Home · Places · Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary — Galle Travel Guide
dive · 17 October 2026
Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary — Galle Travel Guide
Cover photo: NEOM (Unsplash)
Why go
Marine sanctuary town about 20 km north of Galle with glass-bottom boats, snorkelling and PADI dive shops. Boat trips run roughly 2,000-4,000 LKR per person; dives extra. Go November-April for clear water; ask the boat price and route before boarding.
Best for
Divers and marine-life fans; turtle spotting, coral and dive courses
Good to know
Galle District, Southern Province. Pair this stop with nearby places in the directory or find it pinned on the map.
Watch outs
Prices, hours and access rules change — confirm locally and treat anything undated as a lead, not a promise. Common island-wide traps (overcharging, steering, ticket games) are listed on its destination page.
Been here lately? Comment below with fresh prices or corrections — photos welcome.
Things to do
- Dive the season-correct coast (south/west Nov–Apr, east May–Sep)
- Check operator credentials and kit condition first
- Snorkel with a guide at reef sites — currents surprise
- Log dives and keep depths conservative after travel days
Cost breakdown
Two-tank fun dives roughly USD 60–90 with gear; snorkel trips LKR 3,000–6,000 (Oct 2026 typicals — confirm locally).
Culture to know before you go
Never touch coral or turtles — fines and fury both apply. Keep distance from fishing nets and boats.
Costs are island-typical ranges (October 2026), not promises — confirm locally. Etiquette notes follow the place type (Dive & Snorkel).
Keep exploring
New guides twice a week: beaches, costs, routes and honest local truth.
Comments & tips