Does Hikkaduwa Marine Park have good live coral reefs?

Unfortunately, the live coral reefs at Hikkaduwa Marine National Park are pretty badly degraded, and a lot of them are already dead. For decades, there have been coral bleaching events, pollution issues, and also damage linked to tourism that wasn’t properly regulated, and it has pretty much whittled down the vibrant coral cover it was once known for.

Even so, you will still spot a high concentration of tropical fish and green sea turtles, pretty close to the shore. But the colourful underwater scene itself is basically gone. If snorkelers are aiming for healthy, colourful coral reefs, they are likely better off going to Pigeon Island in Trincomalee, or going a bit further out offshore and diving deeper.