Great — Sri Lanka is an excellent choice for a beach honeymoon: compact island, warm water, dramatic sunsets, good food, and a range of romantic beach experiences from quiet coves to surf towns. Below I’ll give the best beach areas for couples, top activities, two sample itineraries (south-coast and east-coast focused), timing and travel tips, and a rough budget pointer.

Top beach areas for a romantic beach honeymoon (what each is best for)

• Mirissa — calm crescent bay, whale- and dolphin-watching trips, sunset bars and private beach dinners. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Unawatuna & Galle (south coast) — sheltered swimming, snorkeling, plus romantic walks around Galle Fort and boutique hotels inside the fort. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Bentota & Kalutara (west coast) — river safaris, water sports, beach resorts and spa days. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Tangalle & Koggala (southeast) — quieter, more private beaches and luxury resorts for seclusion. (thetimes.co.uk)
• Hikkaduwa & Weligama — snorkeling/turtle spotting, beginner surf lessons (more lively vibe). (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Arugam Bay (east coast) — world-class surfing and chilled surf-culture evenings (best May–September). (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Trincomalee / Nilaveli / Pasikudah (northeast/east coast) — long shallow bays, very calm water for swimming and snorkeling (best May–September). (Scottdunn.com)
• Kalpitiya — kitesurfing and dolphin watching (unique active-couple option). (thetimes.co.uk)

Most romantic / “can’t-miss” beach experiences

• Whale- and dolphin-watching boat trip from Mirissa (seasonal; peak winter months on south coast). (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Private beachfront dinner or sunset cruise near Galle / Mirissa / Bentota. (Brides.com)
• Snorkeling or diving at Pigeon Island (near Trincomalee) or around Hikkaduwa for turtle encounters. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Surf lessons (Weligama or Arugam Bay) and relaxed beach cafes afterward. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Turtle hatchery visits and stilt‑fishing glimpses around Koggala / Hikkaduwa. (thetimes.co.uk)

When to go (short & actionable)

• South & West coast (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Galle, Bentota, Hikkaduwa): best December to April — calm seas and prime beach weather. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• East & North coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay): best May to September — these months are the dry season for the east and ideal for swimming/surfing there. (Scottdunn.com)
• Shoulder months (late November, April, September–October) can be less crowded and good value but weather is more mixed. (srilankaholidaystours.com)

Sample 7–9 day honeymoon itineraries A. South-coast relaxed honeymoon (best Dec–Apr) — mix beach, culture, and a little adventure

• Day 1: Arrive Colombo → transfer to Galle (stay inside or near Galle Fort) — evening walk & romantic dinner.
• Day 2–3: Move to Unawatuna / Mirissa — beach days, snorkeling, spa.
• Day 4: Morning whale-watch from Mirissa (seasonal) or private sunset cruise; evening private beach dinner. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Day 5: Transfer to Tangalle or Bentota for quieter beaches or river safari and resort spa.
• Day 6: Day trip to a turtle hatchery or Galle Fort / tea tasting en route.
• Day 7: Return to Colombo for departure (or extend with hill country trip to Ella for tea-country scenery). (Brides.com)

B. East-coast surf-and-swim honeymoon (best May–Sep) — calm seas, long beaches, surf vibe

• Day 1: Arrive Colombo → fly/drive to Trincomalee / Passikudah — settle into beach resort.
• Day 2–3: Lounge on shallow bays (Nilaveli/Passikudah), snorkeling, Pigeon Island day trip. (Scottdunn.com)
• Day 4: Travel to Arugam Bay (or replace with more Trincomalee time) — evening surf-culture strolls.
• Day 5–6: Surf lessons or relax on quieter beaches; sunset cocktails and beachside dinners. (ROFI.lk)
• Day 7: Return to Colombo or extend with a wildlife safari (Yala) or hill-country stop.

Practical travel tips (visa, money, transport, safety, packing)

• Visa: Most visitors need an electronic ETA prior to arrival; check the official Sri Lankan government e‑visa site for current rules. (I recommend confirming before booking.)
• Currency & payment: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Credit cards widely accepted at resorts and hotels; carry cash for small vendors and tips.
• Getting around: Private car + driver is the most convenient for couples (comfort, door-to-door). Domestic flights connect Colombo with Trincomalee and some other hubs and save time for island-cross itineraries. Trains (coastal route to Galle) are scenic but slower. (Brides.com)
• Health & safety: Sun protection, mosquito repellent, and drinking bottled water are standard precautions. Beach safety: obey red flags and lifeguards; surf and currents can be strong outside peak calm seasons. (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Packing: light cottons, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, light rain layer for shoulder months, comfortable shoes for exploring Galle Fort and short hikes.

Where to splurge vs save

• Splurge: a beachfront villa with private plunge pool or a resort package that includes private dinners, couples’ spa treatments, and organized excursions (whale-watch, private boat). (Brides.com)
• Save: boutique guesthouses or family-run beach villas just off the main tourist strips; local restaurants are excellent and inexpensive for most meals.

Estimated budget (very rough per couple, excluding international flights)

• Moderate 8–10 day honeymoon: $1,400–$2,500 per person (mid-range hotels, some private transfers, tours).
• Luxury 8–10 day honeymoon: $3,000+ per person (5-star resort villas, private excursions, domestic flights).
  (Actual costs vary widely by travel dates, level of luxury, and activities; book early for December–February.) (Brides.com)

Quick booking checklist

• Pick the coast based on month (south/west Dec–Apr; east May–Sep). (srilankaholidaystours.com)
• Reserve at least one private experience (dinner, sunset cruise, spa) to make it truly romantic.
• Pre-book any seasonal activities (whale-watching, Pigeon Island trips, surf lessons) during peak months.
• Arrange airport transfers (private transfer recommended) and at least one comfortable inter-city transfer (car/driver or domestic flight) so you’re not spending honeymoon hours on long, uncomfortable buses.

If you’d like, I can:

• build a day-by-day itinerary for the exact number of nights you want, tailored to your travel month; or
• find a shortlist of specific hotels/resorts in Mirissa, Galle/Unawatuna, Tangalle, Trincomalee, or Arugam Bay with price ranges and couple-friendly amenities.

Would you like a customized 7- or 10-day plan (and when are you planning to travel)?