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Narigama Beach

Пляж Наригама
Sri Lanka · Beach · Hikkaduwa
moderate
Best month: December

Best for

Ideal for surfers of all levels and young people seeking active recreation and nightlife. Suitable for couples and groups. Not suitable for families with small children or those seeking peace and quiet.

Best month

December

Water
+28.0°C
Length
4 000 m
Narigama Beach, stretching 3 km south of Hikkaduwa. It features a wide sandy strip and calm water, popular for swimming, surfing and walks.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Narigama Beach, stretching 3 km south of Hikkaduwa. It features a wide sandy strip and calm water, popular for swimming, surfing and walks.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Excellent surfing waves
  • Long sandy beach
  • Many surf schools
  • Lively atmosphere
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Beautiful sunsets

Cons

  • Crowded
  • Noisy
  • Limited space for seclusion
  • Water not always clear
  • Many commercial facilities
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for surfers of all levels and young people seeking active recreation and nightlife. Suitable for couples and groups. Not suitable for families with small children or those seeking peace and quiet.
Features
What makes this beach unique
One of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn surfing thanks to consistent waves and sandy bottom. There are many surf schools and a lively beach scene.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
4 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
moderate
Underwater Visibility
5.0 m
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
1.0 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November December
Season end
April
Best month
December
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
Jellyfish (in season)
Sea urchins
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
20 pcs
Best restaurants

Salty Swamis

International

Popular beach cafe with breakfasts, smoothies and coffee

Mambo-s

Seafood

Beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood and cocktails

Nearby cuisines

Sri Lankan

Traditional cuisine with seafood and curry

Must try: Fish curry, coconut sambol, string hoppers

International

European dishes in cafes and restaurants

Must try: Pizza, pasta, burgers
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
Yes
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Surfboard
Best Time to Swim
In the morning the waves are most consistent for surfing. In the evening — lively atmosphere in bars.
Local Rules
Respect local surfers. Do not leave rubbish.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Hikkaduwa

Neighbouring town with coral reefs, surfing and nightlife

Hikkaduwa Coral Reef

Famous coral reef, popular for snorkelling and diving

Turtle Beach

Beach where you can see sea turtles, near Hikkaduwa

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Narigama Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Narigama Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 1.0 m.
Narigama Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Narigama Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 4 000 metres.
Narigama Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is December. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Narigama Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Narigama Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Jellyfish (in season), Sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Narigama Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Narigama Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Narigama Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Salty Swamis, Mambo-s. Cuisines available: Sri Lankan, International. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Narigama Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Surfboard.
Narigama Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the waves are most consistent for surfing. In the evening — lively atmosphere in bars.
Narigama Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Respect local surfers. Do not leave rubbish.
Narigama Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Narigama Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers of all levels and young people seeking active recreation and nightlife. Suitable for couples and groups. Not suitable for families with small children or those seeking peace and quiet.
Narigama Beach: what makes this beach unique?
One of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn surfing thanks to consistent waves and sandy bottom. There are many surf schools and a lively beach scene.
Narigama Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Excellent surfing waves, Long sandy beach, Many surf schools, Lively atmosphere, Developed infrastructure, Beautiful sunsets. Cons: Crowded, Noisy, Limited space for seclusion, Water not always clear, Many commercial facilities.
Narigama Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Hikkaduwa, Hikkaduwa Coral Reef, Turtle Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Narigama Beach: how do I get to the city of Hikkaduwa?
The beach is located near the city of Hikkaduwa. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Hikkaduwa.

City

Hikkaduwa

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.