Nilwella Beach is the beach on the other side of the headland from Hiriketiya – around Nilwella’s fishing harbour and the sandbar out to Blue Beach Island. Many people know it simply as Blue Beach. It is much quieter than Hiriketiya Bay: fishing boats pulled up on the sand, a few guesthouses among the palms and local families coming down for the sunset, instead of surf schools and sunbeds. Visitors describe it as calm and scenic – a small, hidden piece of coast right next to one of Sri Lanka’s busiest surf villages.
Can you swim at Nilwella Beach?
Sometimes. Currents and the tide make the sea here less predictable than inside Hiriketiya Bay, and there are no lifeguards, so it is better for a walk and a swim on calm days only. The sea is usually calmest from December to April. During the southwest monsoon, from May to October, it is rougher.
On flat days the calmer side of the sandbar at Blue Beach Island is clear enough for snorkelling. Keep an eye on the tide if you walk out to the island – the sandbar can go under water when the tide comes in. More in the Blue Beach Island guide.
Where to eat and drink
Local vendors sell drinks and king coconuts near the beach. For a proper meal, head back towards Hiriketiya: Raa, the arrack and toddy bar on the Nilwella side of Hiriketiya Bay, is about 1 km west, and Hiriketiya’s cafés are a short tuk-tuk ride away. See Restaurants & beach clubs in Nilwella.
Where to stay
Isolabella Ayurveda Resort sits right on Blue Beach. Between Hiriketiya Beach and Blue Beach Island are Nilwella Eden Rock, a small villa by the sea, and Hidden Well, a quiet hostel in the greenery. See Where to stay near Hiriketiya.
How do you get to Nilwella Beach?
- From Hiriketiya: walk along Pehebiya Road and Nilwella Road – about 2 km and 20–30 minutes – or take a tuk-tuk, which takes 10–15 minutes. Details in Hiriketiya to Blue Beach Island.
- From Dikwella town: about 3 km east by road – a short tuk-tuk ride. Agree the fare before you set off.
- By scooter: there is a small parking area by the sandbar at Blue Beach Island.