Beach-Srilanka

Some of the delights of a Sri Lankan beach.
Where beaches are concerned you will be spoilt for choice in Sri Lanka.
Beaches totalling 1,340km fringe the island, from the long-established
tourist destinations of the southern coast, to the vast beaches of the
deep south, and the less-visited expanses of the north and east. No
matter what time of the year, you can find a beach that is in season
and just waiting to welcome you to its warm sands.

West Coast
South Coast
East Coast
North Coast

The Indian Ocean is the world’s third largest. Occupying an area of
73.6 million square kilometres between Africa, Asia, Australia and
Antarctica, and amounting to approximately 20% of the earth’s water
surface, the Indian Ocean includes the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the
Bay of Bengal, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Malacca, and the Mozambique
Channel. The Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India is one of the ocean’s
shallowest parts.

The Indian Ocean is affected by the north-east monsoon from December until
April and the south-west monsoon from June to October, giving Sri Lanka two
tourist seasons, one on the west coast and the other on the east coast.
During monsoon time, when visibility is often reduced to 60m, the sea is
usually rough. Sometimes the colour of the ocean changes from its
recognizable turquoise to a bottle green and navy blue, depending on the
intensity of the clouds above. When the sunshine breaks out, azure tones
appear as the angry clouds chase over the sea making it a patchwork quilt
of colour. In season, though, the sea is bright blue and crystal clear.

A wide coral reef largely surrounds Sri Lanka’s coastline making it ideal
for diving. An underwater journey into the Indian Ocean rewards you with
glimpses of a totally different world, full of astounding colour and life.
Home to a variety of tropical fish and coral reefs, the ocean waters also
lay claim to some historic wrecks that offer exploration opportunities.
The more laid-back activity of snorkelling is a popular past-time in many
southern coastal areas, particularly the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary, and on
the east coast around Pigeon Island off Nilaveli, near Trincomalee. Marine
life to be seen includes big fish such as barracuda, whale shark, tuna as
well as four species of turtle.

The gentle swell of the Indian Ocean waves offer great opportunities for
surfing. There are first-class waves in Arugam Bay on the east coast, and
along the south coast at Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. However, in other places
the calm water of the Indian Ocean just laps onto the sandy shore, such as
at Unawatuna, near Galle, and Nilaveli, making them safe for swimming and
especially good for families with young children.

Wind-surfing can be enjoyed at many places along the coastline from Negombo
to Tangalle. Bentota is the unofficial water-sports capital of the island
because aside from its rolling surf and beautiful sandy beaches, it also has
a river where beginners can gain experience before heading into the ocean.
Trincomalee on the east coast offers a fantastic alternative for wind-
surfers when the south-west monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas.

In Negombo and Hikkaduwa, the increasingly popular thrill-seeking sports of
wake-boarding and kite-surfing are beginning to take off.

Finally, please remember to respect the Indian Ocean at all times. Always
beware of the strong currents that often run parallel to the coast.
Newcomers to the island should remember that it is rare to find a lifeguard
at the beach in Sri Lanka or any flags indicating safe places for swimming.
Less confident swimmers should ask a local for their advice or just test
the waters carefully and make sure someone knows you have gone out for a
swim or dive........