Hiriketiya is famous for its bay, but much of what people do here is right next door in Nilwella – Blue Beach Island, snorkelling, diving and camping are all on the Nilwella side, about 2 km east. Here is what to do, from the bay itself to day trips inland.
Walk out to Blue Beach Island
The island everyone is posting is in Nilwella, not Hiriketiya. Around low tide you can walk out on the sandbar with the sea on both sides, climb the rocks for the view and swim on the calmer side when the sea is flat. Go early in the morning, before the crowds and the heat. Read the Blue Beach Island guide before you go, and see how to get there from Hiriketiya.
Surf or swim in Hiriketiya Bay
Hiriketiya is a popular place to learn to surf. Beginners use the beach break on the western side of the bay, over sand, where the surf schools and board rental shacks are. The fast left over the reef at the eastern headland is for experienced surfers – the reef is shallow and full of sea urchins.
December to March usually brings the gentlest waves for learning. The line-ups get crowded in season, so surf early in the morning if you can. On calmer days you can also swim inside the bay – keep clear of the surfers.
Snorkelling and diving
The best snorkelling is at Blue Beach Island, on the calmer side of the sandbar when the sea is flat. Just off the island is the Nilwella Underwater Gallery, a sculpture reef built by the Sri Lanka Navy. Hiri Divers, a PADI dive centre at Blue Beach, runs fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses from Try Scuba up to Divemaster. See Things to do in Nilwella.
Camp on Blue Beach Island
You can spend the night on the island in a tent. Camping is arranged with the landowner as a package – tents, food and drinks, a bonfire and stargazing – usually for groups of around 8 to 18 people. Book ahead in the busy months. More in the Blue Beach Island guide.
Eat and drink
Hiriketiya has a lot of cafés and restaurants for a small village, from rice and curry buffets to brunch and pizza. A few of the best-known places are in Nilwella. Raa, on the Nilwella side of the bay, is an arrack and toddy bar ranked No. 71 on the 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Bars extended list (51–100). Garlic Cafe on Hiriketiya Road is a budget-friendly local spot for kottu and rice and curry. For sunset cocktails, walk over to Smoke & Bitters on Dickwella Beach. See Restaurants & beach clubs in Nilwella.
Wellness and Ayurveda
Several places around the bay run drop-in yoga classes. For something more thorough, Isolabella Ayurveda Resort on Blue Beach in Nilwella focuses on Ayurveda treatments and wellbeing. See Where to stay near Hiriketiya.
Day trips
- Hummanaya Blowhole, about 6 km east: the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka, with spray up to 25–30 metres when the waves are big.
- Wewurukannala Vihara, about 3 km away in Dikwella: a seated Buddha around 50 metres tall, and a “Tunnel of Hell” with life-sized models.
- Mulkirigala rock temple, about 24 km inland: cave shrines on a 205-metre rock, reached by around 500 steps.
- Quiet beaches: Dickwella Beach next door, Talalla to the west and the coves near Tangalle to the east.
More in Hidden gems around Hiriketiya and Best beaches near Hiriketiya.
When is the best time to visit Hiriketiya?
The sea is usually calmest from December to April, which is also the busiest season. From May to October, during the southwest monsoon, the sea is rougher and the village quieter. Check the 7-day forecast for the waves, wind and rain, and which activities suit which day.