Dickwella: The Open Beach Next to the Famous Bay
Dickwella often gets overshadowed by Hiriketiya, the tight horseshoe bay tucked just around the headland, but its own beach is worth a visit in its own right — a long, open, sandbar-protected stretch that feels more spacious and less crowded than its famous neighbour. It's a working south-coast town rather than a purpose-built resort strip, with a natural rock blowhole as its standout sight.
1. Dickwella's Main Beach
Best for: Swimmers who want space
Sheltered by natural reefs and sandbars, Dickwella's beach is elongated and generally calmer than the open ocean beyond, giving it decent swimming conditions without Hiriketiya's crowds or the more serious surf found at nearby Midigama.
2. Hoo-maniya Blowhole
Best for: A quick, dramatic sight
A short ride from the beach, the Hoo-maniya Blowhole is a natural rock fissure where incoming waves are forced upward through a narrow gap, sometimes shooting spray many metres into the air. It's most active on rougher seas and around high tide, and takes only a few minutes to see.
3. Hiriketiya Bay Next Door
Best for: Surfers and cafe-hoppers
Sri Lanka's much-photographed horseshoe surf bay sits just a few minutes from central Dickwella, making it easy to base yourself in the quieter town and spend your days at Hiriketiya's break and cafes.
4. Wewurukannala Vihara Temple
Best for: Culture between beach days
A short trip inland brings you to Wewurukannala Vihara, home to one of Sri Lanka's tallest seated Buddha statues along with vividly painted halls depicting scenes of heaven and hell — an easy, worthwhile detour from the coast.
Practical Tips
- Best season: November to April for calmer seas and clearer blowhole action on the right tide.
- Getting there: About 2.5–3 hours from Colombo via the southern expressway.
- Getting around: Tuk-tuks connect the beach, the blowhole and Hiriketiya bay easily.
- Time your blowhole visit: It's most dramatic during rough seas and high tide — ask locally for the best time.
- Combine with: Hiriketiya, Talalla, and Tangalle a little further east.
Where to Stay in Dickwella
Dickwella offers a wider, more affordable spread of guesthouses and small hotels than its trendier neighbour Hiriketiya, while staying just minutes from the bay. Browse verified Dickwella stays on SLAccommodation to find your base.
Quick Facts
| Region | South coast |
| Famous for | Open beach, Hoo-maniya Blowhole, proximity to Hiriketiya |
| Nearby | Hiriketiya, Wewurukannala Vihara, Talalla |
| Best season | November–April |
| Distance from Colombo | ~165 km (~2.5–3 hrs) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hoo-maniya Blowhole? A natural rock fissure near Dickwella where wave pressure forces seawater upward in a dramatic spray, most active during rough seas and around high tide.
Is Dickwella the same as Hiriketiya? No — Dickwella is the town, and Hiriketiya is a distinct horseshoe-shaped bay a few minutes away by tuk-tuk. Many visitors stay in Dickwella and spend their beach days at Hiriketiya, or split time between both.
Is Dickwella beach good for swimming? Yes, reasonably — it's sheltered by sandbars and reefs, giving calmer water than the open coast, though conditions still vary with the season and tide.
What else is there to see near Dickwella? The Wewurukannala Vihara temple with its giant seated Buddha, Talalla's quiet beach, and Hiriketiya's surf and cafe scene are all a short ride away.