Sri Lanka itinerary.
It’s a bit of a trek. Driving from Colombo takes around 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic. You can also take a long-distance bus to Pottuvil, which is the town next to the bay, and then grab a tuk-tuk for the last stretch. If you want to cut down the travel time, you could fly by seaplane to Ampara and then drive about an hour to the coast.
April to October is the main season, especially if you’re coming to surf. From November to March, the waves aren’t as consistent, but the beach is quiet and it’s a nice time for nature trips. The surf festival in July brings a bit more life to the area, with international surfers and events around town.
One of the best beaches in Sri Lanka - Arugam Bay Beach © Shanti Hesse / Shutterstock
Bentota is on the southwest coast and feels more set up for visitors, but still easygoing. There’s a long beach with room to swim or just lie out, and plenty of places where you can try water activities like jet skiing or windsurfing. Just behind the beach is the Bentota River, so you can go from the ocean to calmer inland waters in a few minutes.
If you’re interested in wildlife, there are turtle hatcheries nearby that let people watch or help with releasing hatchlings. Families often come here because there’s enough to do without it feeling hectic.
It’s about a 2-hour drive south of Colombo. You can also take the coastal train from Colombo Fort Station—it’s a scenic ride and stops right in Bentota. There are buses too, and some hotels can help with arranging transport from the airport. If you'd like more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka.
November to April is the dry season on this coast, and that’s when the sea is usually calm enough for swimming. December through March tends to have the steadiest weather. If you’re around in January, there’s a big local festival in nearby Kalutara called the Duruthu Perahera. During the monsoon (May to October), it still rains, but often just in short bursts.
Bentota Beach — one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka © EvgeniiSakaliu/ Shutterstock
Mirissa sits on the southern coast and has that easy balance between quiet beach time and things to do. The curve of sand is great for swimming during the day—the reef keeps the water calm—and you’ll often see people lounging in the shade or grabbing something cold at a beachfront café. This is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Between December and April, whale watching is the big draw. Blue whales come pretty close to the coast during this time, and early morning tours are your best bet for calmer seas and better chances of seeing them. At the far end of the beach, there’s a rock outcrop called Parrot Rock. It’s a short climb and gives you a nice wide view over the water and town.
Nights are laid-back. Most people drift toward the beach bars or have dinner on the sand—grilled seafood is usually the go-to. Mirissa still feels like a proper coastal town, even though it’s grown more popular in recent years.
If you’re coming from Colombo, the quickest way is by car on the Southern Expressway—it takes about 2.5 hours. There’s also the train, which hugs the coastline most of the way. You’ll need to get off at Weligama and then take a short tuk-tuk ride (around 10 minutes) to reach the beach.
Air-conditioned buses also run from Colombo’s Maharagama station directly to Mirissa, and during peak season, it’s easy to find shared minivans from Unawatuna or Galle.
November through April is the dry season, so that’s when you’ll get the best weather for beach time and swimming. Whale watching runs mostly from December to March, with boats heading out early—usually around sunrise. November and April can be a little quieter, but still nice for sunsets and walks up to Coconut Tree Hill. See our guide to the best time to go to Sri Lanka to time your visit right.
The pretty little bay of Mirissa near Galle © inigolai-Photography / Shutterstock
Hikkaduwa is a west coast beach that draws in people who want to spend most of the day in the water. The reef is just offshore and pretty easy to reach, even if you’re not an experienced swimmer. It’s one of the few places where you might end up floating near a sea turtle without trying too hard.
There’s also a decent surf scene, especially from November through May. The breaks aren’t huge, so they’re manageable if you’re learning or just want a casual session. On land, it’s a mix of chilled-out bars and restaurants—most places serve whatever was caught that day.
From Colombo, Hikkaduwa is about 62 miles (100km) down the coast. Driving or taking a taxi on the Southern Expressway will get you there in about 2 hours. If you’re up for a slower trip, the train from Colombo Fort takes around 3 hours and follows the ocean most of the way—it’s a nice ride. There are also public buses from Colombo, but they’re slower with lots of stops.
The best time to go is between November and April, when the water’s clear and conditions are good for snorkeling and surfing. Visibility tends to peak in January and February, which makes it easier to see the coral. If you’re hoping to see turtles, December through April is your window—they usually hang out in the shallows.
Picture perfect Hikkaduwa on the south coast © Thomas Dekiere / Shutterstock
Unawatuna curves around in a way that keeps the water calm, thanks to a coral reef just offshore. It’s one of the easier beaches to swim at, especially if you're not a strong swimmer or have kids with you. The sand runs for over for half a mile, and it’s backed by palms and small cafés, with just enough going on to keep it comfortable without feeling too busy.
You can head up the hill at one end of the beach to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. It’s an easy walk and gives you a wide view back over the bay. If you're interested in diving (one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka) there are a few wrecks not far offshore. Mornings tend to be quieter on the beach, while sunset draws more people—still, it doesn't usually feel too crowded.
Unawatuna is just a short ride from Galle—around 15 minutes by tuk-tuk. If you're coming from Colombo, the fastest way is the Southern Expressway to Galle, which takes about two hours. From there, it’s an easy connection to the beach. You can also take the train, which follows the coast and has some great views. Once you’re in Galle, either grab a tuk-tuk or take the hour-long walk along the water to get there.
It’s usually calmest from December to April, especially in February when the sea tends to be at its gentlest. Even during the transition months like November or April, the water here is often more manageable than elsewhere along the coast. If you want a peaceful swim or a quiet morning read, get there early before the day-trippers show up from Galle.
An aerial view down over Unawatuna Beach © aksenovden / Shutterstock
Kalpitiya is well known among kitesurfers, mostly because the wind conditions are consistent and the beaches stretch out for miles. It’s in the northwest and hasn’t seen as much development, so the area still feels tied to local fishing life.
Aside from kitesurfing, it’s one of the best areas in Sri Lanka to see marine life. During the right season, spinner dolphins move through in huge numbers—sometimes in the thousands. There’s also a chance to see blue and sperm whales out at sea. Puttalam Lagoon nearby sometimes draws flamingos, and Bar Reef just offshore has a wide variety of coral and fish if you’re up for snorkeling.
It’s about 170km north of Colombo, and the quickest way up is by car or taxi—around 3.5 hours. If you're watching your budget, you can take a bus from Colombo to Puttalam, then switch to a local bus or tuk-tuk for the last part. There’s also a train to Puttalam, but it takes longer and adds a few extra steps.
There are two main wind seasons: mid-May to October, and mid-December to mid-March. June through August usually brings the strongest winds. If you're more into Sri Lanka wildlife, dolphin watching is best from December to April, with peak sightings in January. Whales are around mostly in February and March.
If you're planning to kitesurf and want more space on the water, weekdays are quieter, and overall it stays less crowded than the southern beaches. This can be a great beach to spend a week-long Sri Lanka itinerary.
Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Nilaveli is a long stretch of pale sand on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, just north of Trincomalee. It’s quiet and open, with clear water and plenty of space to spread out. What really draws people here is how close it is to Pigeon Island. You can hop on a boat and spend the morning snorkeling around coral reefs—there’s a good chance of seeing turtles and reef sharks.
The water stays shallow near the shore, which is nice if you're not a strong swimmer or just want to wade in and relax. When the wind picks up, windsurfing’s an option too. The area still feels pretty low-key, and it’s a good place to just unwind.
The quickest way is to fly from Colombo to Trincomalee, which takes about 45 minutes. From there, it’s a half-hour tuk-tuk ride up the coast. You can also drive from Colombo—it’s a longer trip (around 6–7 hours), but doable if you don’t mind the distance. Buses are another option, though you’ll need to change in Trincomalee. Some guesthouses near the beach can help with airport pickups if you're flying in.
The best time to go is between April and September. That’s when the sea tends to stay calm, and visibility is good for snorkeling trips out to Pigeon Island. May to August is usually the clearest underwater. It’s worth skipping the October–February stretch since the currents get strong and some places close down for the season. If you’re planning to swim or snorkel, early mornings are calmest. By afternoon, there’s usually a light breeze.
Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Hiriketiya is a small, curved beach tucked into a bay on the south coast. It’s grown more popular in the last few years but still feels relaxed. The beach is small enough that everything’s close—surfboards for rent, a few cafes, and the usual mix of travelers and remote workers.
The waves are what bring most people here, as this is one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka. Beginners usually stick to the shore break, while more experienced surfers paddle out to the reef. If you’re not surfing, the bay’s pretty well sheltered, so swimming’s usually easy. There are also yoga classes around town and plenty of casual places to hang out if you’re staying a few days.
From Colombo, take the Southern Expressway to Matara (about three hours), then continue along the coast to Dickwella, which is about 30 minutes by car. From there, it’s a short drive down to the beach. You can also take a bus to Matara and then grab a tuk-tuk the rest of the way. A lot of people combine it with nearby Dickwella or Talalla.
November to April is the main season, with the most consistent surf. December and January are good for intermediate surfers, while February usually has smaller, beginner-friendly waves. Hiriketiya’s shape helps block some of the rougher conditions in the off-season, so even from May to October, you can still swim or surf—it’s just a bit quieter and sometimes cheaper. Early mornings are usually best for surf, before the wind picks up later in the day.
Surf beach Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Tangalle stretches along Sri Lanka’s southern coast and mixes dramatic, wave-heavy coastline with calm little coves where you can actually swim. It’s not one single beach—Medaketiya and Marakolliya are part of it, each with a slightly different feel. One has gentler water, the other’s more exposed, but both are pretty quiet compared to places like Mirissa.
If you’re interested in wildlife, Rekawa Beach is nearby and known for turtle nesting. It happens year-round but is easier to catch around the full moon (see our guide to Sri Lanka safaris). Tangalle still feels like a working fishing town—boats go out daily, and you’ll see the day’s catch being cleaned right on the sand. There are a few nice boutique hotels hidden among the palm trees, but overall the area’s less built-up than the west coast.
From Colombo, take the Southern Expressway to Matara (about 3 hours), then follow the coast another hour to reach Tangalle. Buses from Colombo’s Central Bus Station go straight to town—expect that to take around 6 hours. Once you’re in Tangalle, the beaches are only a few minutes away by tuk-tuk. It fits easily into a southern route—lots of people come through on their way between Galle and Yala National Park.
December through April is the driest and calmest time for swimming, especially in the coves. January and February usually have good weather without being too hot. The wind patterns here are different from the west coast, so even May can be nice while other places get rough. For turtle nesting, try to time it with the full moon—peak season is usually around April or May.
Tangalle, Sri Lanka © leoks/Shutterstock
Trincomalee, on the northeast coast, is known for quiet, clear-water beaches. Marble Beach is a tucked-away stretch managed by the military, but civilians can access it. It’s great for swimming—calm and clear, and not much current. There’s good snorkeling too, with reefs right off the shore.
This part of the country doesn’t get the same crowds as the South, so this Sri Lanka beach feels a bit more laid-back. Trinco also has a few cultural stops, like Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, which has sweeping views over the sea. If you’re interested in marine life, this is one of the few areas where blue whales pass through for much of the year—usually from February to November.
Driving from Colombo takes about 6 to 7 hours on the A6. Another option is the train to Habarana, then a taxi or bus for the last couple of hours. There are also domestic flights from Colombo to China Bay Airport, which take around 45 minutes. Once you’re in town, tuk-tuks can get you to beaches like Marble Beach in about 20 minutes.
The best beach weather runs from May through October—calm water, not much rain. September usually has good conditions and fewer people around. Whale watching runs from February to November, with the most sightings early and late in the season. Avoid December to
February if you can, since that’s when the rains tend to hit. If you’re up early, sunrise at Marble Beach is worth it—quiet, peaceful, and the water’s at its calmest.
Weligama means “sandy village,” and that pretty much sums it up. The beach curves gently along the southern coast, with soft sand and small, rolling waves. It’s one of the easiest places in Sri Lanka to learn how to surf, and the conditions are mellow enough that you’ll see beginners out there all day.
It’s also where you can catch a glimpse of stilt fishermen doing their thing at sunrise or sunset—just off the shoreline. The beach stretches for a couple of kilometers, so there’s room to spread out without feeling packed in. There’s a mix of accommodation here—some low-key hostels, some higher-end Sri Lanka boutique hotels—and everything’s within walking distance of the beach.
When you’re not surfing, you can check out a cinnamon farm nearby, sign up for a seafood cooking class, or just hang around one of the beachfront cafés watching fishing boats bob on the horizon.
You can take the coastal train from Colombo straight to Weligama—it takes about three hours and runs along the ocean most of the way. If you’re driving, the expressway cuts the trip to around 2.5 hours. Buses run this route regularly too. From Galle, it’s only about 30 minutes by car or tuk-tuk. Once you’re in Weligama, getting around is easy—tuk-tuks are everywhere, and the beach runs right along the edge of town.
Dry season runs from November to April, and that’s when the surf is most consistent and easiest to manage for beginners. If you want to snorkel, December through March usually has the clearest water around the rocks.
A good Sri Lanka travel tip is that mornings are best if you want to catch the stilt fishermen at work. Even in the rainy season (May to October), Weligama tends to get fewer downpours than other southern beaches.
Casuarina Beach sits on Karainagar Island, just off the Jaffna Peninsula. The name comes from the casuarina trees along the shore, which rustle when the wind picks up. The sand is pale and fine, and the water stays shallow for a long stretch—great if you want a long wade or have kids with you.
It’s quiet, especially on weekdays. You’ll mostly run into a few locals or fishermen, not many tourists. It also feels very different from beaches down south—the temples, food, and language reflect the region’s Tamil roots. If you haven’t already tried Jaffna-style crab curry, this is a good excuse (easily one of the best foods in Sri Lanka).
From Jaffna, it’s about 10 miles west to Karainagar. You can take a bus or taxi across the causeway that links the island to the mainland, then grab a tuk-tuk for the last few kilometers. From Colombo, the train ride north to Jaffna takes around seven hours. You can also drive or take the bus via the A9 highway, which takes about eight hours. Once in Jaffna, there are frequent local buses toward Karainagar.
May to September is the dry season up north, so that’s usually the best time to go—especially if you’re trying to avoid the southern monsoon. February and March are typically the calmest for swimming. If you’re interested in kitesurfing, June usually brings good wind.
October through December can be pretty rainy, so that’s the time to skip. Weekdays are quiet, but locals head out here on the weekends, especially if the weather’s good.
Uppuveli is just a few minutes north of Trincomalee, and it’s the kind of beach where you can actually unwind without feeling cut off. There are just enough places to eat and stay along the sand, but it still feels quiet. The water stays shallow for quite a distance, so you can wade out comfortably—good for swimming or just bobbing around.
There’s decent snorkeling close to shore, and you can head out on a boat if you want to see more coral and fish. If you’re up for a short trip inland, Koneswaram Temple is nearby and has wide coastal views. It’s also worth waking up early—the sunrises are calm and usually quiet, especially compared to the west coast.
The train from Colombo to Trincomalee takes about seven hours. It’s long, but the ride is relaxing. From Trinco, it’s an easy tuk-tuk ride—around 3 miles (6 km)—to the beach. Local buses also run that stretch. Some guesthouses can help arrange a transfer if you’re coming from Sigiriya or Arugam Bay.
May through September is the dry season on the east coast, and that’s when the sea stays calmest. April is usually nice too, but with fewer people around. October to December tends to be rainy, so best to skip that window. If you're around in August, you might catch the Vel Festival at Koneswaram—it draws a lot of people and adds a bit of energy to the area.
Talalla sits on the south coast, not far from Matara, but it feels more low-key than some of the bigger beaches nearby. It’s a wide, curved bay with soft sand and a calm, slow pace. You’ll see a few fishing boats heading out in the morning, but mostly it’s just people swimming, reading in the shade, or walking the beach. There’s not much in the way of nightlife here, which keeps it relaxed.
The waves are usually gentle enough for beginner surfers, especially inside the bay. If you’re a confident swimmer, you can make your way down to the rocks at the southern end for a change of view. There are also a few yoga places near the beach (see our guide to Sri Lanka accommodation).
Take the train from Colombo to Matara—it runs along the coast and takes about 3 to 4 hours. From Matara, it’s a quick tuk-tuk ride to Talalla. There are also regular buses running to Matara, with local connections from there. If you're already nearby, a scooter is an easy way to move around between beaches.
December through April is usually the best time to go, with calmer seas and clear mornings. Early in the day is a good time to catch the fishermen coming in. If you’re there on a full moon night and the conditions are right, you might notice a bit of glow in the water. For the quietest experience, try going midweek in January or February.
Pasikudah Beach is known for its unusually shallow bay—you can walk nearly half a mile (around 0.8km) into the sea and still only be waist-deep. The calm, clear water feels more like a giant swimming pool than an ocean, and the gentle conditions make it a good pick if you're traveling to Sri Lanka with kids or just want to relax in the sea without battling waves.
The beach itself stretches for about 2.5 miles (4km), with soft white sand and a handful of upscale resorts tucked behind the palm trees. If you’re interested in water sports, it’s a good place for low-key windsurfing, kayaking, or even sailing when the weather’s right. Sunrise here is worth waking up for.
You’ve got a few options. From Colombo, you can take the train to Batticaloa, which takes about 8 hours, and then hop in a tuk-tuk for the 22-mile (35 km) ride north to Pasikudah. If you’re short on time, domestic flights run between Colombo and Batticaloa Airport. Some travelers also hire private drivers for more direct service. If you’re already near Polonnaruwa or exploring the Cultural Triangle, it’s an easy 3-hour drive east through rural landscapes—you’ll likely see monkeys, peacocks, and maybe even a wild elephant or two along the way.
The best time to go is between May and September, when the weather on the east coast is at its calmest. The sea stays clear and still, and mornings are especially nice if you want to catch that early light across the bay. After October, the northeast monsoon rolls in, and the sea can get rough. If you're thinking about combining your beach trip with whale watching, plan for June or July—blue whales are sometimes spotted in the deeper waters near Trincomalee around then.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 07.07.2025
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