Polhena Beach in the Matara region of Sri Lanka is a small beach that is spectacularly beautiful and offers plenty of opportunities for various activities. Whether you come solo or with your whole family, you will be entranced by the amazing beach, emerald waters, and tall palm trees that make for a picture-perfect vacation. The best part is you can even spot turtles at the beach, which adds charm to the already awesome beach. Swim with them, snorkel alongside them, or find them during scuba diving, the Polhena Beach is just a paradise waiting to be explored by the curious traveller.
About Polhena Beach In Matara
Image Source: Eric Marshall for wikimedia Commons
Polhena Beach is everything you wish for in a beach. It has a beachy vibe that beckons you to take a dip and swim in the clear blue waters. It offers a plethora of activities you can participate in so you never get bored. It is deep enough for adults to enjoy and shallow enough for kids to have the best time of their lives. It also has towering palm trees that complete the perfect beach picture. Whether you are there for snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, or simply relaxing at the beach, Polhena Beach offers it all.
Must Read: Water Sports In Sri Lanka
Activities At Polhena Beach Matara
Polhena Beach is often thought of as a simple beach with limited activities to offer. But nothing could be further from the truth. From snorkelling to scuba diving, or just plain old relaxing. This beach has it all. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at Polhena Beach.
1. Snorkelling
Image Source: Eric Marshall for wikimedia Commons
Polhena Beach snorkeling is among the variety of activities you can enjoy at the beach. The best part about snorkelling here is the types of reefs that you will come across. It is a fascinating sight to see and you will be thrilled with the stunning view under the water. Curious about how life is under water? All you need to do is say yes to snorkelling. You can see a range of fishes if you snorkel at the right place at the beach such as lobsters, pufferfishes, octopuses, and so on. It will be a sight to behold when that happens!
Suggested Read: Picnic Places In Sri Lanka
2. Swimming
Image Source: Sindugab for wikimedia Commons
Polhena Beach is excellent for swimming and many people refer to it as a natural swimming pool because of tide is usually low. Most of the beach is 3 feet to about 7 feet deep which is ideal for swimming of various age groups. The reef prohibits the waves from coming too close which creates an ideal environment for young kids to swim. You will find various beaches and coves along the coast of this beach. If you want to put down a towel and sunbathe or maybe read your favorite novel , this is a great place to do so!
3. Scuba Diving
Image Source: AshwiniShinde for wikimedia Commons
Water sports are a delight during winter as you can participate in and learn new sports. The conditions are optimal for diving at this time and many diving centres provide you with all the information and gear you need to scuba dive. During winter the water becomes even more pristine thereby allowing you to go to the depths and witness sea life like never before. What is life if you do not do something that you have never done before! So, are you in for scuba diving at Polhena Beach?
Suggested Read: Buddhist Temples In Sri Lanka
4. Surfing
Sometimes during the winter, you will get waves big enough for good surf. But if you need the best conditions, you may need to go a little farther towards Madiha Surf Point and the nearby areas for the best types of waves which make surfing the best experience you ever had. Different points are better for different levels of surfing expertise so make sure you know that before you embark on your surfing journey.
5. Polhena Beach Location
The Polhena Beach is 177.7 km from Colombo and 3.6 km away from Matara City. You can come to Matara via train, bus, or cab. Once you are at Matara City, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you directly to Polhena Beach within a few minutes. Matara is a major city and is well-connected with the rest of Sri Lanka making it easy for you to travel from anywhere. You can also hire a scooter if you are alone or with a friend.
Suggested Read: Ravana’s Cave In Sri Lanka
6. Polhena Beach Resort
Image Source:Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Polhena Grand Resort & Banquet offers a luxurious stay so you can explore Polhena Beach and its nearby areas. It is located near the beach so you can watch the sunrise and sunset at the beach with your loved ones. It has two family rooms, 12 bay-side rooms, and 11 deluxe rooms promising a memorable stay at one of the best hotels. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, exceptional service, and a relaxing vibe that will make you feel rejuvenated every second.
7. Best Time To Visit Polhena Beach
Image Source: May Hachem93 for Wikimedia Commons
You can go to Polhena Beach Matara whenever your heart desires because it is fun all year round. However, the best time to go would be from December to March because this is the dry season. At that time, the temperature will be just right, the sky will be clear, and the water will be in its best condition. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, and all the other water activities the most during this time. However, you can expect more tourists.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka With Family
Tips For Visiting Polhena Beach
- Visit the beach on weekdays if you want to avoid the crowd during the weekends.
- If you need a beach umbrella, take one with you for convenience.
- Watch out for flags indicating high tide and avoid going into the water at that time.
- Avoid touching, feeding, or disturbing the turtles when you see them.
- Keep your distance from the turtles and never approach them.
- Do not damage the coral reefs by stepping on them or trying to take them out.
- Bring snorkelling gear if possible if you wish to snorkel at Polhena Beach.
- Supervise your children and ensure they understand the rules of enjoying the beach.
- Avoid visiting the beach during the rainy season as the water will be messy and you won’t be able to see clearly.
Further Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
Polhena Beach is a charming beach destination with tropical weather making it a must-visit destination in your trip to Sri Lanka itinerary. Whether you want to just lazily hang around the beach with your little ones to sunbathe or want to snorkel in the fresh waters with the quiet turtles, you can do it all at Polhena Beach. Be prepared for an amazing trip!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions About Polhena Beach
Is swimming allowed on Polhena Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Polhena Beach as it is among the safest beaches in Sri Lanka. If there are warning flags, avoid going too deep into the beach as it is dangerous due to high tides.
Which places to visit near Polhena Beach?
You can visit Madiha Beach, Dondra Lighthouse, Matara Fort, Weherahena Temple, and Dondra Buddhist Temple.
Which side of Sri Lanka has the best beaches for surfing?
The South Coast region of Sri Lanka has the best beaches with waves that make it ideal for surfing for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers.
Where to eat at Polhena Beach?
Reef Edge Sea Food Restaurant, Café 4 U, The Dutchman Street, Walgama Bake House, and Bob SL Restaurant are some of the best places.
What is the entry fee of Polhena Beach?
There is no entry fee to the beach. However, if you are planning on doing activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, you will need to pay for renting proper gear.
People Also Read:
Best beaches In Sri Lanka Black Sand Beaches Budget Beaches South-East Asia
We all have to begin somewhere. This is where I start and I hope that my writings encourage you to begin. To new beginnings and conquering new places!
