Top Beaches to Visit in Sri Lanka for a Relaxing Vacation

You might be right now asking yourself this question very unsure about whether to visit or not. Well I’m here to show you top 8 reasons on why you should never miss visiting these beaches in Sri Lanka. Let's have a look at those;

1. Variety of beaches :

The beaches in Sri Lanka are of many varieties, from calm sandy beaches for relaxation to exciting surfing spots for adventures making it the perfect destination for your next relaxing vacation.

2. Warm Climate:

Having a warm tropical climate all year makes it ideal for a great beach experience.

3. Natural environment :

Natural golden sandy beaches with blue ocean waves and unspoiled less crowded surroundings are just a great addition for a relaxing vacation.

4. Marine life :

For those who love learning about marine life, this is an amazing opportunity as you can do whale watching and observe coral reefs underwater while diving for a change.

5. Luxury experience :

Luxury 5 star hotels and resorts for competitive rates located in private beaches make a wonderful combination of both adventure and luxury comfort.

6. Cultural aspect :

Most of the popular beaches located in the Galle area are close by to Galle fort which is ideal for a combination day trip experience.

7. Water sports :

Beaches in Sri Lanka are very popular for exciting water sports such as surfing, diving, kite surfing, snorkelling and much more. Many tourists visit Sri Lanka just to engage in water sports in the golden beaches to relax from their busy lifestyle.

8. Hospitality :

Sri Lanka is well known for our great hospitality. Friendly locals at beaches who warmly welcome you with their beautiful smiles enhances your beach experience.

Since you now have a very detailed and clear idea about all the amazing experiences that awaits you at the beautiful sandy beaches of Sri Lanka, Let’s have a sneak peak about some popular beaches of Sri Lanka that you can’t miss!

1. Mirissa beach

• The beautiful Mirissa beach is located in Matara district, southern coast of Sri Lanka. Approximately 150 km from Colombo. If you use the southern expressway from Colombo to Mirissa the drive would roughly take around 2 hours.
• This crescent shaped beach is primarily known for its golden sands and clear waters and is also one of the most picture perfect beaches of Sri Lanka for great photos that could glam up your vacation photos.
• This location contains a very calm, laid back vibe making it a perfect spot for experiencing the best of the both worlds, relaxation and adventure.
• Mirissa beach is popular for water games such as snorkelling, surfing, and swimming. Less strong surfable waves with calm waters great for beginner surfers to practise.
• This location is extraordinarily famous as one of the best places for whale watching. Blue whales, sperm whales and even dolphins can be easily spotted here often.
• Many local fishermen offer deep sea fishing at this beach which is a one of a kind experience that you can’t miss.

2. Bentota Beach

• Bentota beach is located in the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, about 65 km away from colombo. Approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Colombo to Bentota.
• One of the unique features of this beach is having access to both ocean and river as it is located at the mouth of the bentota river.
• Bentota is a well known beach for many adventurous water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, diving, swimming, snorkelling and for scenic banana boat rides.
• This location is also ideal for many fun activities such as fishing, boat safaris , sunbathing and leisurely walks.
• Boat rides in the bentota river is a great way to spot wildlife around bentota area.

3. Unawatuna Beach

• The mesmerising beaches of Unawatuna are located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, near Galle. It is located about 140 km away from the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo and approximately it takes a 2 hour drive from Colombo to Unawatuna beach.
• Unawatuna beach has a stunning semi circular bay offering a scenic environment and breathtaking views.
• This location carries a very peaceful yet luxurious vibe.
• Tropical environment, clear waters and coral reefs make it ideal for diving.
• A nice place for sunbathing or other beach activities because of the soft golden sand stretch.
• Great place for exploring coastal caves, going on boat rides and engaging in water sports like safe swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving .

4. Tangalle Beach

• The Tangalle beach is an artistic beach located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is around 195 km away from Colombo and it takes a 2.5 to 3 hour drive to reach this beautiful beach.
• Quiet sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for long walks and relaxing.
• If visiting during evening time, baby turtles nesting can be observed
• Great opportunity for safe swimming and engaging in water games like surfing, snorkelling and diving.
• Amazing place to spot dolphins and whales.

5. Arugam bay

• Arugam bay is located in the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka , in Ampara district It is around 320 km from east of Colombo and it takes approximately an 8 hour drive to reach this destination.
• This place offers a world class surfing experience as it is popular among global surfers and it is also renowned as one of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka with consistent waves.
• This location carried a very chill vibrant vibe which is great for partying and socialising.
• Excellent mix of cultures with a lot of surfers, travellers and locals gathering around the beach.

6. Nilaveli Beach

• This fabulous beach is located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, near Trincomalee. It is located around 260 km east of Colombo and approximately an 8 hour drive.
• It is a very quiet, calm beach with less crowd, great for relaxation.
• Opportunities by local fishermen to engage in deep sea fishing.
• Many fun water sports such as diving, surfing, snorkelling are available due to the availability of coral reefs and strong waves.
• Safe swimming experience with lifeguards available on site.
• Consists plenty of space and white sand bars so sunbathing.

7. Pasikuda Beach

• Pasikuda beach is located at the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, in the Batticaloa district. It is around 280 km east of Colombo about a 7 hour drive from Colombo expressway.
• This location carried a very family friendly vibe.
• Has very calm shallow sea waves making it ideal for families with kids and for swimming purposes.
• Great location to engage in watersports like jet skiing, banana boat rides and surfing.
• Birds, wildlife species and marine life could be observed.
• Boat trips to nearby islands and fishing purposes.

8. Hiriketiya Beach

• The Hiriketiya beach is located at the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 200 km south of Colombo. It takes about a 5 hour drive from Colombo to this destination through the expressway.
• This location is sort of small, hidden yet a very relaxed and trendy place.
• Perfect place for relaxing and sunbathing.
• A famous surfing spot with local surf schools giving surf lessons to beginners.
• Boat tours offer opportunities to spot whales and dolphins.
• A beautiful crescent shaped beach perfect for photography.

Arabiers suggests you consider the below time periods when visiting beaches of Sri Lanka and your vacation hassle free.

• The best time period to visit beaches in the West and South Coast ( Colombo, Galle, Mirissa) of Sri Lanka is from December to March as this period has a sunny tropical climate with very little rainfall.
• The best time period to visit beaches in the East Coast (Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay)of Sri Lanka is from April to September as during these months it contains very dry and warm conditions.

You can purchase the entrance ticket online through tourism sites or at the entrance of the fortress.

Here's a few valuable and helpful tips from Arabiers Destination experts to make your next vacation memorable.

Check local conditions :

Always check the local climate conditions before swimming. Certain beaches tend to have very strong waves and currents during monsoon seasons.

Use sunscreen :

Always use a quality sunscreen to control the heat as the tropical sunny weather can be very intense.

Look for lifeguards:

Make sure to only swim in safe zones where lifeguards are present.

Accommodation :

Choosing to stay at 5 star resorts or hotels with beachfront access and all high end services and amenities can make your beach experience fabulous. Consider having a holiday packages at hand which will take care of all aspects of your next vacation so you can enjoy a hassle free trip.

Getting around :

Tuk is the common form of transportation in Sri Lanka but it can be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient at times. Therefore, consider having private transfers at your hand to make your day trips much more comfortable and carefree.