Polhena Beach

Polhena Beach is a reef-sheltered beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka, about 2 km west of Matara town centre and just off the main Galle to Matara road. Calm water inside the reef makes it a good choice for families, beginner snorkellers and anyone hoping to swim with green turtles.

A fringing reef that keeps the lagoon calm

A fringing coral reef runs parallel to the shore a short distance out. It breaks the waves and creates a shallow lagoon that stays calm enough for swimming on most days, even when much of the south coast has strong surf and currents. That is why families from Matara fill the beach at weekends.

Green turtles feeding in the lagoon

You snorkel straight from the sand, with no boat needed. The reef holds small coral formations, parrotfish and other reef fish, and green turtles regularly swim in over the reef to feed in the lagoon. Visibility is often limited, but turtle sightings are frequent. Local operators run short guided snorkelling trips, and some dive centres take divers to deeper sites beyond the reef. Do not touch or chase the turtles, keep off the coral, and stay inside the reef, where the water is safe; currents beyond it can be strong.

Guesthouses, palms and fishermen on the sand

Polhena is a local beach lined with small guesthouses, cafés and coconut palms, with fishermen working along the shore and people gathering in the late afternoon.