Golden sands, cosy beach bars, playful waves, and a tropical vibe.
With more than 1,300 kilometres of coastline, Sri Lanka is a true beach paradise offering experiences of every kind — whether you’re dreaming of pure relaxation on warm sands or keen to get your heart racing with action-packed watersports.
Here, you can read about the fantastic beaches we use on our tours to Sri Lanka.
On Sri Lanka’s west coast, you’ll find the charming seaside town of Negombo, which enchants with its cosy atmosphere and golden sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.
Negombo enjoys excellent wind conditions for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially from January to March. The wind also shapes the sea, so you can expect lively waves rolling into the shore, adding to the fun of skimming across the water on a board.
If you prefer a more tranquil day by the sea, treat yourself to relaxed moments beneath the palm trees or amble along the beach, taking in the beautiful surroundings. As Negombo is an old fishing town, it’s perfectly normal to encounter local fishing boats on your walk.
In the evening, settle into the soft sand to enjoy a glorious sunset, or stroll along the shoreline where you’ll find a wide choice of exciting restaurants and atmospheric bars.
If you’re after plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, the best time to visit Negombo Beach is from December to April. These months mark the dry season on Sri Lanka’s west coast.
Beautifully set in the south-west of Sri Lanka, you’ll find the seaside town of Hikkaduwa, where a relaxing beach holiday and exciting experiences go hand in hand.
If you’re dreaming of exploring life beneath the waves on a leisurely swim, Hikkaduwa Beach and Turtle Beach are ideal places to visit. Just offshore lies a large, colourful coral reef where you can snorkel or dive among brightly coloured fish and curious sea turtles. As a diver, you can also explore several fascinating shipwrecks resting on the seabed off Hikkaduwa.
If you’re after more action, Narigama Beach is the perfect destination for you. With its reliable, consistent waves, Narigama Beach is a genuine surfer’s paradise, ideal for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
After a day on the beach, take a leisurely stroll through Hikkaduwa, browsing the little shops in search of handmade souvenirs or enjoying a delicious meal at one of the town’s many restaurants.
The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is from December to April, when the dry season brings warm, sunny days on the beach.
The charming coastal town of Mirissa, in southern Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most popular beach holiday destinations, with golden sands, sparkling waters, and gently swaying palm trees.
Whether you’re here to slow down or seek out adventure, Mirissa delivers. If you prefer to take it easy, you’ll find peaceful spots such as Secret Beach, where the water gently laps the shore and invites a refreshing dip. Feeling energetic? The waves on Mirissa’s western beaches are calling. Head towards Weligama Beach for some of the south coast’s finest surf spots.
If unforgettable wildlife encounters are on your wish list, Mirissa has plenty in store. For example, explore the underwater world on a snorkelling trip around Parrot Rock, where you can spot colourful fish and, with a bit of luck, inquisitive sea turtles. Or set out from Mirissa harbour on a whalewatching cruise into the waters off Weligama Bay, where you might encounter blue and fin whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
As the day draws to a close, drop into one of the cosy beachfront restaurants to savour superb fish and seafood while watching the sun slip below the horizon. For the most spectacular sunset, make your way to Coconut Tree Hill, where you can sip a tasty drink from the little bar at the top as you soak up the view.
The best time to visit Mirissa is from December to April, when sunny weather and pleasant temperatures create perfect conditions for beach activities. It’s also whale-watching season between December and April.
Trincomalee is a peaceful district in the northern part of Sri Lanka’s east coast. The area is especially known for its pale sandy beaches, which sweep beautifully along Nilaveli and Uppuveli, as well as the small island of Pigeon Island.
This includes beach gems such as the breathtaking Nilaveli Beach, often highlighted as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. The waters off Trincomalee teem with fascinating marine life, easy to spot on a snorkelling or diving trip in the crystal-clear water. One of Sri Lanka’s top snorkelling and diving spots is Pigeon Island, where small reef sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life dart about among the colourful coral reefs.
Trincomalee isn’t just a snorkelling and diving paradise – it’s also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot whales. These majestic giants are best seen on a thrilling whale-watching trip amid the gently rolling waves, but if you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, Swami Rock also offers excellent chances to glimpse them from the shore.
Trincomalee is also a charming harbour town, brimming with memorable experiences. You could, for example, visit the Koneswaram Temple, a Hindu shrine that offers a fascinating window into more than 2,000 years of local history – or watch Sri Lankan fishermen bring in the day’s catch, later served at some of the cosy beachside restaurants.
The best time to visit Trincomalee is between March and September, during the dry season. That makes it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a summer holiday destination.
Bentota, on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, is a fabulous beach holiday destination, especially if you’re travelling to Sri Lanka with kids. Expect turquoise waters and wide, golden-sand beaches where the kids can build sandcastles while the grown-ups relax in the warm sunshine.
While Bentota is perfect for lazy days on the beach, there’s plenty more to experience when you visit. You’ll find a wide range of watersports here, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
When you’re not on the beach, delve into the wonderful wildlife Bentota has to offer. Head out on a magical river safari through lush mangrove forests, keeping an eye out for monkeys in the treetops.
In the evening, make your way to one of the many beachfront restaurants and savour local specialities, as the sound of the ocean sets a wonderfully atmospheric mood.
The best time to visit Bentota is between November and April, when rainfall is low and temperatures are pleasantly warm – perfect for relaxing on the beach and enjoying other outdoor activities.
Sri Lanka is a breathtaking beach paradise, offering experiences to suit every taste.
Whichever of our tours to Sri Lanka you choose, you can look forward to experiencing one or more of the country’s fantastic beaches. The amount of time devoted to the beach, however, does vary from tour to tour.
If you’d like help finding the tour that’s a perfect match for your wishes, feel free to contact our passionate travel specialists. We’re ready to support you before, during, and after your tour, so you can simply focus on enjoying your adventure.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka on a tour through the country’s cultural triangle and picturesque highlands. Conclude your journey with the captivating wildlife in Yala National Park.
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Experience the highlights of Sri Lanka from May to October and enjoy glorious seasonal weather in the beach paradise of Trincomalee, with your toes in the sand.
The tour showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s lush highlands and invites you to explore its captivating tea culture, before encountering the wild elephants of Udawalawe.
Be enchanted by Sri Lanka’s picturesque highlands and encounter the wild elephants of Udawalawa. End your tour in the island paradise of the Maldives, with sand between your toes.
Embark on a journey of discovery to Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures, including six UNESCO world heritage sites. Explore the breathtaking highlands and round off your adventure in historic Galle, home to tempting sandy beaches.
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From the soft sands of Bentota to the atmospheric streets of Galle Fort and the idyllic bays of Mirissa. This is a tour focusing on exceptional beach life blended with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture.
Embark on an unforgettable family adventure through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands, where you’ll create lasting memories together amid breathtaking scenery, captivating wildlife, and gorgeous beaches.
Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka on a tour through the country’s cultural triangle and picturesque highlands. Conclude your journey with the captivating wildlife in Yala National Park.
From Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultural heritage and lush landscapes to the Maldivian paradise of relaxing islands. One tour showcasing the best of both countries.
Experience the highlights of Sri Lanka from May to October and enjoy glorious seasonal weather in the beach paradise of Trincomalee, with your toes in the sand.
The tour showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s lush highlands and invites you to explore its captivating tea culture, before encountering the wild elephants of Udawalawe.
Be enchanted by Sri Lanka’s picturesque highlands and encounter the wild elephants of Udawalawa. End your tour in the island paradise of the Maldives, with sand between your toes.
Embark on a journey of discovery to Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures, including six UNESCO world heritage sites. Explore the breathtaking highlands and round off your adventure in historic Galle, home to tempting sandy beaches.
Look forward to exploring the historical charms of Galle and getting up close to the spectacular wildlife of Yala National Park. Round off your adventure with leisurely days on the picturesque beaches of Mirissa.
From the soft sands of Bentota to the atmospheric streets of Galle Fort and the idyllic bays of Mirissa. This is a tour focusing on exceptional beach life blended with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture.
Embark on an unforgettable family adventure through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands, where you’ll create lasting memories together amid breathtaking scenery, captivating wildlife, and gorgeous beaches.
