Hikkaduwa Marine National Park
The Hikkaduwa Marine National Park covers an area of 101 hectares
including a snorkeling and diving zone and also a bathing zone, catering
to the diverse needs of both local and foreign adventure seekers.
The marine park offers a diverse collection of sea creatures as well
as beautiful fringing reefs of various corals.
According to the newly structured ticketing scheme, the entrance fee
for a local tourist will be five rupees, and for a foreigner thirty
rupees. An MOU has been signed by the Wildlife Department and boat
service providers of the area assuring that more reliable and consistent
prices would be charged from tourists rather than continuously
fluctuating individual rates. Under the implemented price scheme, the
price of a boat tour for a local tourist would be Rs 750 and Rs 1,750
for a foreigner.
Scheduled boat tours assure that the service providers get equal
opportunities to contribute to the accelerating industry.
The opening of the Hikkaduwa Marine National Park not only has its
developmental value, but also a unique environmental value. The
remodeling involves a conscious activism in terms of marine life and
environment protection.
A coral regeneration plan is a vital part of the park's vision of a
healthy and sustainable tourism industry. And a garbage management
program too has been initiated, parallel to the opening of the marine
park. And under this initiative, a tractor was donated to the municipal
council by the Economic Development Ministry. |