01. Bentota
With golden shores, glistening waters, and clusters of coconut palms towering over its coastal strip, Bentota stands as a thriving tourist spot that gets its fame from its upmarket resorts as well as its fantastic selection of water sports. Not only does this beach promise plenty of fun in the sun on the southwest coastal stretch, but it is also a top pick among the bold and the adventurous.
As a part of the resort town of Bentota, this beach is ideal for families that prefer to have a wide range of luxury resorts to choose from. In fact, many of its resorts are scattered along the coastline, and, since they are just a stone’s throw away from the beach, you can drop by for a quick dip with your kids whenever you feel like it.
However, its premier resorts are not the only reason why Bentota is a family favourite. As I mentioned earlier, Bentota has many activities that will get your blood pumping. From windsurfing and wakeboarding to jet skiing and kitesurfing, this beach has it all! You can even book a banana boat ride and experience the thrill of racing across the water with your kids.
The location of this beach also makes it possible to embark on other activities in and around Bentota. Some drop by the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery—a welfare centre for sea turtles—to learn about conservation efforts, and to release turtle hatchlings back into the ocean by dusk. Others opt for a boat safari on Madhu River, where they can enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity away from the crowds.
It is also possible to take a day trip to Galle, which is not more than a 1-hour drive from the beach. As one of the island’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Galle is steeped in a rich history of colonial rule, and it links the old world with the new through its quaint cafes and roadside boutiques. Be sure to stop by if you want to do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping.
That being said, even though Bentota is the perfect getaway for some families, it might not be what you are looking for. If you are on the lookout for budget-friendly hotels, a thriving nightlife and tons of beachside restaurants to dine at, you should consider visiting one of the other beaches on this list.
02. Unawatuna
The lively, suburban town of Unawatuna is home to a banana-shaped bay of the same name that lies on the south coast. Truth be told, Unawatuna Beach attracts hundreds of travellers to its cooling waters during the peak season, and the reason for this is simple: not only is it one of the best swimming beaches in Sri Lanka, but it is also ideal for those who wish to explore the world below the ocean’s surface.
Unawatuna’s pristine sands and calm, crystalline waters make it a stunning getaway for the holidays, but what makes it so appealing to families is its reputation as one of the safest family beaches in Sri Lanka. Since the surrounding coral reefs break the intensity of its waves, your chances of getting caught in a rip current are extremely low, and this makes this beach ideal for swimming, diving and snorkelling.
What’s more, Unawatuna is home to a thriving nightlife. You will find plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes in full swing along the coastal stretch, and many of them stay open from the late evening to the early hours of the next day. The town also has plenty of accommodation options that will suit your budget. Its three-star hotels, cheap guesthouses and upmarket resorts might be just what you need to enjoy your seaside holiday without putting a strain on your wallet.
After experiencing everything that Unawatuna has to offer, you can opt for a day trip to Galle and visit its famed fort, which stands as a testament to the island’s colonial past. However, if you are in the mood for an adventure in the wild, you can ask your driver to take you to the Udawalawe National Park, which is not more than two hours away. Doing so will give you and your loved ones an opportunity to catch elephants, spotted deer, wild buffaloes, and other animals in action.
You may also visit some of the turtle hatcheries that are sprinkled along the coastline both in and around Unawatuna. This short tour will offer some insight into sea turtles and their diets, as well as their behaviours.
To sum it up, Unawatuna is a good choice for those who prefer to experience Sri Lanka’s nightlife minus the crowds, and its selection of activities like snorkelling, diving and swimming make it the ideal setting for bonding with your family. You can even hire a boat to go on a fishing trip before you spend the rest of your vacation lazing around on the sunny shores.
03. Hikkaduwa
Picture this: you are winding down with a glass of fresh fruit juice, listening to the chatter of other travellers on sunbeds while admiring the palm trees and azure waves of the beachscape. This is how I would describe your experience in Hikkaduwa—a popular tourist town on the southwest coast that is home to a busy beach of the same name.
Unlike Bentota and Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa teems with activity, and it has a good selection of water sports that will keep you and your loved ones busy. This makes it a good choice for families with older children, as they can swim, surf, and snorkel as well as go fishing and scuba diving. On the other hand, parents with toddlers can embark on a glass-bottom boat ride to see the vibrant coral reefs that Hikkaduwa is known for.
Better yet, Hikkaduwa town has a wide range of budget hotels to choose from, which makes it the perfect getaway for those who prefer cheaper places to spend the night. And so, it is no surprise that its beachfront is extremely lively. Since its cafes and restaurants stay open until late, you can savour the taste of fresh seafood and mingle with other travellers from all walks of life.
Although the main beach is the highlight of your stay, you can drop by the famed Turtle Beach in Hikkaduwa for some extra fun. As you might have guessed already, this beach gets its name from its turtle population, making it one of the best places to see turtles in Sri Lanka. It is here that you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed kelp to the sea turtles that are drawn to the shallow waters—an activity that is a favourite among kids!
You can also set out on a day trip to the Galle Fort, which is a 30-minute drive from Hikkaduwa Beach. Touring this fortified city is ideal for those who are curious about Sri Lanka’s colonial past, and a stroll through its cobblestone streets will take you to plenty of roadside boutiques which sell batik clothes, moonstones, antiques, and other souvenirs.
However, Hikkaduwa’s popularity has one downside—it is prone to overcrowding, especially during the peak season. Because of this, we do not recommend this beach for families that prefer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
04. Koggala & Thalpe
Based on what you have read so far, you may have noticed that the beaches on the south coast each offer a different combination of activities and accommodation options for travellers. Koggala and Thalpe are no exceptions; however, we have grouped them together because they are both ideal for families that prefer a laidback, secluded vacation at a boutique hotel.
If you ask me, Koggala is best known for its stilt fishermen. Even though the art of stilt fishing has fallen out of use, you will find that many of the local fishermen are willing to show you how it is done for a small fee. You can also take photographs as they perch themselves on their wooden stilts and become one with the sparkling waters and golden sands of the seascape.
On the other hand, Thalpe has a reputation for its glistening rock pools that turn turquoise under the afternoon sun. These rectangular pools were originally carved from its coral reef more than 50 years ago, and today, they are used for a quick dip to cool down from the midday heat.
It goes without saying that the beach is where the fun is at, but there are other activities that will keep you busy if you are in and around Koggala or Thalpe. For starters, you can take a boat safari on Koggala Lake to see some hawks, herons, and other birdlife in action. This 90-minute tour also includes stopping by some Cinnamon Island, Bird Island, and other miniature islands along the way, making it ideal for families that crave a sense of adventure.
It is also possible to take a cooking lesson in Thalpe. You and your loved ones will have an opportunity to prepare authentic Sri Lankan cuisine from scratch, and your lesson will end with a hearty meal where you can savour the flavour of the curries that you have cooked.
That being said, Koggala and Thalpe are not recommended for families that are travelling on a tight budget. This is because your accommodation is limited to upmarket villas and resorts, especially in and around Koggala Beach. And, although it is possible to dive and snorkel in Koggala and learn to surf at one of Thalpe’s many surf schools, the other beaches on this list certainly offer a better experience of these activities.
05. Mirissa
It goes without saying that the ambience of a location can be a dealbreaker for most families. After all, why would you spend your vacation in a place that does not appeal to your senses? Thankfully though, Mirissa’s aquamarine waves, powdery sands, and coconut palms add a touch of tranquillity to the lively restaurants, bars and cafes that are scattered along its beach, giving you the best of both worlds.
Located on the south coast, Mirissa gets its fame from its whale-watching tours. After boarding a boat as early as 6.00AM, you and your loved ones will be taken to a part of the ocean that is frequented by all kinds of sea critters. Here, you will be able to spot blue whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals from afar.
If you ask me, taking a walk on the shore almost feels like a waste when you could be doing much more in Mirissa. In fact, many families opt for an underwater adventure where they can snorkel or dive together to uncover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s calm waters.
Better yet, if you come from a family of surfing enthusiasts, you can head over to Weligama Beach. At a distance of 8 kilometres from Mirissa’s main beach, this bay is a popular spot among beginner and intermediate surfers in between November and April. Travellers of all ages come here to practice a cutback and learn some surfing manoeuvres, but if you are new to the world of surfing, you can easily visit a surfing school for some lessons.
You can also follow in the footsteps of other travellers by taking a day trip to Galle. This fortified city will make you feel as though you have stumbled into a different world, and its colonial buildings and streetside stalls carry an old-world charm that is ideal for photographs.
As for accommodation, you should know that Mirissa has a range of small-scale guesthouses and upmarket hotels to choose from. With reasonable prices and the promise of a lively ambience in a tranquil setting, Mirissa is definitely one of the best family beaches in Sri Lanka that is enjoyed by all!
But, in spite of its advantages, Mirissa has its fair share of disadvantages. For starters, it is not a good fit for families that prefer a secluded seaside getaway. Even the popular whale-watching tours may not be enjoyed by families that have restless children and toddlers, as it requires up to 06 hours of travel time. Getting to the tour on time with your little ones is also a challenge as all of you must wake up early to make sure that you do not miss the boat.
06. Pasikuda
Both pristine and picturesque, Pasikuda sits on the east coast of Sri Lanka, and it feels like heaven on earth when visited in between May and October. As a tropical paradise of white sand, coconut palms and turquoise waves, this beach is best known for the tranquillity that it provides to the worn and weary.
To say that Pasikuda is calm would be an understatement. The coastline is fringed with coral reefs that lessen the intensity of its waves, and this creates the illusion of everything being perfectly still. And so, as you may have guessed, this beach is the perfect spot for a sea bath with your loved ones.
One interesting fact that you should keep in mind about this beach is that it is often compared with a shallow swimming pool. This is because you will have to wade for a long time before the water comes up to your waist. This, along with its coral reefs, make Pasikuda one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka.
But that is not all! Pasikuda also has a range of water sports to choose from, including scuba diving, water skiing, kite surfing, snorkelling and windsurfing. You can even soak up the sun by boarding a catamaran for a short cruise along the coast.
Truth be told, Pasikuda has everything you need for some fun in the sun, but if you would like to embark on a road less travelled, you can either walk or drive to Kalkudah Beach, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
Since the main beach is lined with upmarket hotels and oceanside resorts, Kalkudah Beach offers an even quieter escape that lets you relax far away from civilization. I would refer to this beach as a hidden gem on the east coast as not many are aware of its existence. That being said, it lacks the entertainment that Pasikuda has to offer, so it is best that you spend only a couple of hours here.
We generally recommend Pasikuda for families that are travelling with senior citizens and young children because it is an extremely safe beach, and your chances of getting caught in a rip current are practically non-existent. Even so, its accommodation is limited to upmarket hotels, so it is not a good choice for those who prefer smaller guesthouses and budget hotels.
07. Nilaveli
With its white-gold shores and calm waters, Nilaveli offers a serene and intimate escape from the hubbub of the city, making it the perfect getaway for travellers who value their privacy. Much like Pasikuda, Nilaveli’s unspoiled seascape makes it one of the top places to visit in between May and October, and it is also one of the best family beaches in Sri Lanka.
A common misconception among travellers is that Nilaveli and Pasikuda are identical to each other, but this could not be further from the truth. Although both of these beaches have their fair share of pros and cons, Nilaveli is the preferred choice among families that want to snorkel. After all, the famed Pigeon Island and Coral Island are only a stone’s throw away from this beach.
If you are travelling with older children, you will be able to make the most of your stay with a snorkelling trip. After you pay the small entrance fee, you can hop on a speedboat from the mainland which will take you to one of the two islands. You will then have the opportunity to admire the vibrant coral gardens and swim beside sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks.
On the other hand, if you are making the trip with a toddler, you can go on a boat safari instead. Doing so will let you observe sea turtles, dolphins and other aquatic animals in action from afar.
Unlike Pasikuda, Nilaveli also has a range of smaller hotels to choose from, which makes it the better choice for families that are on a budget. Since most of these hotels also maintain sections of the beach, you will be able to stop by for a quick dip or take a stroll at any time of the day during your stay.
Truth be told, apart from snorkelling and diving, not much can be done in Nilaveli. However, you can take a day trip to Trincomalee, which is only a 30-minute drive from the beach. Once you get there, you can visit the Koneswaram Temple and the Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil for some insight into Sri Lanka’s Hindu culture, or drop by Fort Frederick, which was built by the Portuguese during the island’s colonial period.
That being said, Nilaveli is no place for those who crave a lively ambience. If you are one such person, it is best that you consider one of the other best family beaches in Sri Lanka on this list.
08. Arugam Bay
Perched on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, the quaint town of Arugam Bay boasts sunlit shores, strong winds, and different wave types that attract surfers from across the globe, making it one of the top surfing destinations in the world. And, while it lacks the serenity of Pasikuda and Nilaveli, its bustling beachfront and lively ambience make it a popular pick among families that are vacationing in between May and October.
Since surfing is the highlight of this beach, we are spotlighting three surf spots that may be of interest to you during your stay.
With waves that are on the softer side and swells that only occasionally rise up to 6 feet, Whiskey Point stands as the perfect spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. In fact, it is not more than a 20-minute drive from the main beach, so the crowds here tend to be a mix of surfing enthusiasts and travellers who simply want to sunbathe or wet their toes with a stroll along the coast. The many surf schools in the vicinity also makes it possible for you to take some lessons for a small fee.
On the other hand, Main Point has the biggest swell, and it is the most popular surf spot among professional surfers on the island. Whether you plan on pulling off some complex surfing manoeuvres or surfing freestyle, you can experience the thrill of connecting with the ocean and master the art of barrelling here. However, do not forget to exercise some caution as the reef juts out in certain areas.
Main Point also leads to Baby Point which, as its name suggests, is where beginners are taught the basics. The waves here rise up to 3 feet at most, and the shallow bottom also makes it the safest place for beginners to ride the waves.
That being said, Arugam Bay has some other activities that may catch your eye. If you are interested in Sri Lanka’s birdlife, you can enjoy a boat safari in Pottuvil Lagoon, which shelters sea eagles, kingfishers, jacanas and peacocks. You may even catch some crocodiles, water buffaloes and elephants in action as you cruise along its calm waters.
If you have some time to spare, you can tell your driver to take you to Kumana National Park, which is a 1 ½ hour drive from the beachfront. On this jeep safari, you will get to observe pelicans, herons and egrets perched on the trees, and you may even run into the rare Eurasian Spoonbill or the Black-necked Stork along the way.
From partying with the nightlife to feasting on some tasty seafood at the nearest café or restaurant, Arugam Bay’s atmosphere makes it a good choice for families that enjoy the crowds. It is also a favourite among families that prefer to stay at cheaper guesthouses and hotels, especially since the resorts in Pasikuda and Nilaveli are rather expensive.
09. Tangalle
Tangalle, with its aquamarine waters and white-gold shores, provides a different experience for families that are vacationing on the south coast. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that its beachfront offers the best of both worlds, and this is because it is split into two parts that are as different as night and day.
While the west side of the town is made up of sheltered bays and calm waters that are maintained by luxury resorts and villas in the area, the north side is known for its rougher waves, and it is also home to some cosy guesthouses and little cafes. And so, as you may have guessed, Tangalle attracts a large crowd of travellers in between November and April.
If you ask me, Tangalle is an option for families that have no interest in water sports, including swimming, snorkelling and diving. As I mentioned earlier, its waves are somewhat rough, so attempting these activities here is rather dangerous. Since the chances of having a section of the beach entirely to yourself are high, this beach is recommended for those who simply want to unwind away from the crowds.
However, that does not mean that Tangalle is a boring destination. You can hop on a tuk-tuk to Rekawa Beach, which is 8.3 kilometres away from the main beach, and pay a visit to Turtle Watch Rekawa. This conservation project is an extremely popular attraction among our guests, as it offers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch nesting turtles lay their eggs at night.
You can also drop by the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich birdlife. Here, you can enjoy a boat safari that will take you through the mangrove forests and marshes, showing you migratory birds like the Pintail Duck and Redshanks, as well as the indigenous Jungle Fowl and Glossy Ibis.
No matter what you choose to do, Tangalle’s seclusion might be just what you need to de-stress, connect with nature, and enjoy your time in this island paradise.
10. Hiriketiya
Once a hidden gem but now a family favourite, Hiriketiya Beach is a small, secluded escape that is only a stone’s throw away from Dikwella town. Here, the sun-kissed surfers, azure waves, lush greenery, and little eateries merge to form a beachscape with a dreamy feel to it, ultimately making you feel as though you have stumbled into another world.
While Arugam Bay welcomes surfers of all levels, Hiriketiya is a preferred pick among beginners. This is because its peak season—which occurs in between December and March—is known for its mellow waves. And so, you will find plenty of surf camps along the coast that offer classes for travellers of all ages. This, along with the absence of the crowds that are typically seen at Arugam Bay, makes this beach ideal for those who wish to practice their surfing skills in a private area.
If you are in and around Hiriketiya, you can also drop by Dikwella town, which is a 10-minute drive from the beach. Not only can you treat your loved ones to a spa day, but you can also visit the Dikwella Lace Centre to learn about the traditional art of weaving lace.
The famed Dondra Head, which is Southeast Asia’s tallest lighthouse, is also a 35-minute drive from the town. Constructed in 1889 using granite rocks from Scotland, this sturdy lighthouse stands as a testament to the passage of time, and if you climb to the top, you will be greeted with a stunning view of Matara Bay.
Of course, you can also visit the Udawalawe National Park, which is 1 ½ hours from the Hiriketiya beachfront. We generally recommend this safari for all families as it gives them a chance to spot elephants, water buffaloes, peacocks, and all kinds of other animals in the wild.
That being said, Hiriketiya’s accommodation options are limited. But even though there are not many options in and around the area for families that prefer upmarket hotels and resorts, there are many smaller hotels and guesthouses that you can spend the night at for a lower price.