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Air Ceylon Tours
Palm-fringed curve of Mirissa beach with colourful umbrellas on the sand, Sri Lanka

Beach escapes

Beach Escapes on Sri Lanka’s Coasts

Golden sands, warm seas and slow days.

Create My Journey

Sometimes the best plan is very little plan at all. Our beach escapes are about warm water, soft sand and the luxury of time: a long breakfast, a swim, a book in the shade and a sunset to finish.

Sri Lanka’s coasts offer real variety, from the boutique hotels around Galle to the calm bays of the east, and because the monsoons reach each coast at different times, there is usually a beach in season. We will match the beach to your dates and your style.

Ideas to inspire you

Where beach escapes shine

Sri Lanka

The south and west coasts

From around December to April, the south and west coasts are generally at their best. Choose the laid-back charm of Mirissa, the resort hotels of Bentota or a villa near Galle Fort.

  • Palm-fringed curve of Mirissa beach with colourful umbrellas on the sand, Sri Lanka

    South Coast

    Mirissa

    Palm-fringed beaches, sunset viewpoints and seasonal blue whale encounters.

  • Quiet golden beach backed by lush palms and coastal greenery, Bentota, Sri Lanka

    West Coast

    Bentota

    Golden beaches, slow river cruises and elegant coastal resorts within easy reach of the airport.

Sri Lanka

The east coast

When the south-west monsoon arrives, the east coast often comes into its own. Pasikuda’s shallow bay and the beaches near Trincomalee are usually best from around April or May to September.

  • Large rounded boulders and palm trees beside calm blue water, Pasikuda, Sri Lanka

    East Coast

    Pasikuda

    Shallow, glass-calm waters and resort luxury on a sheltered eastern bay.

  • Sweeping turquoise bay dotted with boats, with the town along the shore, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

    East Coast

    Trincomalee

    A great natural harbour, a clifftop temple and coral-rich waters on the east coast.

Sri Lanka

Reef and sunsets at Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is livelier, with a reef for snorkelling, surf in season and beachside restaurants for sunset. It suits guests who like a little energy alongside their time on the sand.

  • People strolling along a palm-shaded beach beside the surf, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

    South-West Coast

    Hikkaduwa

    Coral gardens, sea turtles and a laid-back surf-town atmosphere.

Sri Lanka

A final night by the sea

Negombo sits close to the international airport, so a last night on its beach makes an easy, relaxed end to any journey, especially before an early flight.

  • Colourful fishing boats moored along the lagoon, Negombo, Sri Lanka

    West Coast

    Negombo

    A relaxed lagoon town minutes from the airport, perfect for arrival or departure.

Questions

Beach escapes: good to know

Which Sri Lankan coast is best for our dates?

Broadly, the south and west coasts suit December to April and the east coast suits roughly April or May to September. Weather varies, so we check your dates before suggesting a beach.

Is the sea safe for swimming?

Conditions vary by beach and season, and some beaches have strong currents. Always follow local advice and flags; we suggest beaches and hotels with calmer water where possible.

Can we add beach days to a touring itinerary?

Yes, and most guests do. A few nights by the sea at the end of a tour is a lovely way to unwind, and we choose the coast that suits your travel dates.

Are beach holidays fixed packages?

No, every beach escape is tailor-made, and you review the itinerary and quotation before agreeing to anything.

Plan your beach escape journey

Choose your dates and destinations in our planner, then send your journey to our team on WhatsApp. We review every itinerary personally and reply with ideas and a quotation.

Plan My JourneyWhatsApp