Trip Highlights
Sri Lanka is blessed with over 1,600 km of coastline, offering everything from pumping surf breaks to tranquil lagoons, palm-fringed golden beaches to dramatic rocky coves. This 10-day beach hopper itinerary takes you along the stunning south coast, hitting all the best beaches for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and pure relaxation.
Beach Overview
| Beach | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Negombo | Busy, local | First/last night, seafood |
| Bentota | Resort, family | Water sports, couples |
| Hikkaduwa | Party, surf | Nightlife, snorkeling |
| Unawatuna | Popular, beautiful | Swimming, beach bars |
| Galle | Historic | Culture, boutiques |
| Mirissa | Trendy, palm-lined | Whale watching, sunset |
| Weligama | Laid-back, surf | Surfing, stilt fishermen |
| Tangalle | Secluded, wild | Escape, romance |
At a Glance
| Day | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombo → Negombo | Arrival, fish market sunset |
| 2 | Negombo → Bentota | Water sports, river safari |
| 3 | Bentota | Beach day, spa |
| 4 | Bentota → Hikkaduwa | Coral viewing, nightlife |
| 5 | Hikkaduwa → Unawatuna | Beach hopping, Galle Fort |
| 6 | Unawatuna | Jungle Beach, snorkeling |
| 7 | Unawatuna → Mirissa | Whale watching, Coconut Hill |
| 8 | Mirissa → Weligama | Learn to surf |
| 9 | Weligama → Tangalle | Remote beach paradise |
| 10 | Tangalle → Colombo | Beach morning, departure |
Day 1: Negombo
Distance from airport: 10 km (20 minutes)
Arrival
Land at Colombo airport and transfer to Negombo, the closest beach town – perfect for jet-lagged travelers.
Evening: Fish Market & Sunset
Watch the colorful fishing boats return and explore the bustling Negombo fish market. Stay for sunset along the beach.
Golden sunset on Sri Lanka's coast
Where to Stay
- Budget: Beach Villa ($30/night)
- Mid-range: Jetwing Beach ($100/night)
- Luxury: Heritance Negombo ($150/night)
Day 2: Bentota – Water Sports Paradise
Distance: 90 km (2 hours via expressway)
Morning: Transfer to Bentota
Take the Southern Expressway down to Bentota, the water sports capital of Sri Lanka.
Afternoon: Water Sports
Bentota offers everything for adventure lovers:
- Jet skiing – Race across the lagoon
- Banana boat – Fun for groups
- Wakeboarding – For thrill-seekers
- Kayaking – Explore the Bentota River
Late Afternoon: River Safari
Cruise the Bentota River to see crocodiles, monitor lizards, and water birds.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: ~$20-30 per person
Where to Stay
- Budget: Susantha Garden ($40/night)
- Mid-range: Centara Ceysands ($100/night)
- Luxury: Saman Villas ($300/night)
Day 3: Bentota Beach Day
Pure relaxation
Morning: Beach Time
Bentota's long golden beach is perfect for swimming. The water is calm and safe.
Midday: Spa Treatment
Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage at one of Bentota's renowned spas.
Afternoon: Brief Temple
Visit the ancient Galapota Temple on an island in the Bentota River.
Evening: Beachfront Dinner
Enjoy fresh seafood as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Day 4: Hikkaduwa – Surf & Coral
Distance: 40 km (1 hour)
Morning: Transfer to Hikkaduwa
Continue south to one of Sri Lanka's most famous beach towns.
Midday: Coral Sanctuary
Hikkaduwa's coral reef is easily accessible from shore. Rent a snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat ride.
What You'll See:
- Colorful coral formations
- Tropical fish
- Sea turtles (if lucky!)
Afternoon: Surf Lesson
Hikkaduwa has consistent waves perfect for beginners. Book a lesson at one of the many surf schools.
- Lesson cost: ~$20-25 (2 hours with board)
Evening: Beach Bar Scene
Hikkaduwa has the best nightlife on the south coast. Enjoy live music, fire shows, and cocktails on the beach.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Top Secret Beach ($30/night)
- Mid-range: Hikka Tranz ($80/night)
- Surf camp: Mambo's Surf School ($40/night)
Day 5: Unawatuna & Galle Fort
Distance: 20 km (30 minutes)
Morning: Drive to Galle Fort
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort with its charming streets, boutiques, and cafes.
Galle Fort Must-Do:
- Walk the ramparts at sunrise
- Browse the boutique shops
- Have breakfast at a fort cafe
- Visit the lighthouse
Afternoon: Unawatuna Beach
Continue to Unawatuna, a beautiful crescent-shaped bay perfect for swimming.
Crystal clear waters of Sri Lanka's south coast
Evening: Beach Bars
Unawatuna has a great sunset scene with beach bars and restaurants right on the sand.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Secret Garden ($35/night)
- Mid-range: Why House ($80/night)
- Beachfront: Cantaloupe Levels ($120/night)
Day 6: Unawatuna Exploration
Morning: Jungle Beach
Hike 15 minutes through the forest to reach Jungle Beach, a secluded cove with excellent snorkeling.
- Entry: Free (small trail)
- Tip: Go early to avoid crowds
Midday: Japanese Peace Pagoda
Climb to this hilltop temple for panoramic views of Unawatuna Bay.
Afternoon: Beach Hopping
Visit nearby beaches:
- Dalawella – Famous for the palm tree rope swing
- Mihiripenna – Quiet and local
Evening
Relax on Unawatuna beach with a cocktail and fresh fish BBQ.
Day 7: Mirissa – Whales & Sunsets
Distance: 25 km (40 minutes)
Early Morning: Whale Watching (Seasonal)
If visiting November-April, take an early morning boat trip to see blue whales.
Blue whales in the waters off Mirissa
- Departure: 6:00 AM
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Cost: $50-60 per person
Afternoon: Mirissa Beach
Mirissa is the trendiest beach on the south coast – palm trees, golden sand, and excellent swimming.
Sunset: Coconut Tree Hill
Walk to this Instagram-famous hilltop covered in palm trees. The sunset views are incredible.
Evening: Beach Dinner
Fresh grilled seafood at one of Mirissa's beachfront restaurants.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Mirissa Beach Inn ($30/night)
- Mid-range: Paradise Beach Club ($70/night)
- Boutique: The Owl and the Pussycat Hotel ($150/night)
Day 8: Weligama – Learn to Surf
Distance: 5 km (10 minutes)
Morning: Surf Lesson
Weligama Bay has the perfect conditions for learning to surf – gentle waves and sandy bottom.
- Lesson: $20-25 for 2 hours with board
- Board rental: $5-10 per day
Midday: Stilt Fishermen
See the iconic stilt fishermen of Weligama (though it's now mostly for photos, tip appreciated).
Afternoon: Taprobane Island
Admire the tiny private island just offshore – a writer's retreat that's been home to several famous authors.
Evening: Surfer Vibes
Weligama has a relaxed surf town atmosphere. Enjoy cheap beer and good company at the beach bars.
Where to Stay
- Budget/Surf: Surfer's Bay ($25/night)
- Mid-range: W15 Weligama ($80/night)
- Luxury: Cape Weligama ($400/night) – Stunning clifftop resort
Day 9: Tangalle – Remote Paradise
Distance: 40 km (1 hour)
Morning: Transfer to Tangalle
Leave the crowds behind for Tangalle's wild, unspoiled beaches.
Tangalle's Best Beaches:
- Goyambokka – Secluded cove
- Silent Beach – Empty and beautiful
- Rekawa – Turtle nesting site
- Medaketiya – Long and uncrowded
Afternoon: Pure Relaxation
This is your day to do nothing – swim, read, nap, repeat.
Evening: Turtle Watching (Seasonal)
From April to September, watch sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs at Rekawa Beach.
- Time: After 8:00 PM
- Cost: ~$10 donation
Where to Stay
- Budget: Mango Shade ($35/night)
- Mid-range: Palm Paradise Cabanas ($80/night)
- Luxury: Amanwella ($500/night) – Sri Lanka's most beautiful beach hotel
Day 10: Tangalle & Departure
Distance to airport: 200 km (4 hours via expressway)
Morning: Final Beach Time
One last swim in the Indian Ocean and a leisurely breakfast.
Midday: Transfer to Airport
Head to Colombo airport via the Southern Expressway, stopping if time allows at:
- Turtle hatchery at Kosgoda
- Handunugoda Tea Estate (white tea)
Beach Hopper Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | $270-320 | $700-900 | $2000+ |
| Transport (10 days) | $300-400 | $400-500 | $500-600 |
| Water sports & activities | $100-150 | $150-200 | $300+ |
| Whale watching | $60 | $60 | $100 |
| Food & drinks | $150-200 | $300-400 | $600+ |
| Total per person | $880-1130 | $1610-2060 | $3500+ |
Best Time for Beach Hopping
South & West Coast
- Best: December to April
- Good: November, early May
- Avoid: June to September (monsoon)
East Coast (Alternative)
- Best: April to September
- Beaches: Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Pasikuda
Beach Activities Checklist
- Learn to surf in Weligama
- Snorkel at Hikkaduwa coral reef
- Watch whales in Mirissa
- Sunset at Coconut Tree Hill
- Visit Galle Fort
- Swim at Jungle Beach
- Photo at palm tree swing
- Jet ski in Bentota
- See turtles at Rekawa
- Eat fresh seafood on the beach
Beach Safety Tips
- Currents: Some beaches have strong undertows – swim where locals swim
- Flags: Red flag = no swimming
- Sun: Sri Lankan sun is intense – use SPF 50+
- Jellyfish: Occasional (ask locals before swimming)
- Valuables: Don't leave items unattended
What to Pack
- Multiple swimsuits
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Rash guard for surfing
- Beach cover-up
- Flip flops and water shoes
- Underwater camera
- Beach bag
- Sunglasses and hat
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