8 Best Beaches in Sri lanka for Swimming in 2024

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Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise, is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With its warm, crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, it’s no wonder that these beaches are a magnet for tourists and locals alike. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore creates a soothing melody that’s sure to calm your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. With Sri Lanka’s beaches, you can indulge in a range of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to surfing and simply soaking up the sun.

Out of many, following are 8 best beaches in Sri Lanka for swiming.

Dikwella Beach

Dikwella Beach is in the south of Sri Lanka. It’s a long, sandy beach with coconut trees all around. The beach is very quiet and peaceful. The water is warm and very clear. There are small waves, making it perfect for swimming. There are no strong currents, so you can swim safely.

There are showers, restrooms, and changing rooms. You can buy food and drinks from vendors. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours. There are warning flags to show if there are any dangers. It’s a safe place to swim. You can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. The beach is quiet and not too crowded. You can also visit local markets and small shops nearby. The beach is easy to get to by car or public transport. There is free parking nearby.

Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach is a beautiful beach on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a wide beach with soft, golden sand and clear blue water. The water is warm and clean.The swimming conditions at Bentota Beach are generally good, with gentle waves that are perfect for swimmers of all levels. The waves are usually around 1-2 feet high, making it easy to swim and play in the water.

The beach has a moderate tidal range, which means that the water level changes slightly throughout the day. During low tide, the water is usually around 3-4 feet deep, while during high tide, it’s around 6-7 feet deep. This can affect the swimming conditions, so be aware of the tide times if you plan to swim.

Bentota Beach has occasional strong currents. These currents are usually caused by changes in the wind direction or the movement of the ocean tides. While they can be strong, they’re not usually strong enough to pull you away from the shore. The water temperature at Bentota Beach is usually warm, ranging from 78°F (25°C) to 82°F (28°C) throughout the year. This makes it perfect for swimming and water activities.

Lifeguards are present during the day to help keep you safe. Watch out for warning flags that indicate any dangers.

You can find showers, restrooms, and changing rooms nearby. There are many food and drink vendors, so you can grab a snack or drink while you’re at the beach. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to make your day more comfortable.

Bentota Beach is easily accessible by car or train. There are both free and paid parking options available, so you can choose what’s best for you.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is a beautiful beach on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The water at Hikkaduwa Beach is warm and clear, making it ideal for swimming. The waves are small to medium-sized, which is great for swimmers of all levels. However, be careful of some underwater rocks that can be hidden beneath the surface. Lifeguards are on duty, especially during busy hours, to help keep you safe. Look out for safety signs and flags that indicate any dangers. Follow the guidance of the lifeguards to ensure a safe swim.

You can swim, snorkel, or dive at Hikkaduwa Beach. The beach is lively and popular with visitors, so you’ll have plenty of company. Nearby, you can explore coral reefs and local shops to find some unique souvenirs.

You’ll find showers, restrooms, and changing rooms nearby. There are many food and drink vendors available, so you can grab a snack or drink while you’re at the beach. You can also rent beach gear like chairs and umbrellas to make your day more comfortable.

The beach is easy to reach by car or train. Parking is available, but it can get crowded during peak times. Plan ahead and arrive early to secure a parking spot. Visit the beach early in the morning for a quieter experience. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing them.

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach is a beautiful beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and clear water, making it perfect for swimming and relaxation. The water at Mirissa Beach is warm and clear, with gentle waves that are ideal for swimming. There are no strong currents to worry about, so you can swim safely and enjoy the water. Apart from swiming, you can go for whale watching at Mirissa Beach. Bring binoculars for whale watching to get a closer look at these amazing creatures. The beach is lively with tourists and locals, so you’ll have plenty of company. Nearby, you can explore restaurants and cafes to try some delicious food and drinks.

You’ll find showers, restrooms, and changing rooms nearby. There are many food and drink vendors available, so you can grab a snack or drink while you’re at the beach. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to make your day more comfortable. Visit the beach in the evening for a beautiful sunset, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the moment.

Lifeguards are present during the day to help keep you safe. Look out for safety flags that indicate any hazards, and follow the guidelines for a safe swim. Mirissa Beach is easy to access by car or bus.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is a stunning beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a curved beach with golden sand and turquoise water, making it a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. The water at Unawatuna Beach is warm and clear, with calm waves that are perfect for swimming. There are no dangerous currents to worry about, so you can swim safely and enjoy the water. You can also snorkel, or kayak at Unawatuna Beach. The beach is lively and popular, so you’ll have plenty of company. Nearby, you can visit restaurants, shops, and a temple to learn more about the local culture.

Lifeguards are on duty during peak times to help keep you safe. The beach is easy to get to by car or tuk-tuk.

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli Beach is a beautiful beach on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a long beach with white sand and clear blue water, making it a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation.The water at Nilaveli Beach is warm and very clear, with gentle waves that are great for swimming. There are no strong currents to worry about, so you can swim safely and enjoy the water. You can swim, snorkel, or go on boat trips at Nilaveli Beach. The beach is peaceful and not too crowded, so you can enjoy a relaxing day by the sea. Nearby, you can visit Pigeon Island for a great day trip.

You’ll find showers, restrooms, and changing rooms nearby. There are food and drink vendors available, so you can grab a snack or drink while you’re at the beach. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to make your day more comfortable.

The beach is easy to access by car or bus. There is free parking available, so you can park your vehicle and enjoy the beach.

Visit Pigeon Island for a great day trip and to see the island’s beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

Pasikudah Beach

Pasikudah Beach is a beautiful beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a wide beach with shallow, calm water, making it perfect for swimming and relaxation. The water at Pasikudah Beach is warm and very clear, with very gentle waves that are perfect for swimming. There are no strong currents to worry about, so you can swim safely and enjoy the water. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours to help keep you safe. You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe at Pasikudah Beach. The beach is peaceful and family-friendly, so it’s a great spot for families or couples. Nearby, you can explore local villages and shops to learn more about the local culture.

The beach is easy to get to by car or bus. There is free and paid parking available, so you can choose what’s best for you.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a famous beach on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, known for its soft sand and clear water. It’s a great spot for surfers, but also perfect for swimming and relaxation. The water at Arugam Bay is warm and clear, but be careful while swimming because there are big waves in some areas. Strong currents can also be present, so make sure to follow the guidelines for a safe swim. You’ll find showers, restrooms, and changing rooms nearby. There are many food and drink vendors available, so you can grab a snack or drink while you’re at the beach. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to make your day more comfortable.Lifeguards are on duty during the day to help keep you safe. You can swim, surf, or simply relax at Arugam Bay. The beach is lively with surfers and tourists, so you’ll have plenty of company. Nearby, you can explore cafes, shops, and surf schools to learn more about the local culture.

The beach is easy to access by car or bus. There is both free and paid parking available, so you can choose what’s best for you.

If you like surfing, bring your own surfboard or rent one from a local surf school.