Hiriketiya Horseshoe Bay

Palm-fringed curve, turquoise water, and gentle surf that keeps you smiling all day. Your perfect beach hideaway on Sri Lanka's south coast.

Horseshoe
Perfect Bay
Beginner
Friendly Surf
Year Round
Beach Paradise
Café Culture
& Yoga Vibes
Dive Into Paradise

Beach Paradise

Why Hiriketiya Belongs on Your Itinerary

A perfect horseshoe bay where easy beach days meet lively cafés, sunrise yoga, and waves for every level.

Postcard-Perfect Bay

A snug crescent of sand with calm, swimmable water on many days and a natural reef framing the color.

Surf for Everyone

Soft, learner-friendly peaks in the bay; longer rides for intermediates near the point when the swell lines up.

Café Culture & Yoga

Small-batch coffee, tropical bowls, sunset mocktails, and studios offering daily classes a short stroll from the sand.

Base for Day Trips

Minutes to quiet coves, blowholes, island lookouts, and turtle-inhabited reefs along the south coast.

Beach Zones

Must-See Highlights

From gentle surf breaks to coral snorkeling spots, discover the diverse zones of this horseshoe paradise.

Main Bay (Center)

Sand-bottom zone ideal for beginners and relaxed swims when conditions are right. Perfect protected waters for learning.

Left Point (West Side)

A playful left-hander for confident beginners moving up and intermediates (reef awareness needed). Consistent waves when swell arrives.

Coral Edges (East Side)

Clear water for snorkeling on calm mornings—go with a guide and be mindful of currents. Vibrant marine life awaits.

Sunrise & Sunset Light

Pastel skies over palms; brilliant for photos along the ramped path above the beach. Golden hour magic daily.

Nearby Gems

Nilwella Blue Beach Island: Tiny islet linked by a sandbar with gorgeous viewpoints.

Hummanaya Blowhole: Natural sea geyser—best on swellier days.

Dikwella Long Beach: Wide sands and mellow shore for a lazy afternoon.

Ways to Experience Hiri

Learn to Surf

Book private or small-group lessons with ISA-trained instructors; boards and rash vests available on the beach.

Cruisy Longboard Session

Aim for early glass-off in the bay; go long when tide and swell align perfectly for epic rides.

Yoga & Breakfast

Dawn class at a local studio, then coconut pancake stack and Ceylon tea at a garden café.

Snorkel & Chill

On calm mornings, follow a local guide along the rockier edge; nap under the palms after.

South-Coast Sampler

Add Nilwella island viewpoints, the Blowhole, and a secret cove swim to your day's adventures.

Plan Your Beach Experience

Best Time to Visit

Year-Round Paradise

Works year-round with different advantages each season for various activities.

Nov-Apr: Sunny Season

Typically sunniest and most beginner-friendly; perfect for learning to surf and beach relaxation.

May-Sep: Surf Season

More swell and occasional showers—great for surfers, less consistent for swimming but epic waves.

Best Times of Day

Early morning for glassy surf and soft light; late afternoon for golden-hour swims and sunset watching.

Practical Information

Water & Safety

Conditions change with tide/swell. Swim inside the bay, watch for boards, avoid reefy edges if unsure.

Gear & Rentals

Boards (soft tops to longboards), leashes, fins rent easily on the beach; reef booties help near rock entries.

What to Bring

Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, reusable bottle, light cover-up for cafés/temples, small cash for stalls.

Etiquette

Respect local surfers, don't drop in, queue fairly, keep the lineup friendly—Hiri's vibe depends on it!

Travel & Explore

Getting There & Pair It With

Easy access from major south coast destinations and perfect combinations for your Sri Lankan coastal adventure.

How to Get There

45

From Mirissa/Weligama

45-60 minutes by scenic coastal road

90

From Galle Fort

1.5-2 hours via E01 + A2

35

From Tangalle

30-40 minutes west along the coast

3h

From Ella (highlands)

3-4 hours hill-to-coast journey

Private transfers with Wi-Fi and cool-box water are easily arranged.

Pair It With

Mirissa

Seasonal whale cruises and soft-sand beaches for the complete coastal experience.

Tangalle Bays

Quieter coves and palm-fringed hideaways for secluded beach bliss.

Galle Fort

Heritage lanes, boutiques, and sunset ramparts for cultural contrast.

Udawalawe / Yala

Trade waves for wildlife on an epic safari day adventure.

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your Hiriketiya beach adventure.

Make it Seamless with Coco Island Holidays

We'll recommend boutique stays, transfers, surf lessons, yoga passes, board rentals, snorkel guides, and nearby day trips—all tuned to your pace so you can simply enjoy the bay.

Ready to Surf & Chill at Hiriketiya?

Let us craft your perfect beach escape with surf lessons, yoga sessions, and island hopping adventures.