Hikkaduwa Beach Apartment This is a two bedroom apartment overlooking the Indian Ocean located on a first floor of beach front property. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom and very comfortable beds for guests. The apartment has air conditioning rooms, modern baths with hot water showers, and a small but fully functional and lovely kitchen. Internet access through Wi-Fi and eight television channels in English. The large balcony where you can spend a good deal time, is a dining space and has additional seating in two conversation areas at either end of the space. There is an outdoor shower and foot bath when coming in off the beach. The balcony also overlooks its own walled-in yard with chaise longues for sun worshipers to watch the waves. The principle feature of this balcony though, is that it looks directly out on the waves braking on the reefs, giving the impression that you are looking out over the prow of a great ship on the Indian Ocean. Hikkaduwa area Information The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town 14 kms from Galle was the first (1960s) of Sri Lankas beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are the major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found on the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, witch is home to countless number of colorful fish. Off the beach there is a collection of tine islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here.There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment. Plenty of beachfront accommodation and a reputation as the second best surf spot in Sri Lanka by the international board-riding set, and the reason so many visit Hikkaduwa is blatantly clear. The resort area has now engulfed two or three villages south of it, and is now a 4km strip of hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and guesthouses. The beaches are nice and wide and swimming is safe here, though the currents are stronger south of Hikkaduwa proper. The impressive coral reef runs just offshore and is still populated by exotic fish and sea turtles. Glass bottomed boats are available for visitors wanting to admire the wonders of the deep while keeping their feet dry! After a shot distance southwards from the center of the reef, it diminishes given rise to a wider sandy bottomed beach with good waves ideal for board surfing and body surfing. You can always rent the necessary equipment needed for snorkeling and surfing. Hikkaduwa is an established tourist destination and the surfing there is quite well known. You wont see the Indonesian style overcrowding here though. The reef is coral so a first aid kit and booties are handy. Localism is usually not a problem though we have seen some tourists get some hassle. Respect them and they leave you alone pretty much. There are many shops selling Masks, Gems, Jewellery, Batik, Antiques and etc. along with several Buddhist temples, all which add spice to life at Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa: Eating and Drinking The Hikkaduwa area is well-served with good quality, local restaurants and a variety of night time venues. Hikkaduwa: Surfing and Diving Diving The diving at Hikkaduwa is diverse and there is an abundance of marine life and dive sites to suit all levels of experience. Big groupers, barracudas, moray eels, dogtooth tunas, manta rays, lobsters & turtles are often to be seen just off the coast at Hikkaduwa. A large number of wrecks have floundered off the coast in this area over the years, adding to the range of dive sites available. The diving season in the south west runs from November to April and there are a number of well-established diving centres from which to choose with Blue Deep being one of the best! Surfing - Hikkaduwa is a very well known surfing destination on the international circuit and annually attracts surfers from all over the world. There are plenty of good surfing points and although most of them are reef breaks, none of them is risky since they all have a flat deep bottom. The wave size ranges up to 3 metres during the season. The main point, known as the main reef has A-frame shaped waves, which can be surfed in both directions. Things to Do Beach Hikkaduwas beach is a haven for sun-seekers and is one of the most popular in Sri Lanka, with its idyllic white sands and swaying palms, lively beach bars and colourful coral reefs. Surfing The resort is a major surfing centre, and attracts many to its shores, thanks to the reliable surf seen here, especially during the main season from November to April. Diving The waters around Hikkaduwa offer exceptional conditions for diving and snorkelling, and boast a stunning coral reef close to the shore and an excellent range of subtropical fish. There are PADI centres here, and divers can head out to explore the reef and the famous shipwrecks located off the coast. Water Sports As well as diving and surfing, Hikkaduwa and the neighbouring beach at Bentoto offer banana boat rides, windsurfing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Boat Trips Glass-bottomed boats run up and down the coastline, and offer great views of the coral reef here, whilst deep-sea fishing is are also available, as are whale-watching trips. Inland, there are boat trips through the mangrove forests available. Bikes & Scooter Rides The resort has facilities for bike and scooter rental - a great way to get out and see the resort and its surrounding areas. More adventurous visitors can head out to explore the nearby forests and the thick jungle terrain, full of local flora and fauna. Ayurvedic Treatments A holiday in Hikkaduwa offers a range of ayurvedic services, including massages, herbal baths and facials, and the various health spas, centres and hotels can create tailor-made treatment plans for visitors. Trips & Excursions Trips to take include the Galagoda Temple, with its stunning hilltop views, and the local Hikkaduwa Lake, home to a range of interesting birdlife and a fresh-water fishing site. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle is an interesting trip, with its 17th century Dutch fort and cricket ground, as is the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project, the Yala National Park and the Kottowa Rainforest.