Is snorkeling in Hikkaduwa National Park still good?
I heard the coral in Hikkaduwa was destroyed. Is it still worth snorkeling off the beach there to see turtles and fish?
More
3 Answers from travellers
The shallow hard corals were mostly destroyed by the 2004 tsunami and subsequent El Nino warming events. It is mostly dead coral rubble now. HOWEVER, there are still hundreds of colorful reef fish, and massive sea turtles swim right up to the beach. So for fish and turtles, yes, but don't expect bright, living coral.
Go very early (7 AM) before the glass-bottom boats start churning up the sand. The turtles are right in the shallows.
Just be careful not to stand on the dead coral. It is still sharp and sea urchins hide in the cracks.
Scam Watch: galle
Someone befriends you and offers a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to buy gems at wholesale prices and resell them abroad for huge profit. They may show you fake export certificates. The gems are worthless glass or low-quality stones.
Restaurants without visible prices. Bill arrives with inflated charges (500 LKR coconut becomes 1500 LKR). "Service charges" added without disclosure.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Is Unawatuna beach worth visiting or is it too crowded and developed now?2 answers
- Galle beyond the Fort the Jungle Beach Rumassala hill and the Japanese Peace Pagoda what is out there7 answers
- Is Hikkaduwa good for beginner snorkeling and seeing turtles.1 answer
- Snorkeling from the shore and swimming with wild turtles where and how in June without a boat4 answers
- Hikkaduwa vs Mirissa for a first-timer with one week on the south coast - which should I choose?1 answer
- Hikkaduwa for snorkelling and diving — is it still good or has the coral reef been damaged?3 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture