Diving. Before you come.

Diving off Hikkaduwa attracts certified divers with several shipwrecks and coral reefs within easy reach of shore. The visibility is best in the dry season, and the wrecks are home to turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish. It's a convenient dive spot for anyone staying on the south coast who wants to get underwater without a long boat ride.

Many visitors arrive expecting vibrant coral gardens, but the reefs are heavily bleached and damaged from the 2004 tsunami and ongoing tourism pressure.However, the wreck dives (like the Conch and the Rangoon) are praised for their marine life—turtles, rays, and occasional reef sharks. Visibility is good Nov–Apr but drops significantly in monsoon months.

The dive shops are plentiful and cheap compared to其他地方 (e.g., ~$30–40 per dive), but quality varies. Complain of rushed briefings, old equipment, and groups of 6+ divers. Others praise smaller outfit's likeDive Lankafor personalized service. If you're a certified diver, expect easy, shallow dives—not technical challenges.