The Marine National Park at Hikkaduwa was declared open yesterday.

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. The already existing Hikkaduwa National Park was remodeled under this ambitious plan, offering local and foreign tourists a chance to have a well organized and safe recreational experience at affordable prices.

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 the boat service providers of the area assuring to charge from tourists more reliable and consistent prices 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.1750 for a foreigner.