15 to 20 min maximum

It’s hard to judge affordable, however a very nice hotel was Goldi Sands. Food was good and entertainment on. However I would not recommend staying in Negombo, there are nicer places.

I think you can but the southern beaches are more suitable and popular. Try any place between Galle and Dondra like Unawatuna or Mirissa!

Preferably chose a good Hotel facing Sea. I would personally suggest Jetwing Sea as we stayed there. You will find the boats and other activities at the site

Beach side is nice, but not as nice as the beaches on the south coast! A way up north of Negombo you'll find a lot of nice places to stay, very good restaurants and if you like some good ayurveda spas (I can recommend JCs Beach Villa and Ayurveda Spa)

No es muy seguro para nadar, el mar no es bonito, yo solo vi gente local en el agua.

Surroundings a lot pubs and restaurant it's on same Road

Hi , Its not usually advised to swim in the sea. The water is clean, but better to sail on it rather than swim in it.

Мирисса - один из самых чистых и красивых пляжей, волны меньше, чем в Хиккадуве. Но самый лучший, по словам гидов, Арунгам-Бэй. Высоту волн в конкретное время и правда лучше оценивать по картам Гугл, а не по отзывам

6 kilometers to Negombo Town from Colombo International Airport. 8 kilometers to main Tourist Beach area of Poruthota Road and Lewis Place where good hotel accommodation, restaurants, bars etc are located. It would take 20 - 30 minutes by taxi or a Tuk Tuk.