Trip Planner: Asia / Sri Lanka / Southern Province / Matara / Polhena Beach

Polhena Beach, Matara

3.8

#2 of 6 in Parks in Matara

Snorkel through 4 km (2.5 mi) of heavenly coral reef at Polhena Beach. You'll see an abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles as you move through the shallow water and beyond to the reef. The sea's gradual increase in depth leaves plenty of shallows for the kids to splash around in, while you make your way out towards the reef. Enjoy the music and frivolity of local visitors to the beach, which also provides a parking lot and restaurants, where you can rest from the sun's rays and grab a bite. Arrange to visit Polhena Beach and other attractions in Matara using our Matara trip builder app .

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Polhena Beach Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

220 reviews

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4.3

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113 likes

By TheLansiKella On May 14, 2018

Best if you love turtles in the wild :) It gets a bit crowded so get there early and wear lotsa sun screen. more »
By Yoann F On May 3, 2018

Nous avons fait du Snorkeling avec Aja qui nous a accompagné pour nager avec des tortues. Nous avons aussi vu une raie manga !! Il connaît parfaitement le lagon. Nous avons partagé un super moment, Aj... more »

We did snorkeling with Aja who accompanied us to swim with turtles. We also saw a stingray manga! He knows the lagoon. We shared a great moment, Aja also explained his involvement in the cleaning of the seabed, in short a great morning.

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By Thibault D On March 31, 2018

Venant de Tangalle, nous y sommes allés un matin en semaine en espérant apercevoir des tortues ! C'est très facile de les approcher et des loueurs prêtent des masques et tubas si vous n'êtes pas équip... more »

From Tangalle, we went there one morning in the week hoping to see turtles! It is very easy to approach them and rental lend masks and snorkels if you are not equipped. Finally, we stayed all day and even returned the next morning to enjoy good visibility in the water: before 10 h, it is the ideal! After it is very cloudy, but it does not to see. Surprised not to see this mentioned in the Lonely Planet Beach...

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By Abdullah Ibrahim On March 27, 2018

Shallow waters. Famous for snorkelling and scuba diving. Peaceful atmosphere. Blue waters. Crowded on holidays. Top attraction. Best of down south

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By Shan Dhiviyarajan On March 8, 2018

Beautiful beach, you can watch turtles. Early morning view is eye catching. The cleanliness of the beach is okey & week ends gets crowded. Good place to visit with your family and have water fun. Not much food options available there, but you can try local snacks.

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By Sanath Athauda On March 9, 2018

Ideal place to get a sea bath. It has a shallow water around the beach. No hard sea waves around the area. If you need you can get air inflated tube to float on water. There are many restaurants to get meals. Contain vehicle parking facilities.

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By Thisuni Tantirige On February 27, 2018

Good place. Can have fun. A little dirty and crowded though because one time I saw a man urinating publicly to the beach water but still I go there and have fun!

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By PRADEEP SYLVA On February 19, 2018

Lovely beech. Good for a swim and snorkelling. A little crowed though on the holiday that we went.

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