A visitor walking out on the sandbar towards Blue Beach Island in the morning sun

Field notes · 02

Hiriketiya to Blue Beach Island

Getting there by tuk-tuk, scooter or on foot

Updated · by Nilwella.com

Blue Beach Island is right next door to Hiriketiya: it lies in Nilwella, beside the fishing harbour, about 1.3 km east of Hiriketiya Bay as the crow flies and about 2 km by road.

How long does it take by tuk-tuk?

About 10–15 minutes, including finding your way – the road route is only about 2 km, along Pehebiya Road and then Nilwella Road. One local guide quotes around LKR 600–800 from Hiriketiya Beach. Agree the price before you set off, and arrange a pick-up time if you want the driver to come back for you.

Can you go by scooter?

Yes. The road down to the island is paved but has potholes, so take it slowly. Visitors describe a small, free parking area right by the sandbar, with a few steps down to the beach; one guide instead mentions paid parking near the fishery harbour (around LKR 100–200).

Can you walk from Hiriketiya to Blue Beach Island?

Yes. The walk is about 2.2 km along Pehebiya Road and Nilwella Road and takes roughly 30 minutes. Go early in the morning – it is cooler, the island is quieter and the sand has not yet heated up.

When should you arrive?

Plan to arrive around low tide so you can walk out on the sandbar. There are no official tide tables online for this coast; the nearest predictions are for Tangalle, about 11 km east. The tidal range is small, so check the sea as well – in rough conditions the sandbar can stay under water. Read more in the Blue Beach Island guide.