surf trip sri lanka

8 of the top surfing spots in Sri Lanka: experience the best waves whatever the season

Apr 1, 2022 • 9 min read

Hit Sri Lanka's varied waves at these top surfing spots © AscentXmedia / Getty Images

Sri Lanka  is one of the up-and-coming surf gems of South Asia. Everything from crumbly beginner breaks to rippable points is on the menu, and there are tangy eggplant curries and mist-shrouded tea fields to get stuck into when you're finished.

With one coast facing the open Indian Ocean and the other peering into the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka has a seriously enviable location for hitting the waves . Both sides of the island work at different times of the year – the southwest in the winter, the east in the summer. On top of that, the vibe is mega chilled, with reggae-surf bars dotting the shorelines and boho surf camps welcoming all levels.

Wondering where to surf in Sri Lanka? Look no further than this guide, which scours both halves of the Teardrop for the eight top spots.

Hiriketiya Beach: one palm-threaded beach, two great waves

Wherever you go on the island right now, the name of Hiriketiya is whispered like it's some long-lost Shangri-La of surfing. All that buzz has kick-started loads of development in the small town. The worry? Its low-key days are probably numbered. For now, though, it remains a little slice of surf paradise in the Sri Lankan southwest.

A perfect hyperbola of a bay that bends in just around the headland from Dikwella city, Hiriketiya is a land of bobbing sea turtles and bowing coconut palms. It's flanked by two headlands that help to shape and refract the swells into two separate breaks. The first is the Hiriketiya beach break, a super-mellow ride where beginners can practice all day long. The second is a fast left-hand reef that offers ripping rides over urchin-caked rocks for intermediates and up.

Salt House is a chilled yoga-surf hotel just a stone's throw back from the main beachfront. Casa Vana offers something more secluded in the jungles, along with a couple of resident dogs for company. At night, be sure to stroll over to Dikwella Beach for Smoke & Bitters – it's been rated among the 50 top cocktail bars in all of Asia!

Getting to Hiriketiya Beach: Aim for Dikwella first. Cheap buses go there from Colombo and Ella. An onward tuk-tuk to Hiriketiya should take under 10 minutes and cost no more than 200-300₨ ($1–1.50)

Weligama: the learn-to-surf mecca of Sri Lanka

Weligama  might not be the prettiest town out there, but it's firmly established itself as the place to go for those first ever waves in Sri Lanka. The reason? Well… how does a huge, horseshoe bay with almost 4.5 miles of lapping beach break sound?

The center of Weligama fronts the best waves of all. It's tucked onto a finger of land with the murky Polwatta river to the back and runs of cinnamon-colored sands to the front. What's great is that there's a good primary and secondary swell. Surf schools tend to stick to the latter, which is crumbly and forgiving. But you can catch some bombs out back when the forecast reads a big period and something over 7ft.

You've got the pick of countless surf schools. Sadly, some of the beachfront places don't have the best reputations. Lucky's Surf School is well established and run by a member of the Sri Lanka National Surf Team. Alternatively, Layback runs surf and yoga packages with dorm and private options from its pad in the heart of Weligama.

Getting to Weligama: It should be easy to find someone to share a transfer with from the airport – Weligama is one of the most popular surf towns of all. However, cheap trains take about four hours to do the trip from Colombo and cost just 220₨ ($1.10) in second class.

Ahangama: secret reefs and uber-cool surf camps

Ahangama isn't just one surf spot, it's about 10. They're all strung along a shelf of reef that runs between the resort town of Unawatuna and the next door surf hub of Midigama. The whole area is linked up by the frantic Matara Road, a steady stream of hurtling tuk-tuks and swaying buses, so it's hardly peaceful but it is easy to navigate.

Kabalana Beach is the one that really put Ahangama on the map. Out back there, you'll find The Rock, a steep A-frame that's hollow on big days and sectiony on smaller days. But there's a sand-bottomed beach break for learners, too. It's a good one, and now oodles of surf schools from Weligama and beyond make the pilgrimage up for the forgiving lefts and rights.

As you travel south from Kabalana through Ahangama proper, you'll spy more surf breaks than you can shake a brinjal curry at. Lots remain secret spots, but it's worth knowing about Marshmallow – a very mellow deep reef for all levels – and Sticks – a more challenging spot for intermediates.

Getting to Ahangama: As many as seven trains go from Colombo Fort to Ahangama station every day. Most surfers get a private transfer from the airport, though, which costs around 10,000₨ ($50).

Arugam Bay: the place to surf from May to October

Arugam Bay is the surf town of choice during the south-western monsoon. That brings rough ocean currents and loads of rain to pretty much all the other places on this list between May and October. All the while, the east coast of the island where A-Bay – as it's come to be known – makes its home gets blessed by regular groundswells and sun-filled days.

There's a whole string of breaks on the menu here. Closest to the town, the right-hander of Main Point is a cruisy ride of up to 150m (492ft) on the best days. To the south, there's Peanut Farm, the beginner's choice, followed by the punchy points of Okanda for the pros.

Arugam Bay has developed into a pretty hefty resort town in the last couple of decades. The road behind the beach is now riddled with curry houses and beer bars, which can become pretty lively in the peak of the summer. SAFA Surf Camp is probably the best-known tuition provider, with packages for all levels.

Getting to Arugam Bay: A taxi from the airport to Arugam Bay takes about 5 hours and costs about 15,000-20,000₨ ($74-98).

Midigama: regular rights and lefts over sparkling coral gardens

The coconut palms lean low against the clear-water coves of Midigama, which string around a bend in the Sri Lankan southwest coast between Weligama and Ahangama. This is the land of right-and-left reef points. The best of them is Ram's, a rare expert break over unforgiving coral gardens near the now-legendary guesthouse of the same name.

But there's more in Midigama. There's also Coconut's, a deep-water reef with left and right sections, and a tricky paddle out, but a fun shoulder for cutting back and turning. And there's Lazy Left, a peeling goofy wave that has to be up there with the finest longboard options in Sri Lanka.

Jamu Surf Lodge is right in the thick of it in Midigama. It hides behind a grassy section of shoreline and a phalanx of stick-thin coast palms, offering rooms that are polished concrete from head to toe. There's also a boho cafe on-site where they make some of the fluffiest stacks of breakfast pancakes on the island.

Getting to Midigama: Midigama has its own station, served by daily trains out of Colombo Fort. You could also aim for Weligama, from where tuk-tuks to Midigama cost around 300₨ ($1.50).

SK Town: rare sandbar waves amid the reefs

SK Town is another name for Lakshawaththa Beach, which fringes the rocky coast just east of Matara. It's roughly midway between Hiriketiya and Mirissa, making it a fantastic drop-in spot during a surf odyssey along the southwest shoreline.

It's all beach break here. That's rare in this part of the island, where coral reefs reign supreme. SK, though, is a deep-bottomed run of sand that has shifting banks that create wedgy lefts and rights. They can be pretty punchy, but a good secondary swell makes this one a prime playground for local surf classes.

The key is to get in early and late. Without the reefs to hold shape in the water, the waves are always best before the wind picks up (before 9am) and after it's dropped (post 5pm). If you choose to stay, check out the basic but very welcoming Ocean Breeze Villa. For dinner, be sure to hit  Uprising Restaurant , where the fabled Rastaman makes fresh coconut curries to a backing track of The Wailers.

Getting to SK Town: There's no direct transport to SK Town, so you'll need to catch a tuk-tuk from Matara. Haggle for them but expect to pay 300-400₨ ($1.50-2).

Hikkaduwa: surf in the shadow of cocktail bars

You won't find an empty wave set in Hikkaduwa these days. This is one of the most developed of all the surf towns south of Colombo . It's easy to see why. Not only does it have breaks for all levels, but it's garnered a reputation as a bit of a party town to boot.

Benny's is the best-quality wave in the area. That can handle bigger swells of up to 10ft, occasionally gets hollow, and offers open faces to carve with turns bottom to top. There's also the beach break at Narigama, which is a little like Sri Lanka's answer to Kuta in Bali – AKA, a learner's paradise.

If the budget allows, Villa Saffron Hikkaduwa is the place to rest. It's within walking distance of Narigama Beach and has sprawling suites with indoor–outdoor bathrooms that spill into antique-filled common spaces – very cool indeed.

Getting to Hikkaduwa: Trains run on the Southern Rail Line from Colombo to Hikkaduwa. Tickets start at 280₨ ($1.40) and the trip takes under two hours. A private transfer from the airport should cost no more than 10,000₨ ($50).

Mirissa: après-surf abounds

Long a playground for boozy nights in the beachfront bars, Mirissa still gets washed by the same Indian Ocean swells as the rest of the southwest coast…

Between November and March, they power up a pretty fast right-hander that zips over a shallow rock reef at the western end of the sand (for advanced surfers). They also roll into the fishing breakwater in the next bay along to give a crumbly left-hander with an easy paddle channel (for intermediates and up).

Mirissa isn't short on visitors. Everything from whale watching to pub crawls happens here, so don't expect any waves to yourself. To escape the hubbub, you can scramble the hill path to Secret Beach. There's no surf, but a couple of idyllic, conch-shell coves poke out from the coconut groves – just beware of the misbehaved langur monkeys.

Getting to Mirissa: Hop on the express train from Colombo to Weligama and then catch a tuk-tuk around the headland to Mirissa – they cost 300-500₨ ($1.50-2.50).

You might also like: Everything you need to know about Sri Lanka before you come    When to visit Sri Lanka: the best times to go for the beach, the festivals, and to beat the crowds    The best train journeys in Sri Lanka – and how to book them   

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Kima surf camp in Sri Lanka

Surfing in Weligama  

Kima Surf has worked hard to create a truly unique and relaxing feeling when developing the surf camp in Weligama, Sri Lanka. Cozy and stylish double and shared bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms, dorms of various unique formats are located within the colonial structure – surrounded by big tropical gardens in a trendy neighbourhood.

All rooms in the Sri Lanka surf retreat meet western criteria and feature hot water and A/C. Several beach breaks are waiting for you right outside the door. These are perfect for beginners to intermediates – or with a short Tuk Tuk ride from the camp, we get you to more advanced waves.

SURF GUIDING

Incl. 7 days a week, twice a day

PHOTOGRAPHY & THEORY 6 DAYS A WEEK

Free surf video analysis & surf theory sessions

YOGA & WELLNESS

Incl. 6 days a week

Daily breakfast & 5x dinner a week

TUK TUK’s

Surf transfers incl.

CO-WORKING AREA

With fiber optic internet connection

QUIET LOCATION

Pool, sun lounge & dining

WORLD-CLASS SURF SPOTS

Within walking distance

What’s waiting for you at our surf camp   in Weligama, Sri Lanka

We are hooked on surfing and the enchanting mentality of people involved in the sport.

The outstanding community we have been involved has inspired us to find new places to share the sport of surfing. The waves we’ll get you to from our Weligama surf camp are good quality and consistent.

We’ve found and developed an outstanding, historically beautiful and fun place for you to join us on your Sri Lankan Surfari!

Pure island   lifestyle

Our lounge areas, with sofas, bean bags and loungers, invite you to relax and rest between surfing sessions. All guests enjoy free Wi-Fi at our Weligama surf camp.

Surroundings  

Just a few steps away from your surf camp in Sri Lanka are numerous waves of Weligama bay . The name Weligama literally means “sandy village”, which refers to the sandy bay in the area. This area with its beautiful beachbreaks is perfect for beginners – a short tuk tuk ride from camp, there are numerous reef and semi reefbrakes for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Surf   Guiding

Surf twice a day, every day of the week!

Y our package includes surf guiding in the price at Kima Sri Lanka surf camp Weligama. 

We co-ordinate surf trips daily, seven days a week, for all levels, to various breaks around southern Sri Lanka.

You can join with two guided sessions every day. Smaller groups are divided into their skill levels and go to surf spots taking current tide, swell and wind conditions into account. For beginners we recommend booking our 5-days Learn-to-Surf Sri Lanka package.

Our Kima Surf camp guides surf with you in the water, giving you all the tips and keeping you safe in the water. The guides know and will teach you to understand the waves – we will tell you points you need to know about the surf spots. Our guided surf tours adapt to the local and area conditions – depending on the swell, some secret surf spots could be part of your trip!

The digital surf planner allows you to select the surf sessions that suit you best. This happens the day before surfing at the surf resort in Weligama. The Kima Surf Sri Lanka team will help you to make your choices – we are here to help and get you in the water confidently.

Some surf sessions are filmed and then analyzed, this can occur up to six times a week. Join the theory lessons that are offered six times a week. Both filmed and theory options are included in your package.

BOARD RENTAL

Do not worry about bringing a board or multiple boards, we have them covered. We supply shortboards – 6’2“ – 6’6“, funshapes and mini-malibus -6’8“ – 8’0“. We also have a range of soft top boards, available for every level and all conditions.

Included in the rental price are Leashes and Lycra. Please note that repairs or equipment that is lost will need to be paid for.

INSURE YOUR SURF BOARD​

Surf with confidence and insure your rental board. Board insurance will cover the costs for repairs as required over a period of one to three weeks, whether it’s a small ding, (dent) or a snapped board. All damage is professionally repaired. Note: If parts of the board get lost – even within the water – the repair costs will be paid by the user.

BEGINNER   SURFER

Our surf camp in Sri Lanka is located in the perfect position for beginner surfers. Right outside our camp doors are waves that are ideal for riding your first green wave and learning the basic surf skills. For total beginners we recommend joining our 5-day surf school package with a beginners’ surf course in Sri Lanka.

INTERMEDIATE   SURFER

For intermediate surfers, Sri Lanka has a whole series of various beach breaks and reef breaks. There are many perfect waves nearby that will push your skills and hopefully make you an advanced surfer by the end of your stay.

ADVANCED   SURFER

Of course, advanced surfers also get great value during a Sri Lanka surf trip. We’ll talk to you about all the tides, weather and options that are possible. The camp will have guests of all levels of surfing, you will meet other capable surfers and our experienced guides will give you inside details on advanced options.

Yoga   For Free

Daily yoga sessions are included in your surf camp package at Kima Surf Sri Lanka If you are looking for a break from surfing and looking to relax and unwind join our in-house yoga classes. Six days a week, Monday to Saturday, we offer yoga classes. This is a great way to improve your strength and flexibility as well as your focus and balance. These skills are also some of the most important aspects of surfing too! Our classes are open for beginners as well as experienced yogis and we offer different styles of yoga including Hatha, Yin Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga. If you are interested in a private class our yoga teacher can also guide you through a 60 – minute private session.

Food +   Drink

The restaurant in our Kima surf camp Sri Lanka opens at 7am for breakfast. Throughout the day we offer various international and local cuisine that is created in house by our chef. The grounds of the hotel have over 140 different fruit trees, which we also incorporate into meals. We only use the best and most fresh ingredients and have dishes that cater to vegans and vegetarians.

Our delicious breakfast options are available from 7 am to 11:30 am at the surf hotel in Weligama. Free tea and coffee are available every day until 6 pm. Our breakfast with a choice of a fresh fruit juices, a starter such as a fruit salad or pancakes, and a main course like eggs or curries is included in the camp price.

Join us for group dinners at the camp or beachside 5 nights a week. We offer a diverse and healthy menu of local food options. Our casual group dining experiences allow you to meet surfers and good people from around the world.

The cost of living in Sri Lanka is fairly low. A healthy and filling meal (e.g. fish with a side dish) costs around 3 €. The obligatory evening beer on the beach is likely to be the most expensive thing on the Sri Lankan food menu. Fruit salad or rice & curries can be found even on the most remote beaches. Our restaurants in the Weligama surf camp and beachside offer a variety of Sri Lankan dishes.

In Weligama there are several good restaurants with high-quality food that cater to western tastes.

DRINKING WATER

Our water dispensers around the camp offer you access to unlimited drinking water. Use our water dispensers around the camp and refill your water bottle as often as you want. This also helps to keep Sri Lanka a little more plastic-free.

Room Price   Includes Free

7 days a week, twice a day

SURF VIDEO ANALYSIS

6x per week

BREAKFAST 7 DAYS A WEEK

Dinner 5 days a week

FREE FLOW COFFEE & TEA

Free flow 7 a.m - 6 p.m

SURF THEORY CLASS

Tuk tuk shuttles.

For surf guiding sessions

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Various events during the week

Every friday night

CONCIERGE SERVICE

7 a.m - 11 p.m

KIMA T-SHIRT

For your camp feedback

YOGA SESSIONS

6 days a week, 1 daily session

BROWSE THE   ROOMS

Please enter your dates below  .

Standard   Dorm

From € 21 p.p/n

• Three single beds
• Air Conditioned
• Shared Bathroom

Dorm   Rooms

From € 23 p.p/n

• 6 built in bunk beds with privacy curtains
• Air conditioned

Superior   Dorm

From € 24 p.p/n

• Bunk beds with privacy curtains
• Within Colonial building

KUTI   DORM

From € 25 p.p/n

• 4 people dorm with privacy curtains bunk beds

Twin   Dorm

From € 26 p.p/n

• Twin Beds (No bunks) Dorm style
• Within Colonial Building

DELUXE Pool   Dorms

From € 29 p.p/n

• Private pool
• Air conditioned room with bunk beds
• Exterior & Interior Showers

Standard   Rooms

From € 33 p.p/n

• Twin or double bed
• En suite bathroom
• Shared or private air conditioned room

SINGLE   BED ROOM

From € 35 p.p/n

• Private single room

Deluxe   Rooms

From € 36 p.p/n

Deluxe   Suite

From € 39 p.p/n

• Twin or Double Bed
• En-suite bathroom
• Shared or Private air conditioned room

Deluxe   Pool Suite

From € 49 p.p/n

• Twin or Double Bed with en-suite bathroom
• Equipped with Desk & Chair
• Private Pool

VILLA   STUDIO

From € 59 p.p/n

• Private Sun Terrace

Private   Villa

• Double Bed with en-suite bathroom
• Open-air kitchen with bar counter
• Private Garden

TRANSPORT  

Our surf camp in Sri Lanka goes on daily explorations to surf spots close by or further away. Thanks to our years of experience, we will bring you to the best breaks, beaches and surf spots along the southern coastline. We travel around in small groups with Tuk Tuks and are guided by the wishes and abilities of our guests. That means at least 14 surf sessions a week.

What would a surf holiday be without the social program? We can help you to organize day trips to the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka – forts, tea plantations, & temples, great shopping locations and dining options along the coast. Prefer being adventurous, we can help arrange hikes within the hills or hop on the train for scenic views of Sri Lanka.

Prefer exploring the surroundings yourself? We can help arrange Tuk Tuks or private drivers to get you out on your adventures. Please tell us one day in advance should you wish to organize a driver! We can also assist you to arrange an independent scooter rental. Important: An international driver’s license is necessary in order drive any vehicle in Sri Lanka. The standard European or Australian driver’s license in card-format is not sufficient.

We can arrange to pick you up from the airport and bring you back in time for your departure. If you stay at the surf camp in Sri Lanka, we bill 109 € per person and drive. In case your pickup point or your destination is not the Bandaranaike International Airport or you’re already in Sri Lanka, please speak to our team during the booking process and we will be happy to assist. Please make sure to inform us about your flight or address minimum 72 hours before transport is required, so that we can ensure to have a driver is booked for you.

Information about   COVID-19

We are determined to maintain the COVID-19 related safety protocols, as set out by the Ministry of Health and the SLTDA.

If found positive for a COVID19 test after check-in, we’ll waive cancellation fees and refund unused booking value or postpone your stay.

Add cancellation insurance to your booking and the following will apply:

• Any changes to a booking will no longer carry an administration fee of 50 EUR. Any and all changes will be free of charge
• Guest can request a full refund should they have to cancel their stay due to travel restrictions enforced by COVID-19 or any other reason (Please note – Any transfer fees will be borne by the cancelling guest)
• Any postponed stay can be taken at any given time or date, there will be no expiry or time limit

Instagram #KimaSriLanka

Follow us on instagram, kima surf camps that you'll love  .

Seminyak  

Canggu  

Activities in   sri lanka.

Beginner Surf School  

New to surfing? We recommend you join our 5-day Learn-to-Surf program. During the five days we will teach you all you need to know to become a surfer. After the first day of LTS you might even be ready to join our Kima guided sessions. The LTS program will help you to build your surfing skills in the quickest time possible.

Explore Galle Fort  

The Dutch fort of Galle is a one-hour drive away and a must see while on surf holidays in Sri Lanka. Massive walls and beautiful lighthouse make for an excellent day trip in the south of Sri Lanka.

Day trip to Yala National Park  

A must do! Discover Sri Lanka’s amazing landscape off the beaten track. With an early morning start head to the best national park in the country.

River Cruise on Koggala  

Koggala Lake is located on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka and has many tiny islands to explore! We can help to arrange a boat trip around the lake and lagoon during your stay.

Surfing Sri Lanka / Everything You Need to Know

Surf safaris in tuk tuks, delicious curries, and fun waves for every ability of surfer — this is surfing Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. With friendly people and impressive landscapes, you’ll find yourself in good company with stunning scenery wherever you go.

Sri Lanka has two very different surf hubs operating on opposing surf season schedules, so you can score fun waves in Sri Lanka any time of the year. In this guide on surfing Sri Lanka, we’ll fill you in on the basics, when to go where, surf trip costs, transportation, where to stay, the food situation, and other essential info to help you plan your next surf trip to Sri Lanka.

Table of Contents

Travel Basics

Sri Lanka Surf

Surf Trip Cost Sri Lanka

Transportation

Where to Stay

Travel Insurance

Surfing Sri Lanka

Sri lanka travel basics.

WEATHER: The weather in Sri Lanka is like you’d expect on a tropical island. Mostly hot and humid with some tropical thunderstorms rolling through here and there to cool things down a bit.

For both the eastern and the southwest provinces, if you’re chasing the best surf your timing will coincide with the hotter and drier season.

This means temperatures will likely be in the 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit range or 30-40 degrees Celsius. And it can often feel hotter than what your average weather app is telling you, so you might want to stick with surfing in the mornings and evenings as often as possible to avoid the brutal sun and heat.

MONEY: The unit of currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. As of August 2017, 1 US Dollar = 150 Sri Lankan Rupees, 1 Euro = 179 Sri Lankan Rupees, 1 British Pound = 199 Sri Lankan Rupees, and 1 Australian Dollar = 121 Sri Lankan Rupees.

TIPPING: Tipping in Sri Lanka is not expected but is always appreciated. Some restaurants will add on a 10-12 percent service charge, but you can’t count on that money going to your server. Leaving around 10 percent of the total bill directly with our server is what we typically did.

Usually, there would be no need to tip a tuk-tuk driver, but you can always tip for exceptional service.

STAYING CONNECTED: We picked up a Dialog SIM card at the airport for about 1500 Sri Lankan Rupees or 10 US Dollars. There was only one plan available to us which included 8.5GB of data and 3-4G network coverage. Dialog does not allow you to use your mobile phone as a hotspot which is a bummer. But most hotels and restaurants offer free wifi.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re planning to visit either of the surf provinces in their monsoon season, it’s considered to be “off-season” and will be significantly slower with fewer eating and sleeping options available. Many hotels and restaurants completely close up shop.

Although the monsoon season definitely brings more rain and storms, keep in mind that the weather forecasts are not very accurate for the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The forecasts may likely show thunderstorms all day every day, but the reality could be a quick rain in the early morning or afternoon.

We found the southwest coast to be a welcome relief when we visited in the off-season. It was 10 degrees cooler than up in Arugam Bay and much quieter, which was a nice change of pace.

SRI LANKA SURF

Types of Surf Breaks

Sri Lanka has a variety of surf breaks to choose from and something for everyone. You will find sand bottom points, beach breaks, reef breaks and other interesting little set ups along the way.

For the most part, many of the breaks are fairly user-friendly, making Sri Lanka an excellent option for the beginner to intermediate surfer.

If you’re an advanced surfer seeking a bit more juice or some hollow barrels, you can find that too. However, don’t go expecting Indonesia type consistency, quality, and power.

Level of Difficulty

Once again, Sri Lanka is a great place to learn to surf or to hone your skills and advance into some more serious waves. With a variety of user-friendly waves and some really great surf instructors to help you progress, surfing in Sri Lanka caters to all levels of experience.

Season & Swell Info

There are two main surf hubs in Sri Lanka– on the Southwest Coast around Ahangama and Weligama, and in the Eastern Province around Arugam Bay.

SOUTHWEST COAST // Ahangama, Weligama, Hikkaduwa

On the Southwest Coast, the best conditions and greatest variety of waves are typically on offer from November through April. This is where you’ll find a variety of beach and reef breaks like Rams Right, The Rock, Lazy Lefts, Weligama, Plantations, Mirissa Point and many other quality waves on offer.

The same SW swells that hit Indonesia show up in Sri Lanka. The winds are most likely to be offshore in the mornings and late afternoons. Waves often run in the head high range and can push to double overhead during this time.

In the offseason on the Southwest Coast, many of the premiere breaks like Rams, The Rock, Lazy Lefts, and other main breaks stop working due to less than ideal wind conditions and different swell directions.

However, unlike the Eastern Province during the offseason, there’s still swell in the water and places with wind protection or where it blows cross-offshore where you can score some fun waves year round.

EASTERN PROVINCE // Arugam Bay

The surf season around Arugam Bay is from May through September. This is when the scattered right-hand sand bottom points of this dry and arid region come to life with the passing southeast/southwest swells. A few of the breaks in this area are Arugam Bay, Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock, and Okanda.

During the peak season, Arugam Bay is graced with many offshore mornings and there are several nearby breaks which have headlands that provide some wind protection and keep things fairly clean and ridable throughout the day.

During the offseason in the Eastern Province (October – April), it’s likely to be flat and not worth a visit if you’re looking for waves.

At the best breaks on both coasts you can certainly count on finding hefty crowds much of the time.

SOUTHWEST COAST // Ahangama / Weligama / Hikkaduwa

On the Southwest Coast, there is such a great variety of waves to choose from in close proximity that you can avoid the worst of it if you’re willing to drive around a bit to check the various breaks for the smallest crowds.

If you’re an advanced surfer you might even find yourself scoring Rams Right barrel with only a handful of others out since there are a lot of beginner and intermediate surfers around who won’t be too keen on surfing a fast hollow shallow reef break.

In the Eastern Province, Arugam Bay is the main attraction and located directly in town. You’ll likely find dozens of surfers out at all times. Eager surfers are up and on it long before first light to beat the crowds and the heat, mostly the crowds.

Don’t be surprised if you think you’re the first one to paddle out while it’s still dark only to find a healthy lineup of others with the same idea. That being said, it’s definitely worth a shot and you just might avoid the worst of it.

A hint for surfing the Eastern Province. The further away you get from Arugam Bay, the fewer surfers you’re likely to encounter. There are still places you can surf all alone at least for a period of time before a few others show up.

In both regions, there are still waves out of sight and farther than most people are willing to go searching for waves. So if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll likely be rewarded if you go searching off-the-beaten-path.

Water Temperature

The water temperature in Sri Lanka ranges from about 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 to 29 degrees Celsius all year long. So be prepared to enjoy all those board shorts and bikini sessions, although you might want to wear a rash guard from time to time for some extra protection from the powerful sun.

Getting to the Surf

Hiring a tuk-tuk driver is the easiest way to get to the surf in most cases and also part of the fun of surfing Sri Lanka. Most hotels and resorts will be more than happy to help you sort it out. Or you can always chat and negotiate prices with local drivers yourself.

If you don’t use tuk-tuks to get around, try to stick with someone who is experienced with driving in Sri Lanka as you will quickly learn that the roads are chaotic, to say the least. Think Mad Max without the explosives. Okay maybe not that bad, but let’s just say everyone from tuk-tuk drivers to bus drivers pull seriously erratic and risky maneuvers… especially those crazy bus drivers.

On the Southwest Coast, the surf breaks are closer together and you can see many of them from the main coastal road which makes it easier to navigate.

You can rent a scooter for about $6-$8 USD per day to explore the area at your own leisure or hire a tuk-tuk driver for similar costs as Arugam Bay.

In Arugam Bay, we had an awesome driver by the name of Kannan. He’s a super cool local surfer who is happy to go hunt for waves at a fair price. Leave a comment below if you’re heading to Sri Lanka and would like his contact info.

In most cases any given tuk-tuk driver will start high for their going rate, so always be prepared to negotiate a rate that you feel okay with and never get into a tuk-tuk or taxi until the rate has been agreed on.

To hire a tuk-tuk driver for a 4-5 hour round trip surf expedition from Arugam Bay to Okanda or the Lighthouse (two of the farthest well-known breaks from Arugam Bay; about a 45-minute drive) the going price is about 3000 Sri Lankan Rupees or about $20 USD.

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The closer breaks to Arugam Bay such as Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Pottuvil Point, and Elephant Rock will likely cost around 1000-2500 rupees (around $7 – $17 USD) for a round trip tuk-tuk ride. Tuk-tuks hold two passengers comfortably, but you can squeeze in a third if you need to.

You can rent a scooter for about $6-$8 USD per day, but you might want to take a tuk-tuk to the break your first time and pay close attention to the roads. All of the breaks outside of Arugam Bay require navigating through unmarked dirt roads.

We’ll cover more in our transportation section below, including car/scooter rentals and how to get around on your longer trips.

Good to Know

The off-season on the Southwest Coast of Sri Lanka is from around May through October. A lot of hotels and restaurants fully close up shop during this timeframe due to a lack of tourism. You can still score fun waves at this time, but there are definitely fewer breaks on offer.

The offseason in the Eastern Province is around October through April. While there might be some random swells during the shoulder months, it’s basically flat at Arugam Bay and all the nearby breaks so probably not worth a visit if you’re seeking surf. A ton of hotels and restaurants fully shut down there as well.

SURF TRIP COSTS IN SRI LANKA

From budget accommodation to luxury, you can find it in Sri Lanka. To give you an idea of potential costs, here are a couple of examples of what you might encounter on a daily basis during the peak season. Whatever route you take budget-wise, you will also need to consider the cost of transportation to and from the area you plan to visit (which we’ll cover in the transportation section below).

You can easily find accommodation in the peak season for under $10-$20 USD per night. These places will be very basic and you typically won’t get air conditioning at this price. You can eat street roti at 60-100 rupees or about 50 cents as a common snack and go with to rice and curry dishes at local restaurants for lunch and dinner at around 200-300 rupees or $1.50-$2.00 USD per meal.

If you want to get away from your nearest break to surf other waves a tuk-tuk ride will run you around 900-3000 rupees ($6-$20 USD) round trip for a few hours of surfing. Add in $3-$4 USD for your daily beer budget and you’re golden.

Low budget breakdown. Roughly speaking.

Room: $15 per night Snacks: $3 per day for rotis and other snacks Meals: $6 per day ($2 per meal) Transportation: $12 per day Beers: $4 per day Water: $2 per day

Grand total: $42 USD per day (knock off $10 or so if you’re splitting your room and transportation)

Mid-Range Budget

You can find mid-range rooms with air conditioning and breakfast included in the $50-$150 USD per night range. You’ll still want your fix of roti and street food. Meals at nicer restaurants will run 600-1000 rupees or $4-$7 USD per meal. You might take some longer or more frequent tuk-tuk rides and pay a little more for drinks at nicer restaurants.

Room: $80 per night Snacks: $5 per day Meals: $21 per day ($7 per meal) Transportation: $20 per day Beers and coffee: $10 per day Water: $2 per day

Grand total: $138 US per day (knock off $40+ if you’re splitting your room and transportation)

Ah, the finer things. Always a nice option if you can swing it. For those of you with a little extra jingle, Sri Lanka has some really incredible hotels and surf retreats on offer.

We had an awesome stay at an all-inclusive surf and yoga retreat on the Southwest Coast called Soul & Surf Sri Lanka. From yoga lessons to delicious food to transportation, everything is included and taken care of. You can check out Soul & Surf here .

Grand total:  around $200 USD per day and up.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting around in Sri Lanka is always an adventure. You can see lots of amazing wildlife right off the roads, from peacocks to monkeys, to elephants if you’re lucky.

In certain parts of the country, wild elephants hang out in the middle of the road. Our driver told us that because people feed the elephants along the roadside, the elephants will now stand there just waiting for passing cars to feed them through the window.

While we can’t deny that it was a cool sight, please be respectful and heed the signs: don’t feed any wild animals ! One of the most incredible things about Sri Lanka is the wildlife, but elephants begging on the side of the road is a negative effect of human interference with wild animals and the natural environment.

Back to the nitty-gritty. Transportation costs in Sri Lanka are reasonable, especially if you’re traveling with others so you can split the cost.

Both surf hubs are far away from the airport (Arugam Bay is a 7-10 hour drive, and the Southwest coast is a 3-4 hour drive), so you have a couple of basic options for transportation.

Option 1: Travel from the airport to your surf hub by way of a taxi, bus, or train, and then use tuk-tuks or rent a scooter to get around at your destination.

Option 2: Rent a car and drive yourself.

We highly recommend option 1, as renting a car will likely be more expensive at about $40 USD per day for a compact car, and driving in Sri Lanka is a bit sketchy. For the most part, taxi drivers, bus drivers, and tuk-tuk drivers all abide by the same rules: drive fast and pass often (even on blind corners).

If you’re not used to playing chicken with nearly every other vehicle on the road, this may be a bit nerve-racking for you at first. Especially when it’s a large bus moving fast and there’s barely enough space for both of you with pedestrians to the side.

With that said, renting your own vehicle is probably not a great idea if this is your first time to Sri Lanka.

Southwest Coast / Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa

• PRIVATE TAXI: A mid-sized six-seater taxi van from the airport in Colombo to Ahangama (about a three-hour drive) should cost you about 10,000-12,000 rupees or $65-$80 USD.
• TRAIN + TUK TUK: A train from Colombo to Weligama (about a 2.5-4 hour train ride) is $2-$4 USD, and then a local tuk-tuk to get to your hotel will likely be less than $5 USD.
• BUS + TAXI: A bus from Colombo to Galle is about $2 USD. And a taxi from Galle to Weligama should cost around $10-$15 USD, or there is a train from Galle to Weligama for $1 USD.

While it’s not 100% accurate and doesn’t show every bus and train route out there, Rome2Rio is a great trip planning tool when it comes to learning about transportation options.

Eastern Province / Arugam Bay

• PRIVATE TAXI: A mid-sized six-seater taxi van from the airport to Arugam Bay which is about an eight-hour drive should cost you about 18,000-19,000 rupees or $120-$126 USD. You can potentially get a better price if you go directly to a driver and shop around.
• There is a direct bus, number 98, which departs twice a day at 5 am and 8 pm from Colombo to Pottuvil. A ticket should cost you less than $5 USD.
• A luxury air-conditioned bus will cost around $10-$15 USD. For more information about bus schedules, routes, and fares, click here .

There aren’t any direct trains to Arugam Bay from Columbo, so if you’re set on taking the train it would be best to catch the train from Colombo to Badulla. And then a bus or taxi from Badulla to Arugam Bay. The train from Colombo to Badulla should cost less than $4 USD. The bus from Badulla to Pottuvil will be around $4 USD, and then another $6-$8 USD for a tuk-tuk or taxi from Pottuvil to Arugam Bay.

There are plenty of options for getting around in Sri Lanka. We decided not to hassle with the trains and buses since we were lugging around our bulky surfboard bags , but we heard that the scenery on the train routes is absolutely gorgeous and that you can sit can dangle your legs off the side of the train which sounds pretty rad.

If you want to go on the train or a bus with surfboard bags it might pose some challenges. You might have to wait around for a bus or train with extra cargo space and pay a few extra bucks. So plan accordingly.

WHERE TO STAY

As with the waves in Sri Lanka, so goes with places to stay– there’s something for everyone.

In the lower budget range (less than $75 USD per night) you can find some decent guesthouses and hostels. You can even find a place to lay your head for less than $10 per night if that’s what you’re looking for.

In the mid-range ($75-$150 per night) there are a lot of great options (many with air conditioning and breakfast included), with new hotels sprouting up regularly. From surf camps to private villas, there are some nice places if you book in advance for the peak season.

In the luxury realm (over $150 per night) you’ll be in for a treat. There are some fantastic luxury hotels and surf villas , as well as all-inclusive surf retreats . Many luxury options will include extras like breakfast, unlimited filtered water, coffee, snacks and so on. Or if you’re staying at an all-inclusive retreat, most everything will be included in your stay.

Here are a handful of our top recommendations.

MIDRANGE • $75 – $150 per night

LUXURY • $150+ per night

For food options in Sri Lanka, you’ll find curries, roti, a mix of international western options, and more curries. Sri Lankan food is similar to Indian food with plenty of rich spices and flavors — and absolutely delicious!

A lot of the restaurants in the tourist hubs of Sri Lanka try to be everything to everyone. Many menus offer everything from local dishes to burgers, noodles, and more. Personally, I prefer not to eat at restaurants that try to offer everything, but when options were slim, we ate our fair share of meals at places like this and even they were quite good, although we always ordered the local dishes.

Sri Lankan curries are super tasty! And roti are tasty easy snacks you can find at street vendors all over the country.

• An inexpensive local restaurant will cost about 200 – 300 rupees for rice and curry ($1.50 – $2 USD).
• A mid-range restaurant will cost around 600 – 1000 rupees for a meal ($4 – $7 USD).
• A high-end restaurant will cost you 1500 – 3000 rupees for a meal ($10 – $20 USD).

TRAVEL INSURANCE

While we’d all rather not think about getting injured, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.

That being the case, many hotels and surf properties actually require that you have approved travel insurance in case of a serious inquiry or trip cancellation, especially in the wake of COVID.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. We recommend  battleface  or  World Nomads Insurance . Both companies offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover heaps of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.

Get a battleface Insurance Quote >>

Get a World Nomads Insurance Quote >>

Questions, comments, or recommendations?

Please let us know in the comments below, dig this guide to surfing sri lanka, check out these other surf travel guides >>.

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101 thoughts on “Surfing Sri Lanka / Everything You Need to Know”

Can you rent surfboards and are the rentals good boards (not soft tops)

Yeah, you can certainly find quality surfboard rentals. Might take some searching to flesh out the best options.

Kannan information, we are family of 4, 3 intermediated to advance surfers, hopefully:)

Cannot wait to see all that Sri Lanka has to offer from sites to surfing!

John & Fam

Hi John, yes, of course, here you go! His local number should still be +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111

My partner and I are travelling over to East Coast Sri Lanka for a little surf trip for our honeymoon in September. We would love to get the contact info for Kannan if that’s allgood?

Hi Emma, yes, of course, here you go! His local number should still be +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111

Hi there, Would love to know what board rental is like in Sri Lanka? Or am I better off booking a surf camp if I didn’t want to bring my own boards across? Thanks!

Hi! Ceylon sliders in Weligama offers surf board rentals. They have both longboards, fish boards and a few shortboards I think.

Flying out to Sri Lanka late April and wondering whether it is worth exploring the south coast for waves or to go straight over to the east.

Thanks Gabriel

Hey, yes, the southwest is still worth exploring in April. Enjoy!

Not sure maybe somebody already commented earlier but does the current economic / political situation has any impact on surfers coming to Sri Lanka nowadays?

Planning a trip in winter, I notice governmental websites advise against only if its highly necessary.

Any thoughts let me know

Hi Daan, it certainly isn’t perfect and there may be some hiccups when traveling there but things are improving and businesses in surf tourism are welcoming surf travelers from all over the world with open arms. Sri Lanka has been through a lot over the years, and the country could use the support of tourism now more than ever. Hope you are able to get out there and have an amazing trip! Cheers

Hey dude, planning a surf trip for me and my gf, both pretty damn beginner. Was thinking of Sri Lanka and read your article. Super useful! I’m looking at dates 23 Sep – 2 Oct as it coincides with my birthday but can’t decide which location is a safer bet, as it’s kind of in between on and off season for both of those you’ve shared. Any info would be great. Thanks man.

Hi Adam, sorry we didn’t get to this in time! Hard to say as your timing is right between both seasons, that said, the southewest region gets waves year round, the winds are just more favorable for more consistently clean conditions in the prime surf season. So the southwest region is would prob be safer bet although you can potentially score in either area. Cheers

This site has provided me with great information. I am thinking of planning a trip early December to the south west coast. Any helpful information that you can provide? I surf Mexcio a lot. This will be my first far away surf trip and plan to start doing more. Any advice you can think of is greatly appreciated.

Hey there, awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a great trip. Check out our Surf Travel 101 article , and our Surf Trip Packing List for more surf travel advice and insights. Cheers and happy travels!

Thanks Eric. I have been researching a lot. Would it be best to perhaps stay around Weligama or Hikkaduwa? Would that be a good area to branch out from to surf various areas?

Thanks Again

You’re welcome, Don. Yeah, Weligama is a great hub for exploring the southwest coast. There is a good concentration of breaks within striking distance from there.

Hi, what will the surf be like at the start of October ? regards Craig

Hey, depends where you go, but you should be able to find fun surf somewhere! I’d say the southwest is your best bet.

first of all: thanks for the great info. By far the best and comprehensive guide to surfing in Sri Lanka I’ve found so far. I want to do a 2 months trip in July/August, mainly to surf. I’m looking for budget-friendly a destination with warm weather and consistent surf. Waves don’t have to be world class since I’m only an intermediate surfer. As of now I’m looking into Bali and Sri Lanka. I’ve already been to Bali but I’ve never been to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka definitely looks beautiful and because of the season we would obviously go to the East/Arugam area. The only thing I’m concerned about are the crowds. Especially compared to Bali I was expecting fewer crowds in Sri Lanka and I hoped for somewhat remote surf. However, after looking at a couple of edits from Arugam area, it looks as crowded – if not more crowded – than Bali. I was kind of surprised to see that honestly.

So finally my question(s): How bad are the crowds? Is there a lot of localism? Can you easily escape the crowds by looking for other spots outside Arugam? And are there other good spots?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Hey David, to jump right into your questions. Like most places it varies from break to break, based on time of day, etc, etc. Of course, Arugam Bay is one of the most well-known and crowded waves in that area, but you should still should be able to manage getting some fun ones there. Also, if you hire a good guide to show you around, you can go find/explore less crowded breaks. Re localism, I wouldn’t be too concerned about that, unlike more hardcore surf destinations, Sri Lanka has lots of beginner and intermediate level surfers. Not to say there aren’t advanced surfers as well, but it’s pretty mellow in general in my experience. Yes, you can venture away from Arugam Bay to find waves, I will leave the other good spots question a mystery, as you’ve got to leave some adventure and exploration. But, in most cases/surf destinations, there is just about ALWAYS other good spots. 😉

excellent info guys. is there a good surf & yoga retreat on the east coast ?

Hi Craig — Thanks for your feedback! We’re not aware of a great surf and yoga retreat on the east coast, but we’ll keep on the lookout! If you’re open to other areas of Sri Lanka, a fantastic surf and yoga retreat on the southwest coast is Soul & Surf . We highly recommend the retreat and this coastline is a beautiful lush area! Cheers

yeh cheers Tara… i saw that & i guess it’s just the right season to stay there. I will be travelling alone so was just after your thoughts as i’ve never been to Sri Lanka

HI great article, is it easier to get tuktuks around/to breaks or mopeds? Thanks

Hey, thanks! Either options works, it’s pretty easy to get TukTuks and I would recommend you start with that option to get the lay of land and driving conditions. Cheers

Hey hey Thank for the info super good to know and loads of info .Heading down there in First week of March. Wife is sunning away while I’m surfing so looking for good swell or just fun ripable waves as never been to this area. We staying in Abode Ahangama so looks central. Looks like its early rise and check the charts or sports . Fun time ahead I hope ewwwwwww

Hey Simon — Thanks for your feedback! We’re stoked you found the guide helpful. Hope you score and have an amazing trip! 🙂

Hey legends! Extremely grateful for everything you are doing, have so much epic info! I’m looking at travelling with my partner end of January/February for 3 weeks & trying to figure out the best options for the surf and which route to take (spot’s/area’s to check out) to get a real good experience of Sri Lanka surf for the time we are there.

Looking forward to hearing back from you

Hey James, thanks for the kind words! Jan/Feb is primetime for the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, so you’ll want to spend the majority (if not all) of your time in that area if your primary focus is surfing. Fly into Colombo, and head south to check out some of the main surf spots/hubs on the southwest coast; Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, The Rock, Weligama, Mirissa and beyond! Hire a driver for the quickest route, or hop the train for more scenery and adventure. Happy travels!

Hi Eric, we are thinking of traveling in April from the US. Where are you traveling from? Are you worried about the closures and difficulties in getting there due to covid? Ive been reading. lot and it seems risky to travel to Sri Lanka right now? Which is heart breaking because we are dying to go! Thoughts??

PS. Thank you for this blog its very helpful!!!!

Hi Leah, awesome! It’s hard to say what it will be like in April 2022 as things are changing every week. But as of the time I’m writing this comment, we have been in contact with and helping plenty of travelers from different areas of the globe (US, UK, Europe, India, and beyond) with trips to Sri Lanka. I hope that travel will get easier with time as the world adapts to the new norms, but only time will tell. Glad you found our site to be helpful! Let us know if we can further help with booking your trip. Cheers

This info is disappointing in some ways. I have reason to be in South India May-June 2022. I was thinking of taking a flight over to Sri Lanka for some surf. You make it sound impossibly crowded with the line-up packed before sunrise?! Why travel halfway around the world to find another Malibu? I often pay just to get to difficult to reach, uncrowded waves, whatever it costs. So I guess that’s what I’m looking for? Any suggestions for that part of the world?

Hey Jonathan – Like most places, crowd levels depend on where you’re going and of course the time of year. At the most well-known spots (like Arugam Bay and Weligama) there can be plenty of people out at peak season. That said, if you travel a bit farther to surf breaks away from the most well-known spots (you can hire a tuk tuk), you can find line-ups with fewer people. We surfed some breaks in Sri Lanka with a handful of people out and it was awesome — it was just a solid 40-minute drive away from a popular surf hub.

Since you’re looking for difficult-to-reach uncrowded waves in that part of the world and are happy to pay a premium, it sounds like a perfect fit for you could be the Maldives. The Maldives come with a luxury tropical paradise, plus fewer surfers out than Sri Lanka. Again, the more remote resorts/boat routes will get you fewer surfers out. For the ultimate surf splurge, you can even charter a seaplane for surf excursions. Check out this Guide to Surfing the Maldives .

Niyama Private Islands Maldives has a 25% discount right now on advance bookings. Niyama is a luxury resort with its own surf break off the island and many other breaks nearby accessible by boat.

Hope you have an amazing trip! Cheers

I am thinking about going to Weligama in August (the third week). I am from India. This trip will be mainly to introduce my two kids to surfing. Is August a good month? I am flexible about other locations too to try out (within Srilanka).

By the way, a very new post.

Hi Bharathi, yeah, while August is not a part of the peak prime surf season, there will be still be waves that are plenty suitable for kids just learning to surf, so no worries on that front. If you are looking for better quality waves, then the east coast and Arugum Bay area would be a better bet as that as August is during the prime season on that side. But really, if this is your kids first time surfing I think that you would find conditions in the southwest to be fine for learning too. Enjoy your trip!

Hiii, Thank you so much for this extremely detailed article! I’m a local living in the island itself and honestly I can’t say I’ve found any other plc with so much info. Trying to get my friends interested in surfing, I really really wanna try it 😀 Best wishes with all your future trips.

Thanks, Gee! So happy you found it helpful. We love Sri Lanka — you live in a beautiful place! Surfing is so much fun, I hope you’re able to try it soon 🙂 Cheers

Hey, thank you so much for detailed post. I am heading to Sri Lanka in April so it’s just in the middle of the two seasons. Having a hard time deciding if we should spend a few days in Arugam Bay before making our way to Ahangama/Weligama area. What are you thoughts on the surf conditions mid April in A-Bay? Thank you so much!

Hi Laura, yeah, I’d say it’s worth checking out before making your way down to Ahangama/Weligama area. Do know where you’re going to stay in Ahangama/Weligama area? We work with a bunch of awesome surf camps, boutique hotels, and villas in the area and would love to help you book somewhere great to stay! You can submit an inquiry here: https://lushpalm.com/surf-trip-inquiry/ And here’s a list of reasons to book through Lush Palm: https://lushpalm.com/why-book-with-us/

Hey man! Heading to Sri Lanka at the start of April, Intermediate/advanced surfer looking for some info on some mellow spots you could suggest that may still pick up swell during the off season and fairly consistent?

Hey Andre! If you’re looking to head to Aragum Bay, you might want to contact Kannan. He’s an awesome local surf guide we recommend and his local number is +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111 If you’re heading to Southwest Sri Lanka that’s still a great month to get waves. I’ll shoot you an email to discuss this.

Hey man, Im looking at doing 15 ish days in Sri Lanka in June this year. I read a lot saying that the East coast is the place to be from May to Sept. aside from the main breaks all over the internet, is there much for less popular breaks (especially lefts :P) ? I plan on going alone, so im hoping theres enough swell in June to keep me busy

Hey Brent, yeah, you’ll likely have plenty of swell to stay busy. We surfed rights in the Aragam Bay area. Get in touch with Kannan and he’ll take you to the best less popular spots.

Hi, I am coming to ahangama on 22 of feb. foe a week. i am an intermediate surfer and would like to spend 3-4 days with a very good instructor (including video etc.) do you have any leed for me ?

Hi Eric, Your article has been so helpful. My Fiance and I are headed to Male in July. We want to stay in Sri Lanka a week before to get over jet lab. After your article, I am looking into Argum Bay. I friended Kannan on FB. Do you have any recommendations to stay. We like the boutique hotel.

Hi Diana, Great, glad to hear! Yes, I have some recommendations. Please submit an inquiry here and I’ll follow up accordingly: https://lushpalm.com/surf-trip-inquiry/ Cheers, Eric

Hey! Great article thanks for the tips! Heading to Sri Lanka for a month next week, starting in Arugam Bay and traveling the coast all the way to Hikkaduwa looking for waves and was wondering if I could get Kannans info for Arugam? Thanks!

Hey Fletcher! Thanks, you bet. I’ll email his contact to you right now. Cheers, Eric

Hello! could you please advice surfing spots in late September and early October? we are total beginners and would like some time to practice by ourselves as well as lessons

Hello! Thanks for reaching out. We’ll be happy to help! I just sent you an email with some questions. I look forward to connecting. Cheers, Eric

Hi, thanks for a great survey! Given that I arrive on mid-september, would it be better to skip arugam for lack of waves (I’m beginner’s beginner) would love your input. thanks!

Hi, you’re welcome! You could probably still score some fun waves in September in Arugam. I emailed you some questions to get more information about your trip. Happy to help! Cheers

Do I understand you correctly if I think it’s still possible to surf on the southwest coast in July even if it’s not high season? If so, where on the southwest coast would be best? I’m a beginner and would like to avoid fighting with the crowds in the East coast over every wave 🙂

Hi Jennifer, Yes, you are correct in your understanding. You can still get fun surf that is way less crowded on the SW coast of Sri Lanka in July which is considered to be the off-season. I’d recommend staying in the Ahangama/Weligama area. Let us know if you want help finding the perfect place. Cheers!

Great guide! Couple questions — do you know where to find the luxury aircon buses that run from Colombo to Arugam Bay? I read on some other forums that those don’t run anymore because cab drivers protested them. Not sure if that’s true — do you have any input/ advice? Trying to find the least painful way to get from the airpot to A bay.

And what’s the swell size like in Arugam Bay in July? Ive read 3-8 feet, but am also finding mixed reports!

Thanks for your help!

Hi Val- Happy you found it helpful! If the info/posts you read on the forums is recent then I would believe it. Unfortunately, there is a real lack of transportation information for Sri Lanka, especially for the buses! Did you check out this website ? And do you know where you are staying in Arugam Bay? I would ask them for a recommendation, as they help travelers all the time and have the most recent information.

Re: swell size in Arugam Bay, obviously it depends on the swell, but the range of 3 – 8 feet sounds about right. It will more likely be smaller than bigger, and I don’t know what size you prefer, but if you’re looking for smaller waves, if it’s big at Arugam Bay you can most likely find smaller waves at other nearby breaks.

Have an awesome trip!

Yeww. May come in August. Have done A-Bay and areas before and had fun but we might hit the SW coast this time. Can you confirm that there will still be a few surfable spots nearby, sheltered from nasty winds??

Hey Ben- In August you’re more likely to score in the Arugam Bay area, as this is typically the offseason for the SW coast (and on-season for A-Bay). We tried our luck on the SW coast in August (after hitting A-Bay) and we did get a couple of fun days at a reef break and some surfable beach break days, but it was definitely slim pickings. As we mentioned in the guide, you can find surf in the offseason, but it typically won’t have the consistency or quality of the better months (November through April). You could hit the SW coast, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get decent surf (especially if you’re there for a smaller window). The SW coast in August is a roll of the dice!

Hope you have an awesome trip! Yeeew!

Sweeeeeeet info! Should i bring a board over? ill be travelling for a few months(hopefully), Is it worth buying a motorbike?

Hey Gabriel! Happy you’re digging the guide! There are a few surf shops, but limited board options so I’d recommend bringing a board to make sure you have what you want on hand. And not so sure about buying a motorbike. If you’re staying mostly in one area, many people take tuk-tuks for transportation, or you can also just rent a motorbike. If you’re staying mostly in the same area, renting is probably the way to go. Also, just FYI, driving in Sri Lanka is preeeetty crazy 🙂

Have an awesome trip! Cheers

Hey bro, cool tips, just to double check that I got it right, no point going East chasing waves if im going to be in Sri Lanka the whole of April right? better stay west? Cheers!

Hey Al – Yes, that’s correct! Swells in the east don’t really pick up until May, so for April, it would be best to stay west for your trip. Arugam Bay is a cool area, but during the offseason, there isn’t much potential for surf. Have an awesome trip! Cheers

I’m definitely keen to hear if there are any local guides in the Southwest. My partner and I are heading to Dikwella next week and are also hoping to find someone with local knowledge who would be available to show us around. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Dan, wish I could help you out. I’d did some quick research but didn’t find anything. We stayed near Weligama at a place called Soul & Surf which had non-local surf guide staff, and Weligama is about an hour west of Dikwella area. The waves are a lot more accessible in the south so I think it would be easier for you to get around and explore if you do a little surf break research. That being said, I’m sure you can meet someone pretty easily once you’re who would be happy to show you around. Good luck and hope you score! Cheers

I’m in my late 20’s & my partner is in his early 30’s, I have read Galle in Sri Lanka is more family surf holiday.

I am looking for a point break to ride a mal or mini-mal, something to the likes of the pass at byron, rainbow bay on the gold coast & noosa on the sunshine coast of Australia,

which beaches out of Unawatuna/Galle, Weligama & Mirissa are the closest to a point break/long consistent ride(avoiding shallow reefs)?

I am not a beginner but i’m not catching every single wave & riding the nose.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Nicole, those are some fine breaks you mention. I’d say Mirissa could be a fun spot for you guys. The reef there is pretty mellow but can get shallow on a low tide, just be mindful of urchins. Also, Lazy Rights in Midigama is a mellow reef with deeper water and a channel. The rides won’t be as long as the breaks you mention but I’m sure you’ll have fun. Beyond that, I’d say you should get in touch some folks who live down there to pick their brains as I’m sure there are others in the area that I’m not familiar with.

Good luck and hope you guys have a blast!

Great blog. Just starting my research into a surf trip that will be coming off the back of a few weeks doing humanitarian work in India (will be in sir lanka mid December).

Im an intermediate level surfer, been surfing for years but im nothing special, could you recommend a back packing route heading south of Colombo? Im a natural so the more lefts the better!

And help is greatly appreciated. Cheers!

Hey Mason, thanks man! Sounds like an awesome trip you’re planning. I’m not familiar with anything between Colombo and Hikkaduwa, which is about 2 hours drive. But I’d just say head south from Colombo, surf Hikkaduwa, then make your way down along the coast through Galle, Unawatuna, Midigama, Weligama, Mirissa and beyond if you’re seeking waves! Those are some of the major surf towns where you’ll find plenty of lefts and rights. I’d suggest looking into catching a train for part of the way which we didn’t fit in but heard is really incredible. That might be a cool thing to do from Colombo to Hikkaduwa although I don’t know the exact routes.

Enjoy the journey!

Can I please get contact details for Kannan your driver / surf guide on the east coast?

Also, would you still recommend surfing the south west coast in mid-late July for an intermediate surfer or are there just way too few breaks at that time?

Hi Lucy, yes, of course. Kannan’s local number is +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111 I’m sure he’d be stoked to show you and you guys around. Say hello for us!

As for surfing the southwest coast during that time, it just depends on what you’re looking for in the trip. If it’s about scoring the absolute best surf, then probably not. But if you want to check out a completely different part of the country don’t mind surfing mediocre waves, then yeah, it’ll be worth it. There should still be some alright waves to be found. We surfed there in Aug and had some fun sessions.

Another question if you don’t mind…

I was planning to stay at surf and soul but we are little late in booking. Can you please suggest another stay along the likes of Surf & Sole? We are looking for a stay with a nice pool area & amongst some green or not.. Basically a boutique (or not) luxury escape.

Thank you for your time!

Hi Nicole! In the same area, Sunshine Stories and Ceylon Sliders are both very cool spots, but they don’t have pools at their properties. Cape Weligama is a beautiful luxury property, and Eraeliya Villas and Gardens is also a nice one. Have a wonderful trip! Cheers

Hi Karine! Our pleasure! Good stuff, hope you have an awesome trip, I’m sure you will, Sri Lanka is a beautiful place with great people. When we were in Welligama it was considered to be off season so the place was pretty quiet as a lot of people close up shop for the season. However, you should be good in mid-October with the start of the season right around the corner. Look up Dylan’s Surf Company, they have a surf shop in the Weligama area and you might also want to check out Ceylon Sliders! Have fun and get some good ones for us! Cheers

Hey Eric! great infos thanks! We are heading to Welligama area mid-October for a month of Sup surfing. Is there a few options of shops that sells women’s surf swimwear, booties etc…? We’re super stoked!! cheers!

Hi Eric Thanks for a very comprehensive article on SL. Im heading there in January. Are there lots of wave spots in the Mirissa area?

Hi Michael, that’s a great time to go. And yes, there are plenty of breaks in the 10 min drive stretch from Mirissa to Weligama and beyond in both directions!

Hi Eric, my family and I want to travel to Sri Lanka for the first time, we want to head to the south west coast, I like the idea of Marissa Bay or similar. What would be the best accommodation options for a surfing family of 7(youngest being 3yrs old).

Hey Ryan, first of all, that’s amazing and thanks for the future family surf travel inspiration! I suppose the best accommodations very much boil down to your personal preference. We often go the boutique hotel route but if I had a family of 7 I’d probably go the family-friendly resort route with a pool or rent a private villa. You might want to check out Number One Mirissa for a boutique hotel at Mirissa Bay or Paradise Beach Club for more of the beachfront resort style offering. Hope you get some fun waves while you’re there! Cheers

Hey! Was wondering what spots might work best on the southwest coast during the off season. I’ll be out there beginning of July, I know you said certain breaks that have wind protection or are side shore could still be fun. Appreciate any recommendations, thanks!

Hey Zach! There is a really great surf break breakdown I think you’ll find helpful here: https://www.soulandsurf.com/retreats/sri-lanka/surf/conditions-breaks/ We caught Weligama on some decent and fun cross shore windy days and there are some right reef breaks in the area too if you ask around I’m sure you’ll get pointed in the right direction once you’re there! Cheers and good luck! Hope you score some fun ones.

Planning a surf trip for two months, Oct-Nov. Based on previous articles I’ve read, it seemed that the waves would still work in October, if not on the South-West, then on the East coast, however you have both areas as ‘off-season’ for October. Our dates are inflexible… would you recommend I look elsewhere for October or should we get some surf?

Hi Sadie, thanks for reaching out. I think in the Arugam Bay area that while Oct is considered by many to be the start of their “off-season” there could still be some residual late season swells that roll through so you could probably find some waves at that time, the closer to Sept the better. And then the actual surf season on the southwest coast starts in November so you should be good there. So if you spent Oct around Arugam Bay, and November on the Southwest coast, you could potentially get the best of both worlds! Just depends on what Mother Nature has in store for you 🙂

Eric…

Rad blog bro, great info… Am heading to Sri Lanka & A Bay for da first time in August, I’ll definitely look up Kannan, he soundz like the exact dude I want to help me out when there, but my question is two fold, changing foreign currency into local coin, where best??? And getting from Colombo to A Bay, least hassle way, taxi??? Cheerz bro

Hey Ryan, thanks for the feedback man, much appreciated. As for changing currency, we always used ATMs because we set up bank accounts with banks that don’t charge any foreign exchange transaction or withdrawal fees. But if you aren’t in that same boat, I’d just recommend doing it at the airport so you don’t have to hassle with finding a place. As for getting from Colombo to A Bay, I’d say arranging a private taxi in advance if you can is the least hassle way to go about it. If you’re staying in Colombo for a night, your host could probably help you find a driver. If you’re traveling alone, you might want to look out for other surfers on your flight to see if they want to split the cost. Cheers and good luck brother!

Tnx for the extensive blog, great read. I am looking for a local surf guide to show me around and find the best spot in any given condition. Not looking for the usual surf camp experience but just somebody with great local knowledge. Any experience? Tnx already

Hey David, thanks for reaching out, glad liked the article and found it helpful! What area are you looking for a local surf guide in? If it’s Arugam Bay, I highly recommended getting in touch with Kannan. He is an awesome local guide and just a really cool guy, you can find his contact info is in the other comments. If you’re looking for someone in southwest Sri Lanka, let me know and I could probably help you get connected with someone in that area as well.

Hi Eric, my family are heading to AB at the endow June. Kannan sounds perfect for us! Could I get his details?

Cheers, Viva

Hi Viva, yes, of course. Kannan’s local number is +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111 I’m sure he’d be stoked to show you and your family around. Say hello for us!

Hi. Are you seeing many kitesurfers in Arugam yet? If so when is the Windiest time of year? Cheers John

Hi John, not sure, we didn’t see any when we were in the area but try checking in with the crew over at Upali Beach Surf Resort & Cafe. You can find them on Facebook with @upalibeach. They’d probably be able to provide some local insight on the matter. Cheers!

We are going in April – starting in Arugam Bay and working down to Weligama/Galle area.

We wanted to get a transfer to AB – then try and see if we could rent a car for the rest of our trip – would you recommend this? We quite want some flexibility about where to go after spending 3 days in AB.

What were your top surf sports towards the south, ideally not too touristy and busy!

Hi Lucy, I’m not 100% sure about renting a car in Arugam Bay. Doing a quick search on Expedia shows there is nothing available, I’m not sure if that’s because it’s all booked out or there are just no car rental companies. I’d think you could sort it out, but I can’t tell you for sure one way or another. You might want to try emailing a place like Spice Trail to ask a local resident. I know you can rent a Tuk-Tuk in Arugam Bay if you want to go explore the area. And while surrounding areas of Arugam Bay are pretty remote and rural, Sri Lanka, in general, is a pretty crazy place to drive so be careful if you’re planning to drive around. As for top surf spots to the south, we were there in the off-season so only a couple breaks we’re working. But if we were to go back during the peak season, I’d definitely want to go see what’s up the coast to the east beyond Mirissa. Hope you score your ideal waves!

Thinking about heading to Weligama at the end of February for a while, on a big SE asia trip. Sadly, I had to sell my boards in Indo, are there places in weligama or colombo where I can buy a used shortie? If so any idea the cost?

Also, are there scooters w/ surf racks?

Thanks for the post man,

super helpful.

Yeah, since you’ll be there during the prime surf season I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding a used shortboard to buy. And Weligama is a busy enough surf hub so I think you’ll be able to sort it out pretty easily there. I wish I could tell you exactly where to look and how much it might cost but when we were there it was the offseason and so a lot of shops were not open for us to check it out.

As for scooters, there will definitely be scooters with surf racks available for rent.

Thanks and glad you like the post and found it helpful!

Have an awesome time!

Hey Rob there are no scooters with surf racks in Arugam Bay as they are trying to protect the local over-priced transport rates.

Hey we’re going in March, we land in Colombo at 04.00am. With a surfboard and 2 decent bags.. Will there be taxis at the airport willing to take us to hikkaduwa so early? Or would you recommend trying to organise it beforehand? Thanks

Hi, I’d think there will be taxis at the airport that early in the morning. But it might be less competitive which would mean fewer options and possibly higher prices. Like many places, it’s definitely a hustle in Sri Lanka. Negotiating is a part of their culture, so if you don’t organize a taxi in advance, have your wits about you and be prepared to negotiate. That being said, if it were me, I’d arrange a taxi in advance as I prefer to have the sure thing sorted out, especially after a long and exhausting day of travel. Good luck and enjoy!

Srilanka is renowned for surfing and additionally the shorelines however a few times the waves are so quick than it is hard to surf so in that circumstance dependably attempt to take direction from the surf instructors they gives the best surfing counsel.

Thanks for the comment, I suppose it all really depends on your surfing ability. There are definitely fun waves for all abilities in Sri Lanka, and yes, if you are a beginner it would be helpful to get some proper surf instruction. Cheers!

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The Best Sri Lanka Surf Spots for All Levels

If Sri Lanka’s nickname as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean doesn’t pique your curiosity, the fact it has two surf coasts, year-round waves and a tropical climate should!

No matter how many times we visit, we always find a new reason to love this island. And it’s a favourite for travelling surfers from all over the world.

You not only get an exotic location with plenty of culture and wildlife, but also friendly locals, cheap prices and outrageously delicious food that’s guaranteed to make your tastebuds hum.

So if you’re thinking about booking a Sri Lanka surf trip hopefully this article helps you make up your mind – and score some of the best waves the island has to offer…

And of course check out our epic range of Sri Lanka surf camps, trips and courses , with something for all skill levels!

What’s surfing in Sri Lanka really like?

Sri Lanka has come a long way since the turbulent early 2000s.

The island has quickly become a hot destination for travellers seeking unique waves and affordable surf holiday experiences. With over 1,600 kilometers of coastline and two distinct monsoon seasons, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to Sri Lankan surf spots and wave types.

The east coast and southwest coast are where you’ll find all the best breaks. From palm-tree lined beachies that are perfect for beginners to steep, fast and hollow point breaks that’ll test even the most confident surfer.

As for the surf scene itself, it’s bustling on land and mostly mellow in the water. Surf schools, camps and experience providers aren’t in short supply. But given the sheer amount of coastline and surf spots, you can still find secluded waves for you and your mates.

When is the best time for a Sri Lanka surf trip?

South Coast = October to April: This time of year sees the most consistent swells on the southwest coastline. Offshore winds are frequent and if you score a glassy morning at sunrise, don’t be surprised if it holds all day long. This is also the dry season on the southwest coast, meaning less rain and more sunshine for optimal surfing conditions.

East Coast = May to September: Winds blowing from the southwest groom the east coast during these months, meaning that May to September is the east coast’s time to shine. Expect regular southwest swells that light up the many righthand pointbreaks that this part of Sri Lanka is famous for. Arugam Bay, anyone?

The Top Sri Lanka Surf Spots

Whether visiting with friends, your partner or booking a Sri Lanka surf guide to show you the ropes, the island won’t disappoint. Here are some of our favourite picks for surf spots in Sri Lanka…in no particular order might we add!

Technically part of Kabalana Beach, the break known as The Rock is in a league of it’s own though, and easily recognizable by – you guessed it – the rock sitting in the middle of the beach!

Reputed to be Sri Lanka’s best a-frame, which is a wave that breaks in both left and right directions. It’s a reef break, but it isn’t so shallow that you’ll be kissing coral, unless of course you milk the inside section too much!

That being said, it can get big and gnarly.

At 6 foot plus it becomes a challenging, barrelling wave that’s not for the faint-hearted. The left is long and rippable, 3-5 turns, the right is more of a bowl so one or two big turns, or if you’re lucky a barrel section too.

• Wave type: Reefbreak
• Direction: Left and right
• Skill level: intermediate to advanced
• Nearest town: Ahangama

The creme de la creme when it comes to Sri Lanka surf spots. Located in the Midigama region, it’s a shallow reefbreak that breaks predominately right with the odd lefthander when its smaller.

It’s playful at around the 1 to 2 foot mark. From 3-6 foot you can expect fun barrels and a red hot crowd of locals. 6 foot and above is when it gets serious.

At this size only the right is breaking – the left being an absolute suicide mission.

• Direction: Predominately right
• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
• Nearest town: Midigama

For those progressing from beginner to intermediate, Sticks is a great spots to paddle out at, especially when it’s about chest high. Fun, playful but with enough punch to practice those turns and steeper take offs.

Named after the stilt fisherman that fish in front of the shore this spot has got pretty popular over the last few years though, so expect a bit of a crowd when the early surf school lessons are in the water.

Keep in mind though, as the swell increases, so does the punch, so make sure you check the conditions before paddling out!

• Wave type: Semi reef
• Direction: Mix of peaks
• Skill level: Low end intermediate and up

Kabalana Beach

One of the most famous stretches of sand on the South Coast, Kabalana is a great spot for those looking to learn to surf in Sri Lanka . Long, crumbling walls of white water and a sandy bottom make it the ideal spot for finding your feet and learning the basics.

Past the white water there are also some super fun peaks that intermediate will have heaps of fun on too.

• Wave type: Beach
• Skill level: Complete beginner and up

Arugam Bay (Main Point)

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic waves. This reeling righthander has been showcased in major magazines and surfed by the world’s best.

Most would assume that this exposure has lead to an intense lineup. It’s actually not as gnarly as you might think. The top of the point is called Main Point. It has many moods, but it’s generally a highly rippable righthander that runs forever! 

It’s also one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent waves and as such its earned an almost cult-like following.

• Wave type: Pointbreak
• Direction: Right
• Nearest town: Arugam Bay/Pottuvil

Straight out of a postcard and into your beginner-friendly surf spot fantasies.

Hiriketiya is the perfect spot for those looking to catch their first wave. It has a forgiving bottom and gentle beachbreak rollers that break within a dreamy cove.

Looking to spike your adrenaline levels? There’s also a heavy lefthander that breaks off the east end of the bay, just quietly – strictly for the intermediate and advanced surfers.

• Wave type: Reefbreak, beachbreak
• Skill level: Beginner to advanced
• Nearest town: Hiriketiya

Marshmellows

Soft and squishy, just like its name sake, Marshmellows is the perfect place to progress from the white water. Breaking over a deep reef, with an easy beach paddle out it has gained a lot of popularity with surf schools recently, so can get pretty crowded in peak season.

If you can score it uncrowded it’s super fun and playful – a great spot for those riding fish, longboards and mid lengths.

When the swell jacks up though don’t be fooled – it can get pretty chunky and is best left to more experienced surfers handling waves well overhead.

Book a stay at Ticket To Ride Surf House and you’ll have this dreamy wave right across the road from you!

• Wave type: Reef
• Direction: Main a frame, but with some other peaks along the break
• Skill level: high end beginner and upwards

Lazy Lefts & Lazy Rights

Aptly named for their mellow nature, both Lazy Lefts and Lazy Rights are ultra-fun reefbreaks.

Lazy Lefts can hold up to 6 foot plus and offer some of the longest rides on the South Coast. It’s also a fairly predictable wave, which is great for honing your pop-ups, cutbacks and snaps.

Lazy Rights is a short paddle from Lazy Lefts. Again, cruisy and fun when its small with long-ish rides. Both breaks are suitable for all skill levels depending on the swell size.

• Wave type: Reefbreaks

Located near the historic colonial city of Galle, Unawatuna is a top surf holiday destination for beginners and early intermediates.

The town itself is a collection of charming ramshackle huts and curry houses. Dry seasons sees the swell funnel into Unawatuna Bay and switch on its easygoing beachbreaks.

The only drawback is that it does get busy given that its one of the more accessible surf spots.

• Wave type: Beachbreak
• Skill level: Beginner
• Nearest town: Galle

Weligama Beach

Ask any local where the best beginner spot is in all of Sri Lanka and they’ll likely point you to Weligama Beach.

Why? The unique shape of this horseshoe bay (measuring over 3 kilometres from point to point) gives rise to a wide range of peaks that are absolutely perfect for beginners.

Better yet, due to the protected nature of the bay, you’re all but guaranteed clean, glassy conditions. Besides, with Midigama’s reef and pointbreaks up the road, it’s a fantastic spot to base yourself if you’re with more experienced surfing friends – check out TS2 Surf Camp and The Surfer for a great base here.

• Nearest town: Weligama

Located between Ahangama and Midigama (right in front of Blue Waves Surf House ), Sion is an oft-busy but super consistent surf spot in the south.

It breaks both left and right, depending on the swell direction, with the best rides found on low tide. There are multiple peaks, which does help break up the crowds somewhat.

Pro tip: grab some goggles and flippers when there’s no swell – it’s a pretty good snorkelling spot.

• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

One of Sri Lanka’s most developed surf hubs, Hikkaduwa is busy and touristy but with a few choice surf breaks.

Benny’s is a lefthand reefbreak that’s more suited to experienced surfers. Main Reef is a gnarly a frame, which really does pack a punch over head high. One of the best shaped waves on the south coast, but at high tide gets a bit backwashy.

North Jetty boasts fun lefts that break off a rock wall. The Beach Break is perfect for beginners looking to catch their first wave. 

• Wave type: Reefbreak, beachbreak, pointbreak
• Direction: Lefts and rights
• Nearest town: Hikkaduwa

Mirissa, a renowned surfing location, is just a quick 15-20-minute Tuk Tuk ride away from Weligama. This righthander is perfect for seasoned surfers, with relatively consistent waves from October to April.

It’s one of those postcard perfect spots with clear blue water and a long coastline. The wave itself runs along the rocks with a backdrop of deep green palm trees and lush greenery. It may just be Sri Lanka’s most beautiful surf spot, but we’ll let you be the judge.

• Nearest town: Mirissa

Peanut Farm

Cute name, even cuter waves.

Peanut Farm, located in Arugam Bay, is actually two surf breaks. One is beginner-friendly righthander with a peaky takeoff directly next to a cluster to rocks. The other break is a short walk up the beach that’s known for long rides and a notoriously shallow takeoff zone.

On a big day the two points can connect. Manage to find a Sri Lankan surf guide who can take you there when it’s firing and you’ll be frothing for months.

• Nearest town: Arugam Bay

Are you planning a Sri Lanka surf trip soon?

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Sri Lanka Surf Resorts

Sri lanka, the teardrop isle, is located off the southern coast of india. with waves breaking year-round, the country is a firm favourite with travelling surfers with waves for all levels, breath-taking scenery and rich culture, sri lanka is a ‘must-see’ surf destination. at awave travel, we have a handpicked selection of the best surf resorts and hotels in the region and can help you find your perfect trip, cape weligama.

Excellent Cliff-Top Resort with Stunning View

ANANTARA PEACE HAVEN TANGALLE

Escape to the Teardrop Isle!

SUNSHINE STORIES

Boutique Surf & Yoga Retreat in Ahangama

KABALANA SURF LODGE

Excellent Surf Camp for all Levels

GOTA DAGUA SRI LANKA

Great value Surf Camp in Ahangama

Beautiful Boutique Hotel in Arugam Bay

More destinations

The maldives, pacific ocean.

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Destination Maldives Indonesia Sri Lanka Pacific Ocean Philippines Morocco Central America South America Mauritius/Seychelles

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Tatsiana radchanka 04/21/2024, charles viellevoye 03/27/2024, emily bullen 04/03/2024, cobus and jackie van aswegen 10/19/23, steve 10/07/23, donald ayres 11/06/23, alex daish 12/28/23, mickey 01/24/24, james 01/30/24, omar aljammaz 03/07/23.

• Mentawai Islands
• Philippines
• The Maldives

A Complete Guide to Surfing Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is known as one of the best surf destinations in southern Asia. There are plenty of spectacular backdrops for surfers to indulge, and it also helps that it’s budget-friendly too.

Thinking about surfing Sri Lanka?

This is our complete surf travel guide. Read for everything you need to know about surfing in Sri Lanka.

Like most popular surf destinations, Sri Lanka is a tropical island with charm, beauty, and a spiritual calling. Located in the Indian Ocean off the tip of India, over 21 million residents are proud to call it home.

A hive for action sports enthusiasts, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. From deep-sea diving to adventure treks, to its famous elephant safari rides. Surrounded by luscious and sometimes rough waters, it is also known as one of the prime surfing spots in southern Asia, particularly in the southwest.

Separated by 61km of coast, the stretch between Hikkaduwa and Weligama specifically offers some of the most spectacular backdrops for surfers to indulge, and it also helps that it’s budget-friendly too.

This may be a small country, but it packs an almighty punch! Keep reading for everything you need to know about surfing Sri Lanka.

Table of Contents

Sri Lanka Travel Essentials

Bandaranaike International is the main airport for connections into Sri Lanka. Situated in its largest city, Colombo, it is well-connected for those visiting the south for its notable surf.

Check for flights to Sri Lanka here.

The Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs) is the main currency on the island. There are 100 cents to one rupee. However, you can only take up to Rs5000 with you into the country, (approximately $28) so bring enough to change when you arrive. US dollars can be accepted in some places, rupees are often the preference.

Sinhala is the local language used by the majority of the population, however, Tamil is also commonly spoken. Good news for tourists however, a quarter of the population speaks good English, especially in tourist spots.

When it comes to getting around, there are plenty of transport options in Sri Lanka, whichever you decide depends on your personal preference.

Car hire is the most efficient way of getting around the island, although be prepared for narrow windy roads. Car hire tends to start from $50 per day. Alternatively, taxis are another option, starting from around $9 per ten-minute journey – the popular app-based service ‘Uber’ is also available.

If you’re not in a rush and want to soak up the scenery before surfing Sri Lanka, the local train is a cost-effective way to get from A-to-Z. However, it can be slow and delays are commonplace. Cheaper still, but with the added frustration of being overcrowded, buses are less than 50 cents for a typical journey.

Finally, you can do as the locals and immerse yourself in a thrilling Tuk-Tuk ride (bajajs or autorickshaws to locals), best recommended for shorter trips. A ten-minute ride can cost as little as $2 for a 10-15-minute ride.

Surfing Sri Lanka

With the Bay of Bengal to its right and the Arabian sea on its left, surfing conditions in Sri Lanka can be quite varied. For the benefit of this guide, we have focused on the popular southwest coast, home to some of the best breaks and hidden reefs in the country.

Sri Lanka is a country of two halves, making it a year-round destination, as long as you know where to go. The east and north of the island tend to experience the same conditions, while the south and west often have contrasting weather.

Between November and March during its dry season is the best time to visit the south, while the east and north experience monsoon type weather.

In contrast between May and September, the south and west experience the rainy monsoon. This still appeals to surfers with a hardy constitution!

In any case, you can expect to enjoy consistently warm temperatures throughout when surfing Sri Lanka, coastal cities of around 25-30°C all year round.

Surfing Hikkaduwa

When surfing Sri Lanka, start at Hikkaduwa and work your way down the coast. This former fishing village today welcomes tourists as a bustling spot – day and night.

Here tourists intermingle with locals to catch some of the highest waves – some reaching up to 10ft tall on a good day. Experienced surfers should hit up ‘Benny’s for the largest waves, while the main reef is better for those with less capability. Beach break is the place for those starting out.

Surfing Ahangama

Sandwiched between Hikkaduwa and Weligama, Ahangama is mainly enjoyed by those staying in the nearby stretch of hotels. Because of this, there’s a chilled vibe with zen-like qualities. Known for its sharp shallow reef, expect to compete with snorkelers for space. For those looking to step it up a level when surfing Sri Lanka, head over to Kabalana for bigger swell.

Surfing Weligama

Just around the corner from Ahangama, Weligama is the perfect spot for learning to surf in Sri Lanka. Its gentle slow waves mean that you don’t have to paddle far.

Benefiting from its bay alcove, surfers are somewhat protected from winds, along with its forgiving shallow sand. As such, this is the place to go for those starting out- in fact, many compare it to hospitable conditions of Canggu in Bali .

Meanwhile, experienced surfers should head towards Mirissa for reef breaks along with old school surfers who know its waters well. This quiet retreat is one of the best locations to get away from it all too.

Surfing in Sri Lanka for Beginners

There’s no shortage of surf schools and surf camps in Sri Lanka, making it a great place to learn to surf or just hone your skills.

In Hikkaduwa, the Reef End surf school offers kit and lessons starting from $20 a day, and there’s even a dedicated area for beginners.

However, when it comes to surfing Sri Lanka for the first time, Weligama is the best location for newcomers with more than 30 surf schools in the area. Located on the beach, Good Story has its very own surf school with packages starting from $50, they also have an outpost in Ahangama.

In the same area, offering an intensive introduction to the water, The Nuga House offers a three-day surf camp from $150, including accommodation

Surfboard Rental in Sri Lanka

Surf tourism is a growing business on the island, so you’re never far from a surf shack or shop to hire kit. Boards are relatively cheap too, starting from Rs 1,000 a day – roughly $6. Rock up to any respectable surf spot or beach and you’ll be able to find a wide choice of outlets.

Otherwise, Rent a Surf Board in Hikkaduwa offers surfboards from $12 a day, while Dylan’s in Weligama has an extensive collection of kit, including boards to rent for $6 a day.

Where to Eat in Sri Lanka

If you enjoy curries and fish, then you’ll be in food heaven when surfing Sri Lanka. There’s also plenty of choice for vegans and vegetarians, with lentil, dhal and rice dishes often featuring on menus.

For the latest in ultra-cool, Ceylon Sliders is a popular surfer hangout in Weligama. The café serves lots of familiar foods, from delicious burgers to healthy vegan salads and unmissable smoothies. Another cheap and cheerful tourist spot is Aloha, a friendly hangout with food you’ll recognize; from omelets to pasta and avocado on toast.

Colombo is however the destination for foodies to flock to. The Fat Crab in Colombo is all about the beach vibes, best experienced in the evening. Seafood lovers will rejoice at the crab-based menu delivering fishy delights including Malaysian Fish Head Curry and Black Pepper Crab.

For something more authentic, Cool Spot in Hikkaduwa is a family-run restaurant that serves up local catches of the day.

Sri Lanka Surf Camps

There’s plenty of options to suit all wallets in Sri Lanka. You’ll also find that your money goes further here, making it possible to either go higher-end or making savings and stay within budget.

Bunky Monkey in Hikkaduwa is just minutes from the local coral reef, as well as local sights such as Seenigama Temple and the Turtle Farm. At just $22 a night, it’s also a bargain!

For budget at its best, the Crystal Oceanic in Ahangama is perfectly located for all your surfing needs and will set you back just $24 a night.

A beachfront surfer’s retreat offering affordable luxury is Dreamsea Surf Camp Sri Lanka. Uniquely fusing Asian design with a touch of boho, it somehow works, delivering unrivaled tranquillity, from around $70 a night.

For all-out luxury when surfing Sri Lanka, Hotel Tri is a welcoming and chilled-out retreat, with doubles starting from $260 a night. With luxury trappings and Ayurvedic treatments, it’s the perfect post-surf spot to retreat to.

Other Activities in Sri Lanka

While it’s tempting to surf all day every day, the island has so much to offer, that a few sights should go unmissed.

There are tons of UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit, one of the closest is Sinharaja Forest Reserve . Here you can enjoy nature at its best, in this tropical forest.

Meanwhile dangling at the southernmost tip of the island, the Hindu Tenavaram Temple is believed to have its roots in the seventh century.

Elephants are much loved in these parts. If you want to learn more, the Elephant Orphanage in Rambukkana is a three-hour drive from Hikkaduwa.

Finally, if you’ve hired a car and don’t mind a drive, head to the middle of the country to see the ancient ruins of Sigiriya – it’s a fascinating visit. Steeped in mystery and intrigue, this gargantuan rock stands nearly 200 meters high, dating back to the fifth century.

Enjoyed our essential guide to Surfing Sri Lanka? Check out all of our Surf Travel Guides here .

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €260pp

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €510pp

Surf Coaching Porto : Book a shared or private room now from €385pp

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Marias Surf & Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €165pp

Golden Waves Surf Lodge : Book a shared or private room now from €639pp

Lighthouse Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €28/night

Aldeia Caiçara : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

Nice Way Cascais : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

The Salty Pelican : Book a shared or private room now from €71/night

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10 Of The Best Sri Lanka Surf Camps For Your Next Trip

Looking for the best Sri Lanka surf camps? Whether you want to learn to surf in Sri Lanka or push your skills to the next level, here are 10 of the best the country has to offer!

Trying to figure out the best Sri Lanka surf camps can be a bit of a minefield – there are so many to choose from!

So to help you figure out the best fit for you here are 10 of the top surf camps in Sri Lanka , ranging from high end, luxury villas to epic surf coaching and more backpacker style party vibes, all with a huge range of beginner surfboards to choose from so you can progress quickly – its time to start planning your Sri Lanka surf trip !

Ticket To Ride Surf House

Location – ahangama, prices from = £696 per week (full surf package), click here for more info and to book.

If you’re on the hunt for the best coaching for your surf trip then the Ticket To Ride Surf House is the perfect base, whether you’re learning to surf or pushing your skills to the next level.

Their surf camp packages are certainly towards to top end of the budget, but what you get in return is world class coaching – and you’ll be learning from experienced coaches who have competed on the world tour, won national titles and even took out podium finished in the Red Bull Sri Lanka Surf comp too!

Combining beach and in water coaching with classroom theory and video feedback whatever your skill level you’ll get heaps out of the coaching part of their programme.

With daily surf specific yoga sessions and an epic rooftop bar perfect for sunset this would be my pick if you asked which Sri Lanka surf camp I’d recommend!

Their week long surf camp packages include the following;

• 7 nights accommodation
• Dawn patrol tea/coffee and fresh fruit
• Daily breakfast
• 5 x dinners
• 5 x Surf lessons
• 5 x Guided surf sessions
• Surf theory lessons
• Photo/video analysis sessions
• 2 x Surf specific yoga classes

Ticket to Ride also offer a couple of epic Sri Lanka Surf Trips too – which are well worth checking out if you want to combine waves with exploring the country. Or for those wanting to turn the beach into their office their  Sri Lanka surf instructor course  offers the chance to get your ISA in a tropical paradise!

Check out my full review here

Learn to surf packages = yes, surf guiding packages = yes, accommodation only packages = yes, walkable to the surf = yes sticks, marshmallows (right out front) and kabalana beach (3mins), best for = high quality coaching for all levels.

Secret Spot Villa

Prices from = £980 per week (sleeps up to 4).

Want to learn to surf in Sri Lanka or push your skill to the next level, but also want your own private space? Well Secret Spot Villa in Ahangama is a great way to combine both.

Sleeping up to 4, across 2 bedrooms, it’s ideal for families, a group of friends or couples looking to relax amongst the palm trees and score heaps of waves.

An easy 5 minute walk through the palm trees to Kabalana Beach with Sticks, The Rock and Marshmallows also within walking distance – and a whole heap of other surf spots are a quick tuk tuk ride away.

They’ve also teamed up with the team at Ticket To Ride so you can bolt on their famous surf coaching packages as well – inc daily breakfast, evening dinners, coaching, guiding and photo/video analysis too.

Walkable to the surf = Yes (5 min) – Kabalana Beach

Best for = those looking for their own private space, but still have access to coaching.

Blue Waves Surf House

Location – between ahangama and midigama, prices from = £475per week.

Off the back of their successful Morocco surf camps, Blue Waves have just opened up their Sri Lanka surf camp at the beginning of 2024.

Their weekly package includes;

• 7 nights accomodation 5 x surf lessons or surf guiding Daily breakfast Experienced local instructors
• All surf transport

They’ve got a range of room options to choose from, and their signature surf house vibes also come highly recommended by surf vlogger Kale Brock as well!

Walkable to the surf = Yes, Sion is right in front

Best for = those looking for high end and beachfront, prices from = 345eur per week (bed and breakfast).

A favourite with the Scandinavian crowd LaPoint offers camps across the globe – including Bali, Morocco and Costa Rica. Sri Lanka follows suit on their high end surf villa style, where you’ll be kicking back in style.

With spacious rooms, plenty of communal areas and even an epic pool and the back garden, their villa is certainly one of the most flashpacker surf camps out there – and they offer a range of coaching for all levels of surfer.

Despite the high end finish of the camp the fact they have shared dorms means the entry price is actually pretty low of bed and breakfast, but expect to pay around 780EUR per week for a surf camp package during high season.

Their surf camp package (level 1) includes;

• 7 breakfasts
• 7 days with surf equipment
• Level 1 Beginner Surf Course 5 x 2 hours
• Surf theory
• Walk or transport (depending on surf location) to surf lessons
• 2 yoga classes

Although they’re a little way out of Ahangama itself, Kabalana Beach sits just a short walk from the camp and numerous other spots are within a short tuk tuk ride along the coast, all of which are included in their surf packages.

Check out my full review of LaPoint here

Walkable to the surf = Yes (3 min) – Kabalana Beach

Best for = younger social crowd and those looking for a flashpacker surf camp.

The Surfer Beach Camp

Location – weligama, prices from = £310 per week.

They run a few set 7 night surf camp options, with single daily surf lessons/guiding, double sessions or yoga as well – so you can pick which option suits your style and budget best.

Week long packages here include:

• 7 x Nights accommodation
• 6 x evening dinners
• 2 yoga sessions
• Surf Theory 
• 1 or 2 surf lessons per day (depending on the package)
• All surf transport and equipment

Their sister camp (TS2, which is also in the list!) is also a great budget option, whilst still having access to all the facilities. at The Surfer Beach Camp

Accommodation Only Packages = No

Walkable to the surf = yes, best for = good vibes, close to the beach, ts2 surf camp, prices from = £219 per week (full surf camp package).

Based close to one of the best beginner surf spots in the world – Weligama Beach – you’ll have plenty of fun, rolling waves to choose from. They also have a range of accomodation and package options to choose from, including dorms rooms and privates.

Just keep in mind, as it’s more budget it’s fan rooms and no hot water!

A weeks surf camp package here includes;

Best For = Beginners and those looking for more local vibes and budget friendly

Dreamsea sri lanka, prices from = 660eur per week.

The only Sri Lanka surf camp on the list that is absolute beach front, Dreamsea is the option for those who want to learn to surf in full luxury!

Choose form either a private double, private twin or shared twin (if you’re travelling solo) – Dreamsea offer a couple of packages, including Surfers Paradise (for those who want waves), Retreat Yourself (for those wanting just yoga) and Happy Couple (for couples, choose 1 or a mix of the other two packages).

Their surfers package includes;

• Daily breakst
• Transport to/from surf
• All surf gear
• 12 hours of lessons/coaching
• 3 hours of yoga

Complete with an epic pool overlooking the ocean ( Bali beach club style !) they also have an in-house restaurant (open to the public) which attracts the sheer surf crowd looking for some awesome Western style food and sunset cocktails.

Walkable to the surf = Yes (absolute beachfront) 

Best for = those looking for absolute beachfront luxury.

Safa Surf Camp

Location – arugam bay, prices from = $500usd per week (surf package).

Based out of Sand Dune hotel – Safa Surf Camp is just a 5 min drive from Arugam Bay, arguably the most famous surf spot in the whole of Sri Lanka!

For those wanting to learn to surf the sandy bottom point break is a greta place to learn with their experienced instructors and for more advanced surfers the main point at Arugam Bay will offer some leg burning, carveable walls!

There are 3 package options to choose from here – The Wellness Package (inc private beach cabana), Surf Traveller (shared dorm) and Flexi Surfer (for more experienced surfers)

A weeks surf traveller package here includes;

• 10 x 1.5 hour surf coaching sessions
• Theory classes (wet and dry)
• All surf equipment
• Surf photographs and video feedback after surf
• Transport to all surf locations
• Airport Pick-up and drop-off from/to Colombo or Hambantotta
• Yoga classes

It might not have the same vibes as a traditional surf camp, but the limited numbers and fact such an epic surf spots are on your doorstep make this an awesome option for anyone heading to the East Coast for some waves.

Accommodation Only Packages = NO

Walkable to the surf = yes – arugam bay, best for = those wanting a smaller camp, kima surf hiriketiya, location – hiriketiya, prices from = £365usd per week (surf guiding package).

Newly opened in 2022, Kima Surf Hiriketiya takes everything surfers love about the Kima Surf Camps and adds another location – the iconic Hiriketiya Beach.

• 7 nights accomodation Daily surf guiding (2 x daily) 6 x video analysis sessions Daily breakfast 5 x dinners 6 x surf theory classes Friday night BBQ 6 x yoga sessions Kima T-shirt

Longer and shorter stays are available, with discounts for long term packages too.

All centred around a refreshing swimming pool, a range of accomodation options (including those with private plunge pools) and serving up delicious local food Kima Surf Hiriketiya is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the South Coast season.

Best For = those looking for a high end surf camp near Hiriketiya

And if you’re busy planning your Sri Lanka surf trip c heck out my full Sri Lanka surf guide here !

Which surf camp in sri lanka did you stay at, any other recommendations, related posts.

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Surfing in sri lanka: the 17 hottest surf spots in 2024.

First off … I am by no means an experienced surfer!

Sure I love surfing and this certainly wasn't my first time on a board. (In 2017 we spent 4 incredible weeks in Bali !)

However I’m by no means an expert.

But after 4 weeks spent travelling throughout the country, we picked up enough knowledge to dig out many of the best beginner surf spots in Sri Lanka.

So I wanted to share my experience with others looking to roadtrip this incredible country and get the most out of surfing in Sri Lanka.

So without further ado ...

Travellerspoint

What are the Best Sri Lanka surf spots for beginners?

There are a number of different surf spots in Arugam Bay. Here are the best ones for beginners:

• Arugam Bay - There was no surf here in October when we visited.
• Whiskey Point
• Peanut Farm
• Elephant Rock
• Mirissa Beach - When we visited in October, there was no real surf. Instead, the water was mostly filled with families using bodyboards (still good fun haha).
• Weligama Beach - This is quite a long beach with surf all along, albeit a little choppy when we were there. It’s a great spot for getting lessons. Of course, it isn't strictly in Mirissa, but it is just 10 minutes down the road and is popularly visited by those staying in Mirissa.

‍ You can book surf lessons right here.

Unawatuna/Galle

• Sahana Beach - My favourite surf spot in Sri Lanka out of everywhere we visited. Nice clean breaks and clear water and the bay is well sheltered.
• Beach Break

How about some of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka for experienced surfers?

• Pottuvil Point
• Benny's
• Midigama Rams Right
• Plantation Point and Coconut Point

To be honest, if you take the drive from Matara to Hikkaduwa, you'll see tonnes of empty reef breaks to try out.

Just be careful as there are no lifeguards around and you are at risk of getting sucked out.

Sadly, this actually happened to someone near Hikkaduwa back in early 2018.

Anyway, moving swiftly on ...

Mirissa Beach

• Far right - Quite rocky

Common questions about surfing in Sri Lanka? (Most of which I had!)

What time of the year is best to surf in Sri Lanka?

There are waves to be found in Sri Lanka all year round.

However, depending on the time of the year and which monsoon season it is, you will be better off heading to one or the other coast.

The general rule is something like this:

• October - April: Southwest coast
• April - October: Southeast coast

We visited in October and headed to Arugam Bay first .

The waves were very low by this point and any surf was very crowded.

We then headed on round to Mirissa and Unawatuna where waves were definitely more sizeable and less crowded.

October is a weird time as the surf isn't really great at many of the surf spots in Sri Lanka.

But, then again, it all depends on the conditions that year, so don’t take this as a hard and fast rule.

Read Also: What to do and see in Sri Lanka

How much does it cost to hire a board in Sri Lanka?

Like most things in Sri Lanka, hiring a board in is soooooo cheap!

‍ The going rate in spots like Arugam Bay is 500 LKR for half a day (6 hours) and 1000 for a full day.

On the south coast, I typically paid between 250 and 300 LKR per hour

However, if you’re looking to hire a board for a few days or a week, then you can definitely get it even cheaper.

You just need to haggle a little.

Read Also: What To Wear In Sri Lanka

Can you buy surf boards in Sri Lanka?

Hell yeah you can!

If you want to wait until you’re there, then there are plenty of shops in popular surf spots in Sri Lanka that are selling boards.

Again, Arugam Bay being one of the best.

Or, you can join local surf pages for whichever area you're heading to first.

Fellow travellers are always looking to sell their board, so you can pick up a pretty good deal there.

Just head to Facebook and search for something like “Surf group *place name*”.

Or a good starting point is South Sri Lanka Surf Community .

How much are surf lessons in Sri Lanka?

Surf lessons are pretty cheap and seem to come in at around 2000 LKR for a 1.5 hour lesson.

You will also then be able to use the board for another hour afterwards to practice on your own.

On the most popular beaches there are people there hiring out their boards.

These are the same people that offer lessons, so just feel free to ask.

Are surf points in Sri Lanka easy to reach?

Yes, all of the beginner ones at least. I can't comment on the more remote areas.

However, as long as you're in a popular surfing town, then you can get a tuk tuk there without any real trouble.

Where do you find surf reports for Sri Lanka?

Head over to Magic Seaweed .

Everything else you need to know about popular surf spots in Sri Lanka

Sorting accommodation.

Accommodation is pretty cheap all over Sri Lanka.

Budget hostels start at around $3 or $4 a night.

‍ Nice hotels or resorts are still cheap.

We usually paid between $14 and $20 per night for a double room with air con and a pool.

We used Booking.com everywhere in Sri Lanka and would recommend it as it’s great value and all properties have tons of reviews.

• Top tip: You can get £15 off booking.com through this link (or currency equivalent)

Or, if you’re visiting just one spot for a month or more, then look into getting a longer term listing.

You can find these on websites like Airbnb .

Or, join the group linked to above ( South Sri Lanka Surf Community ) and ask on there for any long term lettings in your chosen destination.

You’ll be inundated with responses!

We’ve also put together some awesome posts on the best accommodation options all over Sri Lanka. So check out:

• 12 Best Budget, Mid-range And Luxury Villas In Unawatuna
• Arugam Bay Accommodation: 15 Best Value Choices
• Your Guide To The 12 Ultimate Mirissa Beach Hotels

Arranging transport

If you’re planning on visiting a number of locations, then I recommend getting your own transport.

We hired a tuk tuk in Colombo and used it to get round the entire island.

It was $18 a day, which might be a bit pricey for some.

But there are ways to get it cheaper, especially if you hire from a local tuk tuk owner as opposed to a rental agency.

Just make sure you get your license sorted in Colombo beforehand!

Or, just hire out a moped for a few weeks and strap your board to the side of that.

Getting to Sri lanka

Getting to Sri Lanka is pretty straightforward and there’s loads of flights in.

For booking flights, we always use Skyscanner .

You’ll land in the main international airport which is in Negombo.

From there, you're about a 4 hour drive from the south coast beaches, depending on where you end up.

You’ll need to arrange a visa before you can legally enter the country.

I recommend doing this ahead of time a it saves you a lot of time and hassle once you land.

You can get your visa online through the official government website here .

Getting around the country

Once you land, you’ve got a few ways of getting to and from all the surf spots in Sri Lanka.

These include bus, taxi, Uber or train.

We used our tuk tuk almost everywhere and the rest of the time Uber which is incredibly cheap.

You can get 5% off your Tuk Tuk rental with the code DreamBigTravelFar

Cost of living

Living in Sri Lanka is so cheap.

You can expect to get a nice quality meal for between $2 and $5 in most restaurants.

Even cheaper if you eat at purely local spots.

Drinking isn't that cheap, as there are high taxes on buying any alcohol yourself in Sri Lanka.

For example, wine is like $10 a bottle, and vodka about $15 for 70cl.

You can get cheaper beer and cocktails at most bars and restaurants during happy hour.

The cheapest we saw was in Mirissa at the restaurants along the beachfront.

It was 300 LKR for most cocktails between 6pm and 10pm every night.

Other things to see and do in Sri lanka

Whilst you're in the country, make sure you take the time to enjoy the other incredible places on offer.

If you’re heading out for more of a Sri Lankan surfing holiday, then you’ve still got plenty of great coastal cities to stop off at all along the south coast.

As well as some of the best national parks in Sri lanka.

Such as Yala and Udawalawe which are great for safari.

Each of these offer perfect chance to see lots of animals in their natural environment. Particularly elephants.

Here’s a quick overview of the 3 week itinerary we took .

And below, there are links to any of the places we've currently written posts about, so you can find out more:

• Colombo <-- Not worth visiting, in my opinion
• Anuradhapura
• Mullaitivu ← very little to do here
• Trincomalee
• Nuwara Eliya

For even more info, we actually put together a ridiculously in-depth backpacking Sri Lanka travel guide that you should check out.

Also, take a look at our guide on what to pack for Sri Lanka so that you don't leave anything important at home before you leave!

Other than that, I hope you have an incredible time surfing in Sri Lanka!

If you have any more questions or know of any other great Sri Lankan surf spots, just let me know below.

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8 Incredible Sri Lanka Surf Hotels [2024]

We take a peek at 8 of the most incredible and luxurious Sri Lankan surf hotels for 2024. These are the options for travelers who don’t like full-on surf camp packages but do want a unqiue place to stay right by some of the island’s best breaks .

There are the ones that love surf camps and there are the ones that like going it alone. We can sympathize with that. Sometimes you want to plan your own itinerary, surf whenever you want to surf, have dinner alone to the sunset.

Well…we’re here to tell you that Sri Lanka is a country well setup for both. There are some seriously world-class surf camp options in these parts , offering what we rate as arguably the best beginner and improver camps on the planet. But there are also oodles of ridiculously nice hotels wedged onto the two main surf coasts, from the Southern Province to the East around Arugam Bay.

At the risk of sounding rather smug, we’ll say that traveling Sri Lanka to find out the best of the bunch was a rather nice gig to be given. And boy did we find some nice options. We’re talking lux beach bungalows overlooking the Indian Ocean, hotels with infinity pools between the reef breaks of Midigama, and stays that serve breakfast literally steps away from Sri Lanka’s best waves.

We can wholeheartedly recommend any of the following Sri Lanka surf hotels because we’ve bloody enjoyed staying in them ourselves. They are perfect for more advanced surfers who like the freedom of DIY surf trips, traveling surf couples after a bit of peace, and anyone wanting luxury while they tick off the top spots on the Teardrop.

We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!

This is just one part of our complete overall guide to surfing in Sri Lanka

Quick-click links to our top surf hotels in Sri Lanka

• Naomi Beach Hotel – A stunning place right on Coconuts Beach in Midigama, perfect for good intermediates
• Kiri Palu – A secret haven in the backstreets of Ahangama
• Whisky Point Resort – Book your beach cabana by one of Arugam’s best waves
• Casa Vana – Spacious jungle rooms a short walk from Hirikeitya’s main beach
• The Seascape – A loveable hotel in prime location on beginner-friendly SK Town beach
• Dreamsea Sri Lanka – A cool hangout space with great in-house surf offering in Ahangama
• Eraeliya Villas & Gardens – Super-luxurious option on the edge of Cape Weligama
• Lucky’s Surf Camp – Best for beginners

Need more inspo? Check our guide to surf camps in Sri Lanka right now

Naomi Beach Hotel

• Location: Midigama
• Prices from $57/night

We spent a ridiculously relaxing 5 nights at the Naomi Beach Hotel and Restaurant towards the end of our 2023 surf trip to Sri Lanka. It was just the ticket to wind up a trip with some plush lodgings and great surf.

Let’s begin with the hotel itself. Locally owned and with charming touches of island design, it’s got a breezy indoor-outdoor lobby area that spills into a grassy garden. The piece de resistance is the infinity pool, which edges through a line of palms to overlook one of Midigama’s most perfect – and empty – white sand beaches.

The location could hardly be better. You’re staying right on Coconut Beach at the eastern end of the Midigama strip. There’s a little gap in the reef shelf some 100m from the hotel pool where you can get out onto a reliable and fun left-hander, or walk another 100 meters up to paddle out to the famous Coconuts right. (Alternatively, tuk-tuks wait out front to whisk you down the coast to any number of breaks, from Lazy Left all the way to Ahangama).

We’d recommend paying a touch extra for the larger Deluxe Doubles, which are above the first floor and have better views across the bay and surf. There’s a great on-site happy hour, but we prefer the beach shack over the lawn, where sunset Lions cost 500 LKR.

Check prices and availability at Naomi Beach Hotel

• Location: Ahangama
• Prices from $127/night

Lovely Kiri Palu is one for the couples who don’t like being right there in the thick of the action. Even in the midst of ever-growing Ahangama – a surf town that’s gone from 0 to 100 in the last couple of years – the stay is serene and relaxing, being sat up between the railway lines and charming sidestreets about 1,200 yards from the nearest surf beach (yes, that’s walkable but you will need a tuk-tuk to get back and forth to the more famous breaks in Ahangama, which is no biggie).

Guests here will be awestruck as they walk through the grand entrance complete with babbling fountains and filigreed latticework. It’s like entering one of the great palaces of the Sri Lankan kings, only this one has a gorgeous swimming pool set in the garden and a plush modern lounge-library space.

The rooms at Kiri Palu are HUGE; cavernously spreading between terraces and lovely bathrooms with walk-in showers. The optional Sri Lankan breakfast is a taste-bud-tingling medley of hoppers, hot dal, and tangy aubergines, or you can opt for the western option. At night, they serve plenty of dishes on site but the wonderful family owned Sri Lankan Rice & Curry House is just a short walk away, for homecooked spreads cooked with a smile.

Check prices and availability at Kiri Palu

Whisky Point Resort

• Location: Arugam Bay (Whisky Point)

If you pushed us, we’d say the problem with Arugam Bay is just how developed it’s gotten in the space of the last 10-15 years. When the rainy season hits the west coast of Sri Lanka (April to August) then hordes of surfers now traipse across the island to this one single town. The upshot? An empty break is almost as rare as a flat day.

Whiskey Point Resort gets around that by beckoning to a location that’s just north of the main center. You’ll be nestled in between the swaying coconut palms, with the mega-consistent point break of Whiskey Point right in front. That’s an all-level wonder of a right that peels away to offer classic Sri Lankan shoulders from morning until night.

In that sense, this is more of a hotel with a surf break in the garden than an out and out surf camp. You book in for just the room and the breakfast to find yourself literally steps from one of the most consistent waves in the Eastern Province. You can opt to add-on surf lessons with their own ISA-certified instructor if you want, or there are plenty of surf schools to book with privately in the region.

The hotel itself is simply awesome. It’s built over a series of bamboo cabanas. You can choose ground floor pads to stroll straight out of bed and onto the sand. Or go for the upper cabanas for the best views at the evening hours. It’s enough to make Robinson Crusoe jealous.

Check prices and availability at Whisky Point Resort

• Location: Hiriketiya Beach
• Prices from $49/night

Casa Vana is an oasis of calm in what’s now certainly one of the liveliest surf towns in the whole of Sri Lanka: Hiriketiya. Tucked into its own plot of coastal jungle atop a small hill, a mere 100 meters back from the beachfront, the stay is a breath of calmness between the jostle of surf schools and surf camps .

It’s essentially a villa spread over two floors, with the upper deck an open communal area come kitchen where you can cook and chill in a hammock while watching the macaques swing through the trees and pretty birds of paradise whiz on by.

You’ll pick between two types of rooms: The cabanas in the garden or the larger suites that are in the main house. Both are lovely, but we’ve got a real soft spot for that large downstairs suite with its jungle views and outdoor bathroom space. (Cue found memories of showering in the company of forest frogs and sleeping to the sound of the insects back in 2023).

Check prices and availability at Casa Vana

The Seascape

• Location: SK Town (Matara)
• Prices from $139/night

The result of a dream forged in the minds of owners Roshan and Ryan, who ditched the Netherlands for the sun and surf of Lanka some years back, The Seascape is just one of a handful of hotels that strings along the shoreline of SK Town Beach. It’s a beautiful little slice of paradise, offering sunbeds meters from the rolling waves, hearty western and Sri Lankan dishes served in a sea-view restuarant, and a pool hidden away in the back garden.

There’s a range of basement and upper rooms on offer, with most opening straight onto the waves and the beach. The style throughout is Bali-chic – think bifold doors that let in the salty breezes and plenty of wood and wicker and whatnot.

The surfing here is very much beginner to lower intermediate. In fact, SK Town is fast becoming one of the favored spots for surf schools along the Matara Road, though it remains WAY less busy than nearby Weligama or Hiriketiya. The trick in SK is to surf early and late, because the winds here can blow out any decent swell and they usually pick up around 9.30am, not dropping again until 6pm.

Check prices and availability at The Seascape

Dreamsea Sri Lanka

• Prices from $100/night

Dreamsea cut their teeth with what’s arguably the most stunning surf camp on the whole of the Bukit Peninsula in Bali. This new iteration is something a bit more accessible in that it’s not clinging to the reef-ringed sides of Impossibles and Uluwatu but rather smack dab by the edge of the mellow reef breaks (all 50 of them) offered by Ahangama. It’s also among unquestionably the most luxurious Sri Lanka surf camps out there!

Again, we dropped in here on our Sri Lanka trip in 2022 and were blown away by just how lovely it was. Someone certainly had their design hat on because the garden space sucked in cooling salt breezes over a glistening pool and chillout area. That feeds through to a wrap-around garden bar where you can sit, smoothie in hand, and check the surf at a glance. Head to the rooms and you’ll be welcomed by boho art pieces and wicker seats. The suites that open to face the ocean are something special, but – frankly – all the options are lush.

You have to book a stay at Dreamsea Sri Lanka and then add your surf lessons on top. Thankfully, that’s easy since it can be done at reception when you arrive. Waves are steps off the front of the garden.

Check prices and availability at Dreamsea Sri Lanka

Eraeliya Villas & Gardens

• Location: Weligama
• Prices from $249

The location of Eraeliya Villas & Gardens is just about perfect for all levels of surfer. Go one direction and you’ve got the uber-accessible waves of Weligama (Sri Lanka’s de facto learner hub). Go the other and you’ve got Midigama’s left-right reefs and the peelers of Ahangama. All of the above can be accessed in 10-20 minutes’ tuk-tuk driving, so you’ll never be without waves.

A true five-star option, Eraeliya flaunts a glinting pool overlooking the rugged rocks and wild waves of Cape Weligama. You’ll reach that by wandering a lush garden topped by lanky coconut palms. The rooms have huge four-poster beds and plenty of dark-wood inlays and Sri Lankan art, with a wrap-around terrace that is prime for sunset viewing just out front.

Special mention should be made of the highly rated onsite restaurant, which serves Sri Lankan soul food and creative reworkings of European dishes using local ingredients – think zingy gazpacho right next to spicy south coast crab curry, along with one of the finest wine menus we’ve seen on the island!

Check prices and availability at Eraeliya Villas & Gardens

Lucky’s Surf Camp

• Prices from $66/night

Lucky’s Surf Camp is a realtively new addition to the array of hotels here and it shows – everything is clean, stylish, well put together.

Whoever designed the place has nailed the tropical, boho aesthetic. We applaud you on those bright and breezy rooms with their island art and wicker shades, the rooftop garden with its twisted snake plants.

The onsite eatery has menus of healthy poke bowls filled with fresh mango and passionfruit. The bar is the perfect spot to chill and watch the surfers in the evening.

They even organize surf lessons and board rental on site in the Lucky surf school, which reigns supreme in the town with its 450+ ratings of 4.9/5 – that makes it one of the best-rated in the country, let alone just Weli.

For us, this is the best all-round surf stay in the beginner haven of Weligama.

Check prices and availability at Lucky’s Surf Camp

Joseph Richard Francis

Joe “Rich” Francis has been surfing for the best part of 15 years. He’s nowhere near as good as he should be at the end of all that, but hey ho. Born and bred in Swansea, South Wales (the current base of The Surf Atlas), Joe is a seasoned adventure travel writer with completed publications in the surf-travel and adventure-travel sphere for major publications like Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip.

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Surfing In Sri Lanka 2024: Catching The Waves Of Paradise (A Comprehensive Guide)

• Last Updated: April 4, 2024
• Asia , Destinations , Sri Lanka

Welcome to my comprehensive guide to surfing in Sri Lanka!

I’ve had the pleasure of surfing all over Sri Lanka, including in most of the spots mentioned in this guide. A few of my close friends live in Sri Lanka and were able to fill me in for the rest and give me plenty of insider tips.

I actually wrote this post from Arugam Bay, one of Asia’s top surfing hotspots, on the country’s east coast.

Let me take you on a journey to some of the best surf spots on this amazing tropical island.

Table of Contents

Why Surf in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and affordable surfing destinations in the world. From Hikkaduwa to Arugam Bay, the island is home to a variety of surf breaks that cater to all levels of ability.

There are several reasons why Sri Lanka has become such a popular destination among surfers.

Warm water year round (30-degree sea temperature = no wetsuits = win), relatively uncrowded lineups, and a welcoming local surf community, to name but a few.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an intermediate-level surfer, or just somebody who wants to get into this fun and addictive sport, it’s hard not to fall in love with the excellent waves in Sri Lanka.

East Coast vs. Southwest Coast

First up, there are two main areas for surfing in Sri Lanka: the Southwest Coast between Hikkaduwa and Weligama, and the East Coast around Arugam Bay.

Both areas have a distinct season (more on this below).

The South Coast can become fairly crowded during the peak season, but there are also more (and more accessible) surf spots in this region. There’s also a greater range of food and accommodation options here too.

The East Coast is much wilder and less developed, offering more opportunities for surfers who prefer solitude. There aren’t as many places to eat, drink, and stay here, and most of the infrastructure is centred around Arugam Bay itself.

In terms of which region to visit, it largely depends on the time of year you’ll be there.

Sri Lanka’s Two Surf Seasons

There are two main surf seasons in Sri Lanka: one for the Southwest Coast and the other for the East Coast.

The Southwest surf season runs from November to April.

The East Coast season runs from May to October.

That’s right – whenever you come, there’ll always be somewhere to surf that’s perfectly in season. Sri Lanka truly is a year-round surfing destination!

Check out this post on the best surfing quotes and captions for Instagram.

Best Surf Spots: Southwest & South Coast

Season: November to April.

There are many more places to surf on the South (and Southwest) Coast than in the East.

I spent all of January and February this year on the Southwest Coast of Sri Lanka and know all of the following surf spots well.

The majority of these waves are reef breaks. But there are also a few beach breaks that are great for beginners.

There are several bays here that are simply gorgeous. As well as looking like something out of a tropical paradise holiday magazine, these also provide great protection from onshore and cross-shore winds.

This means that many of these waves can be surfed at all times of the day, not only during offshore winds.

Here are some of the best surf spots on the South (West) Coast.

1. Hikkaduwa

The town of Hikkaduwa (along with Arugam Bay in the East) lies at the very heart of surf culture in Sri Lanka.

Located on the South West coast, Hikkaduwa has been a surfing hotspot since the 1970s. It hosted Sri Lanka’s first-ever surfing competition in 1993.

It’s a vibrant beach town famous for its long, sandy beaches and coral reefs. Here you’ll find many surf schools, and a large range of different accommodation options, from simple beach cabanas to fancy luxury hotels.

Hikkaduwa has a few different surf breaks to choose from, depending on your ability. These include:

• Benny’s: A peeling left-hand reef break and one of the most popular surf spots in Hikkaduwa. Suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
• Main Reef: A-frame, with hollow left and right-handers. Again, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
• North Jetty: A long left-hand reef break close to the harbour wall.
• Hikkaduwa Beach: Sandy-bottom beach break, suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Type of wave: Various (A-Frame, Lefts, Beach break)

Suitable for: All abilities

Where to stay: Sailors’ Bay (Budget) / Dreamtime (Higher end)

My favourite place to eat: Hello Hikka Restaurant and Bar

2. Midigama

Midigama is a small village, between Ahangama and Weligama, on the Southwest coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 140 kilometres from Colombo .

While the village itself is considerably smaller than Hikkaduwa, there’s still a lot going on here, with a good range of different places to eat, drink, and stay. There are several surf shops too, so you’ll have everything you need.

Midigama is a really great place to base yourself if you’d like to try out a few different surf spots in the area.

There are five main waves in Midigama itself, with various others located a short scooter (/tuk-tuk) ride away.

The five Midigama waves are:

• Lazy Left: A famous left-hand deep reef break that’s good for intermediate surfers. The first section can be fairly fast, but after that, the wave gets nice and mellow (hence the name “Lazy”). It can hold up to 4-6 ft swells on a good day and can take you a few hundred metres.
• Lazy Right: An even mellower version of Lazy Left. Waves break predictably over a deep reef, providing an easy take-off. This is one of the best waves in Sri Lanka for competent beginners to transition onto reef breaks.
• Devil’s Rock (/Sion): This is a great intermediate spot, offering consistent left and right-hand waves popular with both long and short boarders. Be on the watch for urchins and sharp rocks.
• Rams: The most advanced surf break in the area, Rams is a fast, powerful, barreling right-hander over a shallow, sharp reef. I’m not good enough to surf here, but I’ve heard from experienced surfers that it’s a lot of fun!
• Plantations: Located between the villages of Midigama and Gurubebila (below), Plantations is another good spot for intermediate surfers. The reef is (mostly) quite deep, but there are a few rocks to keep an eye out for, especially on your way in and out. Mostly right-hand waves, but the reef is fairly wide and you can get decent lefts here too.

Type of wave: Various reef breaks (Lefts and Rights)

Suitable for: Intermediates and up

Where to stay: Dreams Garden Surf Lodge (Budget) / Kusuma’s Lazy Left (Mid-range)

My favourite place to eat: MAMA’S

3. Gurubebila / Coconuts

The tiny village of Gurubebila is the first place I visited in Southwest Sri Lanka. I loved it so much that I ended up staying there for a whole month.

The village green lies right next to the beach. It regularly hosts local cricket matches, farmers’ markets, live music, and other events throughout the season.

The wave itself is a powerful A-frame, with fast and long lefts and rights. It’s suitable for decent intermediates and up. Entry and exit can be a little tricky, but there’s normally someone around to ask if you’re unsure.

The whole place is very peaceful and unspoiled, and I found all the locals here to be super friendly and welcoming. There are a few simple restaurants, guesthouses, coconut palms, and a load of cows, but that’s about it.

This is one of my favourite places in the South of Sri Lanka. Sunsets here can be truly magical.

Coconuts is also a great place to watch the local stick fishermen at work, perched on their wooden stilts. And from here it’s an easy walk to Abimanagama Beach, an incredibly beautiful secluded bay.

If you come here, be sure to stay with Lucky. He’s a locally famous stilt fisherman, an amazing surf instructor – and a massive legend – who also owns an excellent surf shop in Weligama.

Type of wave: A-Frame point break

Suitable for: Intermediates and advanced surfers

Where to stay: Lucky’s Guest House (tell Lucky and Indika I sent you!) (Budget) / Lion’s Rest (Higher end)

My favourite place to eat: Dorian and Hiru Family Restaurant

4. Ahangama

On the other side of Midigama, you’ll find the small town of Ahangama.

This place hasn’t traditionally been as well known as some of Sri Lanka’s more famous surfing destinations (Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, etc.). But it’s no less impressive than its better-known counterparts and has many superb waves.

There aren’t really any truly beginner-friendly waves here (for that, you’re better off heading up the road to Kabalana). But for intermediates and above, this is a fantastic surfing destination.

Here are some of the popular surf breaks in Ahangama:

• Marshmallows: Known for its mellow waves, Marshmallows is a deep water A-frame that’s great for intermediates and up. It’s fairly straightforward to access via a small sandy beach, although keep an eye out for sharp rocks.
• Rajith Surf Point: Another popular A-frame that can hold up to 5 ft, with barrels in the right conditions. A bit shallower than Marshmallows. Intermediates and above.
• Kangaroos: Next to Marshmallows, this reef break has various lefts and rights. Certain sections can be good places for people transitioning from beginner to intermediate, although it’s definitely best to go out with a guide or teacher first to get familiar with the setup.
• Sticks: Named after its iconic stick fishermen, Sticks offers lefts and rights, with multiple peaks, and barrels on the best days. This is another good spot for beginner-intermediate transitioning (with an instructor). The reef break has a mostly sandy bottom, although there are rocks and the reef is quite shallow in parts.

Ahangama is becoming increasingly popular with expats and there’s a great range of places to eat, drink, and stay here. A few of my friends have recently set up businesses in Ahangama and I’ve spent a fair amount of time here.

The town is also only a 5-minute drive away from Midigama, so you’ll be within a stone’s throw from many of the best waves in the South. It has a bit more going on too, although is still way less crowded than places like Hikkaduwa.

There’s a reason people love to base themselves here.

Type of wave: Various reef breaks (A-Frame, Lefts, and Rights)

Suitable for: Intermediates (or competent beginners with a teacher) and up

Where to stay: Jungle Villa (Budget) / Palm Garden Ayurveda Resort (Higher end)

My favourite place to eat: Crust

5. Kabalana

Kabalana is one of my favourite Sri Lanka surf spots. I caught my very first green wave here!

This long, wide white sand beach is located just north of Ahangama and tends to be one of the less crowded spots in the area.

There are two main surfing spots at Kabalana: Kabalana Beach and The Rock.

Kabalana Beach

Kabalana Beach is one of the best beginner-friendly spots in the area. It’s a beach break that’s a great place for first-time surfers to practice popping up in the white water.

Paddle a little further out and you’ll have some perfect opportunities to learn how to catch green waves. It’s almost all sandy bottom, with hardly any rocks.

However, there can be some fairly strong rip currents here, especially on the southern end of the beach, which can make paddling fairly tiring work. If in doubt, ask one of the local surf teachers.

I really enjoyed learning to surf at Kabalana Beach. It’s so much nicer than Weligama (see below). There’s more space, you rarely have to worry about hitting anybody else, and the water is infinitely cleaner and nicer.

There are several surf instructors based here. I had a few lessons with Dad & Son , on the southern end of the beach next to The Sandhya Hotel, and would definitely recommend them.

For intermediate and advanced surfers, The Rock (also known as Kabalana Main Surf Point) is widely considered to be one of the best A-Frame reef breaks in the country. It’s particularly popular with short boarders.

Named after the large rocky boulder that rises out of the water just off the southern end of the beach, The Rock offers super consistent, fun left and right waves.

You can ride fast up to 400m, and on a big day, the waves can reach up to 10ft.

In general, the barrelling left waves are harder than the right ones, and should only be tackled by experienced surfers when the swell is big.

Type of wave: Beach break and A-Frame

Suitable for: Beginners (Beach), intermediates and advanced (A-Frame)

Where to stay: Lasindu Guest (Budget) / Panta Rei Resort (Higher end)

My favourite place to eat: East Falafel (this place is incredible!)

6. Hiriketiya Beach

When I think of tropical paradise, I think of Hiriketiya. It’s a picture-perfect horseshoe-shaped bay, lined with coconut palms, and teeming with turtles and fish.

I spent a month living here too and totally fell in love with the place. While no longer quite the hidden gem that it once was, Hiriketiya is still a super laid-back, chill place with a great vibe.

Hiriketiya is another place that’s ideal for learning how to surf. The wave breaks on a rocky point at the entrance of the bay. From here it slowly peels all the way across the bay, finally finishing on the sandy beach.

Intermediates and short boarders can have a lot of fun taking off at the point and riding the first section of the wave along the rocks.

Beginners can start off close to the beach on the opposite side of the bay to the point. Then, as your confidence and ability increase, you can make your way toward the centre of the bay, and then closer to the point.

Much as I love Hiriketiya, there are two main downsides to the place.

Firstly, there’s only really one main wave to surf in the immediate vicinity, and it can get quite crowded, especially in the height of the season (January-March).

Secondly, there needs to be a reasonable amount of swell for the wave to actually work. I spent over a week here frustrated at being unable to surf because the sea was too calm.

(You can always just snorkel with the turtles instead though, which is hardly a punishment :).)

When you’re not in the water, you can chill out on the idyllic beach and soak up the sun, or take a stroll along the shore and explore the little hidden coves and bays around the area.

Type of wave: Beach and Point break

Suitable for: Beginners and intermediates

Where to stay: Kingsley Place (Budget) / Sand Dollar House (Mid-range) / Belika Beach Club (Fancy)

My favourite place to eat: Smoke & Bitters (my favourite restaurant in Sri Lanka!)

Check out my post on the 9 best hotels in Hiriketiya !

7. Weligama Beach

I had my first-ever surfing lesson at Weligama!

Weligama Beach is one of the most famous and popular beginner surf spots on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. The beach is long and wide, with consistent waves that are perfect for those taking their first lessons.

Weligama Bay is sweeping and sheltered, so the waves tend to be rideable here even when the other, more exposed, spots in the area are blown out.

There are plenty of surf schools and accommodation options nearby, including several surf camps, making Weligama a good place to stay if you’re looking to master the basics.

However, despite its popularity and many advantages, personally, I’m not actually a huge fan of surfing in Weligama. The main reason is the water quality.

Weligama is a city of over 20,000 people and a couple of (relatively polluted) rivers flow into the bay.

When I surfed here, the water looked, smelled, and felt quite unclean, and I didn’t enjoy it anywhere near as much as in places like Kabalana or Hiriketiya (which are two of the best beginner surf spots).

However, many people love surfing here, so I’ve included it in this guide anyway. It’s also very easy to travel from Colombo to Weligama , with various different transport options available.

Type of wave: Beach break

Suitable for: Beginners

Where to stay: Sun Set Sea Family House (Budget) / O2 Villas (Higher end)

My favourite place to eat: Layback Rooftop Café

8. Jungle Beach

First off, there are several “Jungle Beaches” in southern Sri Lanka. I’m not talking about the more famous Unawatuna Jungle Beach (Unawatuna is overtouristed and massively overrated in my opinion).

This Jungle Beach is located just the other side of Weligama, on the way up to Ahangama. See here for the exact location (Google Maps) .

One of my friends tipped me off about this place. It’s incredibly beautiful and unspoiled, tucked away in a peaceful and sheltered bay.

There’s one main long left-hand break that’s similar to Midigama’s Lazy Left, though slightly faster. It’s mostly quite deep, although you need to watch out as a few sections of the reef are fairly shallow.

This is another great place for competent beginners to transition onto reef breaks. However, I’d recommend going out with someone who knows what they’re doing if you’re lacking in experience.

When the swell is larger, there’s also a right, although this is shallower and requires a fairly long paddle out to reach.

Type of wave: Reef break (Left and Right)

Suitable for: Intermediates (or competent beginners with a teacher)

Where to stay: Cliff House (Budget) / Horizon Inn (Higher end) / Eraeliya Villas & Gardens (Fancy)

My favourite place to eat: Silent Pup

9. Mirissa Beach

Popular with holidaymakers, the touristy beach town of Mirissa is located just a few kilometres down the coast from Weligama.

Mirissa is another good spot for novice surfers, with a consistent beach break that’s fairly forgiving and several surf schools in the area.

For intermediates and above, there’s a main right-hand point break over the reef, and an easier left-hander closer to the harbour. Be aware of the tides and watch out for shallow reef beds and urchins.

Due to Mirissa’s location, sheltered in an attractive palm-fringed bay, the waves here are much less affected by onshore winds than many of the other locations in the area.

Where to stay: The Hostel (Budget) / Mimoza Mirissa (Mid-range) / The Jungle View (Higher end)

My favourite place to eat: Poppies

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Best Surf Spots: East Coast

Season: May to October.

Compared with the South, the East Coast of Sri Lanka is much wilder and less developed.

There are fewer tourist facilities here and you’re more likely to see wildlife (elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffalo) on your way to and from the various surf points.

Most of the East Coast surfing infrastructure is centred around Arugam Bay. The majority of the surf breaks in the area are within a 20-30 minute tuk-tuk ride from the centre of town, but they’re all totally different.

I was in Arugam Bay at the very beginning of the season this year (late April to mid-May).

Not all of the following surf spots were working at that time. The swell hadn’t yet finished shifting enough sand to reshape the sand bars and headlands which help create the famous waves.

You can still surf Main Point and Peanut Farm at the beginning of May, although you often have to wait until mid-June for all of the spots to be fully working.

In general, the waves on the South East Coast get better throughout the season, with August and September usually being the best months.

Here are some of the best surf spots on the East Coast.

10. Arugam Bay – Main Point

Arugam Bay is a real mecca for surfers, and Main Point is at the centre of all the hype. It’s widely considered to be one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka and has one of the best waves in the world.

The natural setting is simply gorgeous. A gently curving bay, backed by sand dunes, with palm trees and colorfully painted traditional fishing boats.

Main Point can hold up to 6-8 ft swells and is suitable for intermediates and above. It’s a fast and hollow right-hand point break with 3 main sections.

On a good day, you can ride it for at least 500 metres, halfway across the bay.

The main downside to this being such a famous surfing destination is the crowds. There’s not much you can do about that though, as it’s busy at most times of the day.

Entry and exit at Main Point can be a little tricky too, especially during low tide.

The reef here is generally flatter and less sharp than in many surf spots in the south of the country, which reduces the risk of injuries. But it’s still easy to cut your feet.

I’ve been taken off guard by powerful whitewash a couple of times here and cut my feet up in the process. If in doubt, watch where others are entering and exiting the water.

In general, the waves are at least a couple of feet larger at Main Point than most of the other spots in the area. When it’s 4ft at Peanut Farm or Whisky Point, it’ll probably be at least 6ft at Main Point.

Surfing at Main Point in Arugam Bay is a must-try experience! It’s famous for a reason, and in the lineup, you’ll meet surfers from all over the world.

Type of wave: Right-hand point break (reef)

Where to stay: Garden Beach Hotel (Budget) / Surf Gangs (Mid-range) / The Spice Trail (Fancy)

My favourite place to eat: Thatha’s

11. Baby Point

If you’re a beginner surfer looking to catch the waves in Arugam Bay, then Baby Point is the perfect spot for you.

It’s located between Main Point and the town and is a great place to practice standing up and catching your first waves.

Baby Point is a beach break with small, gentle waves and a sandy bottom. You’ll have plenty of time to pop up and practice your technique, and you’re less likely to get hurt when you fall.

Most of the surf schools in Arugam Bay take their beginner students here first, before then progressing onto bigger beach breaks like Peanut Farm.

However, Baby Point only really starts working properly from July onwards. If you come in May or June, you’ll probably have to start off at Peanut Farm instead.

12. Pottuvil Point

Pottuvil Point is located just north of Arugam Bay and is another excellent right-hand point break. It’s more sheltered than Main Point, so is a good place to come when the wind picks up.

Pottuvil offers one of the longest rides of any wave in Sri Lanka – up to 800 metres if you make it all the way! However, you need a larger swell (at least 3-4ft) for this spot to really work properly.

The natural setting is stunning too. The picture-perfect long beach is untouched, with boulders and dunes giving it an otherworldly appearance.

Type of wave: Right-hand point break

Where to stay: Beach Lagoon Parans (Budget) / Dream Garden (Higher end) / or in Arugam Bay itself

My favourite place to eat: Dream Garden Restaurant

13. Whiskey Point

When it’s working, Whiskey Point is a good spot for beginners who have mastered the basics (i.e. you can already stand up) and want to progress onto catching green waves.

Located just around the corner from Pottuvil Point, the wave at Whiskey Point is a mellow, right-hand point break.

This is one of the few places on the East Coast of Sri Lanka where beginners can learn how to ride waves without feeling overwhelmed by bigger swells.

It’s also ideal for intermediates looking to improve their technique and confidence.

However, when I was in Arugam Bay Whisky Point wasn’t working at all, and several local people told me that it hadn’t been working properly for the last couple of seasons.

This is essentially due to the position of the sand around the beach and the point itself.

That may change throughout this current season. I’d recommend speaking with somebody with up-to-date local knowledge of the situation there, especially before booking any accommodation in the area.

Suitable for: Beginners and up

Note: check if Whiskey Point is working before booking accommodation here

14. Peanut Farm

I really like Peanut Farm. Of all of the waves in the area, this is the one I’m most familiar with. This is also the place where I really started to feel my technique and confidence improving considerably.

It’s a great spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. The wave breaks on a big rock and then peels right towards the beach. It has very consistent surf, with waves forming in virtually the same place each time.

Peanut Farm beach is untouched and beautiful. To get there you’ll pass through rice paddies, jungle, and (yes) a peanut grove.

Keep an eye out and you’re likely to see wild elephants here, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Although this is largely a wilderness beach with few facilities, there is a lifeguard station here so it’s a very safe place to surf.

If the waves are looking a bit too big for you at Main Point, chances are Peanut Farm will be perfect.

Type of wave: Beach and Right-hand point break (with a larger, more advanced break further out)

Where to stay: Surf Gangs , Arugam Bay (there’s currently no accommodation at Peanut Farm)

My favourite place to eat: N/A

15. Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is a large boulder outcrop located between Arugam Bay and Peanut Farm.

As well as being a fantastic place to come and watch the sunset, below the rock is another great right-hand point break.

This is another good spot for beginners and intermediates, with mellow waves and a sandy bottom.

Type of wave: Beach and Right-hand point break

Where to stay: Surf Gangs (Arugam Bay)

The furthest spot away from Arugam Bay on this list, Okanda Beach is a really special place. It’s a totally wild beach, located on the edge of Kumana National Park .

Getting there is part of the fun. It’s a 30-kilometre drive south of Arugam Bay. After the village of Panama, the paved road ends and you have to drive the last 16 kilometres over a bumpy dirt road riddled with potholes.

I hired my own tuk-tuk and drove myself there. It was awesome, and I’d definitely recommend doing this if you can.

Along the way, I lost track of the amount of wildlife I saw. Elephants, water buffalo, wild boar, deer, mongooses, crocodiles, and loads of birds. It honestly felt like going on a safari !

For good intermediate and advanced surfers only, the waves here are particularly powerful. Steep barrels and 6-8ft waves are fairly commonplace.

It’s part sandy bottom and part reef, with long rides of up to 500 metres. The waves tend to break very consistently, and the lineup is virtually always empty, so it’s a dream surf spot for many.

However, this place really is remote. There are strong rip currents, rocks, and no lifeguards, so you should only attempt to surf here if you know what you’re doing.

Type of wave: Point break (Left and Right)

Suitable for: Intermediates (advanced on big days) and up

My favourite place to eat: N/A (it’s pretty wild here – bring your own lunch!)

Useful Resources

To help you make the most of your trip, here are some useful resources:

• Surfline Sri Lanka – Up-to-date surf forecasts and reports for all of Sri Lanka’s top surfing spots.
• Booking.com – It’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about surfing in Sri Lanka.

What’s the best time of year to surf in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a year-round surfing destination. However, the best months in the South tend to be January-March, while the best months in the East are usually July-September.

What kind of waves can I expect in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has a variety of waves suitable for all levels of surfer. From mellow beach breaks to powerful A-frames, there’s something for everyone here.

Can I surf off-season in Sri Lanka?

In a few places, yes, you can surf off-season in Sri Lanka.

For example, Hiriketiya is a great place to surf off-season. However, in the East, the majority of the breaks don’t work off-season. And in the South, most of the waves close out too aggressively to be surfable.

Is Sri Lanka surfing crowded?

It depends on where you go. The most popular spots can get very crowded, as can the beginner surf beaches. If you’re a confident and experienced surfer, you can usually avoid the crowds by heading to the more remote and challenging breaks.

Why is Sri Lanka good for surfing?

Sri Lanka is a great destination for surfers of all levels. The waves here are reliable and consistent, with plenty of beaches to choose from. The Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka is warm and (in most places) very clean. Plus, there are plenty of other activities and sights to explore when you’re not in the water.

How much does it cost to hire a board in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest countries in the world to hire a board! Depending on where you are, expect to pay around 500 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR/about $1.50 USD) for 1-3 hours, or 1,000 LKR for 24 hours. You can usually negotiate a discount if you want to hire a board for longer periods.

How much do surf lessons cost in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is also one of the cheapest countries in the world to have surf lessons! It slightly depends on the location, but I found that most teachers charge around 5,000 LKR ($15 USD) for a 1-hour lesson. It’s usually cheaper if you bulk buy several sessions.

Is Sri Lanka good for beginner surfers?

Yes – I learned how to surf in Sri Lanka and can confidently say that it’s an amazing place for beginner surfers. The water is warm, many of the popular beaches have gentle waves, and there are plenty of teachers available to provide (extremely cheap) lessons.

Do you need a wetsuit in Sri Lanka?

Nope! You do not need a wetsuit to surf in Sri Lanka. All you need is a swimming costume/board shorts and a rash guard or old t-shirt and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

No matter what your skill level, there’s a surf spot in Sri Lanka that’s perfect for you.

With consistent waves, warm water, low prices, delicious food, welcoming locals, and beautiful scenery, surfing in Sri Lanka is an unforgettable experience.

My favourite surf spots in Sri Lanka are Kabalana, Hiriketiya, and Arugam Bay. Have I missed any of yours? Let me know below.

Related Posts

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Alex Tiffany

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Surf Packages

Yoga Packages

Our Surf Camp Sri Lanka

Our top rated Surf Camps Sri Lanka located just meters away from the best surf spots in Weligama. Join us to start your ultimate surf and yoga journey in Sri Lanka. We offer a surf camp package for beginner and intermediate surfers and advanced surfers. No matter of your surf level you will have an unforgettable surf holiday at The Surfers. From daily surf lessons to daily yoga sessions and surf theory, we offer everything for your unique surf trip. As one of the best surf schools in Weligama bay, we offer an incredible place for groups, couples and solo travellers. Join our surfing sessions and find some secret surf spots for intermediate and advanced surfers. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate all year and is know as a surfers paradise. Get some incredible surfing footage from the surf coaching and video analysis.

Join one of our Ultimate Surf Camps in Sri Lanka. Choose your surf camp here

THE SURFER BEACH SURF CAMP

THE SURFER BEACH surf camp Sri Lanka, our main surf camp in Weligama, is situated right next to the best Weligama surfing beach, within walking distance to variety of breaks, suitable for surfers of all standards. Our goal is to get you up and ripping in no time following best surfing practices and techniques. If you have in mind perfect surf and yoga camp experience in Sri Lanka, this is it! Look no further. You have found premium Sri Lanka surf and yoga camp run by surfers for surfers

TS2 WELIGAMA SURF CAMP

TS2 WELIGAMA surf camp is a complex accommodation, located in a beautiful green neighborhood just 100 meters from the beach and 5-minute ride from our main surf camp The Surfer beach camp. Booking TS2 Weligama surf camp gives you access to all the facilities of our main camp, including restaurant and pool, surf & yoga lessons, as well as social events held at The Surfer beach surf camp on daily basis.

Join one of our Sri Lanka surf camps for an unforgettable surf and yoga experience!

Difference between Beach Camp And Ts2 Camp

Main difference is the location and the room standard ! Beach camp located right next to the beach with swim pool, TS2 camp rooms are with Basic standard simple private rooms with Fan and hot water ensuite bathroom Beach camp rooms are Standard private rooms with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom and hot water ! TS2 camp located 05 minutes ride away from the beach camp, even though you book TS2 Weligama , all your surf lessons, Yoga, dinner and all events will be taken place at the beach camp ! Transport will be paid to travel between two camps ! you can basically spend all ur day at the beach camp and just go for sleep at TS2 camp !

Surfing in Sri Lanka – The ultimate guide to the best surf spots in Sri Lanka

It's been not too many years since surfing has come into the frame of this fabulous island and gained blistering

Surfing in Sri Lanka – A guide to Sri Lanka surfing seasons

    It's not a secret tropical island of Sri Lanka, lost in crystal clear waters of Indian ocean, boasts to be

TOP THINGS TO DO IN WELIGAMA, SRI LANKA

Weligama is a famous surf town on the southern end of the emerald island of Sri Lanka. And while there

MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA — HIDDEN SIGHTSEEING GEMS ACCORDING TO LOCALS

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island paradise that’s popular among tourists. However, depending on your travel style, you may prefer

Surfing & Yoga For All Abilities

The bottom line is that, no matter what kind of surfing level and ambition you arrive with, there is always something to offer at our surf and yoga camp in Sri Lanka. We offer a wide array of packages for every kind of surfers and if there is anything special you need just let us know!

MODERATE SURF LESSONS

1 LESSON PER DAY

MODERATE SURF GUIDING

YOGA AND SURF PACKAGE

1 LESSON EACH PER DAY

FULL SURF LESSON PACKAGE

2 LESSONS PER DAY

WHY YOU SHOULD SELECT OUR SURF CAMP IN SRI LANKA?

If you have in mind to have a perfect surf and yoga holiday in Sri Lanka , This is it, We provide variety of surf packages as a surf camp in Sri Lanka, providing Professional Surf lessons by ISA certified surf instructors & Yoga lessons by certified professional yoga instructors Our Surfer Rooftop is the heart of the camp where you will meet everyone in one place from around the world ,make new friends for life , We organize daily social events for everyone to gather around and have fun to make good memories ! Book us now for an unforgettable Surf Camp experience !

Wake Up To The Sound Of The Ocean

Beach Camp is situated in the best spot on the beach in front of a less crowded beginner break and walking distance to the Weligama main spot as well as easy access to reach another nine to ten surf spots within a ten minute radius!

Make New Friends For Life

Join Our Surf Camp In Sri Lanka and meet all the European other travelers around the world to make new friends for life, We organize daily evening events to make you an unforgettable surfing vacation to remember

Testimonials

Our Sri Lanka HIGHLIGHT “The surfer was mine and my boyfriends absolute highlight of our three week trip. The staff are SO friendly and fun, our room was gorgeous, food was brilliant too. Surfing and yoga classes are of such a good standard with some surf lessons being filmed so you can see what you’re doing wrong. Neither of us had done yoga before and the instructors were really accommodating of this and we never felt left out. Boat party 10/10 would 100% recommend. Made so many friends and would definitely come again.”

Great place to surf and meet people “Had a great time! Surflessons every day, clean bed every day! Many great surfspots a few minutes away. The hostel has fun activities and game nights and the staff is super kind. I will definitely go back sometime! Very nice for people who travel alone because you can meet a lot of travelers. Thanks again for everything!”

Roel Wamelink

“Everything was perfect. Nice rooms, owner, staff, lessons and food! Also a lot of different fun people staying at the camp. A good mix of surfing, yoga, partying and chilling. Really recommend if you want to have a very nice time while learning to surf!”

Best surf camp! “I booked 10 days at the camp but ended up staying 4 weeks in total! Good place for solo traveling, everyone is so friendly and social. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Location is good. It is surf right in the front of the house, but you also get transport to other spots if you are passed the beginner stage. Will very much recommend it!”

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Surf and Yoga

01) Worth to try a surf camp?

Looking for an epic adventure? Look no further than Surf Camp Sri Lanka! This experience is totally worth it. Not only will you get to improve your surfing skills with video analysis and expert coaching, but you’ll also meet tons of like-minded travelers. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a thing – the camp takes care of everything from food to surfing, yoga to safety. So, if you’re traveling solo or just looking for a new challenge, Surfcamp is the perfect choice. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to catch the best waves, surf conditions and make new friends!

02) Does Sri Lanka has good surfing?

Are you a surfer looking for a new adventure? Well, let me tell you, Sri Lanka is the place to be! With its beautiful beaches and consistent waves, Sri Lanka is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are plenty of spots to catch some waves. From the famous Southwest coast Weligama to East coast Arugambay, you’ll find a variety of breaks to suit your style. So grab your board and head to Sri Lanka for an unforgettable surfing experience in Sri Lanka.

03) Do you need a wet suit to surf in Sri Lanka?

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you might be wondering if you need to pack a wet suit. Well, we’ve got some good news for you – you can leave it at home! The water temperature in Sri Lanka is warm, so you won’t need to worry about getting chilly while you catch some waves. Plus, who wants to deal with the hassle of putting on and taking off a wet suit anyway? So pack your board shorts and sunscreen, and get ready for some epic surf sessions in the warm waters of Sri Lanka.

04)Are Sri Lanka surfing spots crowded?

Looking for a chill surf vacation without the crowds? Look no further than Sri Lanka! Our surf camp in Weligama is run by a local who knows all the best spots. And the best part? We’ll take you to the hidden gems that not many people know about. No need to worry about fighting for waves or feeling like you’re in a surf competition. Just relax, catch some waves, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Book with us and experience the uncrowded surfing spots of Sri Lanka.

05)Are you wondering if you're too old to learn to surf?

Let me tell you, age is just a number! Whether you’re 26 or 66, you can still catch some waves and have a blast. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And if you’re looking for the perfect board to get started, we’ve got you covered. Our beginner-friendly surfboards are designed to help you learn quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for?It’s never too late to learn something new. Book a surf trip with us in one of our surf camp Sri Lanka. We are also a yoga retreat and we offer daily breakfast all inclusive.

06) Which months are best to surfing in Sri Lanka south west coast?

If you’re a surfing enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to check out Sri Lanka’s south west coast. And if you’re wondering when the best time to go is, we’ve got you covered. The ideal months for surfing in this area are from October to the end of April. That’s right, you’ve got a solid six months to catch some waves and soak up the sun. So grab your board and get ready for an unforgettable experience. With warm waters and consistent swells, you won’t want to miss out on this surfing paradise.

07)Is Sri Lanka best for beginner surfers?

If you’re a beginner looking for the perfect place to catch some waves, look no further than surfing in Sri Lanka. Trust us, it’s 100% the best spot for newbies compared to anywhere else in the world. And The surf beach in Weligama is the ultimate place to learn to surf. With a 2-3 km long sandy coastline and gentle waves that won’t knock you off your board, you’ll be shredding in no time. Plus, there are no dangerous currents or reefs to worry about. So grab your board and head to Weligama for the ultimate surfing experience!

Dive right in!

We, the sun and the Indian Ocean are waiting for you!

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Surfing in Sri Lanka: A Tropical Paradise with Consistent Waves and Beautiful Beaches

Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the most popular surf destinations in the world, with its warm waters, consistent waves, and beautiful beaches. Located on the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that offers something for surfers of all levels, from beginner breaks to challenging reef breaks.

Surf spots Sri Lanka

The south and east coasts of Sri Lanka are home to the best surf spots, with Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa being particularly popular among surfers. These areas offer a range of wave types, from long, mellow point breaks to punchy beach breaks.

Check the full list of surf spots of Sri Lanka

Check also the Google Map :

Check our fully detailed Arugam Bay Surf Guide

The good and the bad about surfing in Sri Lanka

Positive aspects:.

In addition, there are enjoyable waves, favorable offshore winds during the monsoon season, and affordable travel options. The surfing season on the west-east coast (Hikkaduwa, Midigama, etc.) spans from November to March, while on the east coast (Arugam Bay), it is from May to September.

Negative aspects:

However, there are some drawbacks, including unpredictable swells and winds, pollution, localism, and the lingering impact of a major civil war, which is no longer confined to the Northern provinces. It is important to seek reliable travel advice before planning your trip.

Sri Lanka surf video

Best time to visit Sri Lanka for surfing

The best time to visit Sri Lanka for surfing is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the waves are the most consistent and the weather is the most pleasant. However, it is possible to surf in Sri Lanka year-round, with the west and southwest coasts offering more sheltered conditions during the wet season.

Overall, Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for surfers looking for warm waters, good waves, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you are sure to find something to suit your abilities and interests in this beautiful country.

The Sri Lankan surf season in a table

What to do when you don’t go surfing.

Here are a few examples of interesting and adventurous activities to do in Sri Lanka if you are not surfing:

• Hiking and trekking: Sri Lanka is home to many beautiful trails that offer breathtaking views of the countryside. Some popular destinations for hiking and trekking include Adam’s Peak, Knuckles Mountain Range, and Horton Plains National Park.
• White-water rafting: The Kelani River, which runs through the rainforests of central Sri Lanka, is a popular destination for white-water rafting. The river offers a range of rapids that are suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.
• Scuba diving and snorkeling: Sri Lanka’s clear, warm waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and colorful tropical fish. Popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling include Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Unawatuna.
• Wildlife watching: Sri Lanka is home to many species of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. Popular destinations for wildlife watching include Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
• Cultural experiences: Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and there are many opportunities to learn about and experience the local culture. Some popular cultural activities include visiting temples, attending a traditional dance performance, or taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

And here are a few more ideas for things to do in Ella and Colombo, Sri Lanka:

• Ella Rock: This popular hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations. The trail can be strenuous in places, but the views from the top are worth it.
• Nine Arches Bridge: This iconic bridge is a short distance from Ella and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The bridge is often crowded, but it is still worth a visit for the views and for the opportunity to take some Instagram-worthy photos.
• Tea plantations: Ella is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, and there are many tea plantations in the area that offer tours and tastings. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history and production of Sri Lankan tea and to sample some of the country’s finest teas.
• Galle Face Green: This popular seaside promenade is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the sea breeze. The area is also home to many food stalls, so it is a good place to grab a snack or a drink.
• Gangaramaya Temple: This Buddhist temple is located in the heart of Colombo and is known for its ornate architecture and beautiful gardens. The temple is also home to a museum with a collection of Buddhist artifacts and artworks.
• Old Town: The Old Town area of Colombo is home to many historic buildings, including the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, which has been converted into a shopping and dining destination. The area is also home to many small street food stalls, so it is a good place to try some local specialties.

And don’t forget this for your surf trip to Sri Lanka

Below you”ll see items that you may want to consider adding to your packing list:

• Leash: A leash is an essential piece of equipment that keeps you connected to your surfboard. Make sure to bring a leash that is the appropriate size for your board and your level of surfing.
• Surf wax: Surf wax helps to increase the grip on your surfboard and is essential for a good surf session. Make sure to bring enough wax for the duration of your trip.
• Sunscreen: It is important to protect your skin from the sun when you are surfing, especially in tropical destinations like Sri Lanka. Make sure to bring a high-SPF sunscreen and apply it liberally before you hit the water.
• Rash guard: A rash guard is a type of shirt that is designed to protect your skin from the sun and the board. Rash guards are also useful for keeping you warm in colder water.
• Surfboard bag: A surfboard bag is a good investment if you are planning to travel with your surfboard. A bag will protect your board from damage during transport and make it easier to carry around.
• Surf repair kit: A surf repair kit is a good thing to have on hand in case your surfboard sustains any damage while you are on your trip. A repair kit should include items like a fiberglass repair kit, sandpaper, and a small fin key.

Travel tips for surfers

Here are a few travel tips for surfers visiting Sri Lanka:

• As said, the best time to visit Sri Lanka for surfing is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the waves are the most consistent and the weather is the most pleasant.
• The south and east coasts of Sri Lanka are home to the best surf spots, with Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa being particularly popular among surfers.
• If you are planning to surf in Sri Lanka, it is a good idea to bring your own surfboard. While there are a few surf shops in the country that rent out boards, the selection may be limited and the prices may be higher than what you are used to.
• Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, as the sun in Sri Lanka can be intense. It is also a good idea to bring a rash guard or surf shirt to protect your skin from the sun and the board.
• Be mindful of the local culture and customs when you are surfing in Sri Lanka. Respect the waves and the other surfers in the water, and be considerate of the local community.
• Finally, don’t forget to take some time to explore the rest of the country while you are there. Sri Lanka is home to many beautiful beaches, temples, national parks, and other attractions that are well worth a visit.

Entry guidelines for traveling to Sri Lanka (e.g. Visa)

Also good to be aware of: the Entry Guidelines for Convenient Travel to Sri Lanka. Familiarize yourself with the following information to ensure a smooth travel experience.

• Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
• You have the option of obtaining a Visa on Arrival or arranging an e-visa through the official website www.eta.gov.lk .
• Regarding Covid-19 protocols, there are no restrictions, vaccination certificates, or mandatory negative PCR tests.
• Complete the arrival card online before your departure.

For further details regarding arrival cards and online visa applications for Sri Lanka, please refer to the provided link.

As indicated on the ETA webpage, all ETA holders are required to present the following:

• Proof of a round trip ticket upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
• Evidence of adequate financial resources to cover your expenses throughout your stay. (Possession of a credit/visa card is sufficient)

What vaccines do you need to travel to Sri Lanka?

To clarify, as of the current moment, Sri Lanka doesn’t require any mandatory vaccination certificates for entry.

It’s always advisable, however, to ensure your fundamental vaccines (that are typically given in childhood) are up-to-date, such as MMR, DTP, chickenpox, polio, and others, as per your home country’s vaccination schedule.

• It’s also worth considering getting a Hepatitis A vaccine for trips to Asia, including Sri Lanka.
• For those undertaking riskier or extended stays, other vaccines to consider include Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Conclusion: Embark on an Unforgettable Surfing Journey in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers surfing opportunities along the entire south coast. Numerous locations catch the swells and offer quality waves of up to 3 feet. For the best surfing experience, it is advisable to visit during the peak season in January and February. Sri Lanka is average in various aspects, including the surf, the people, and the overall atmosphere. While some days in the water can be good, it is worth noting that the area tends to be crowded. Local surfers are skilled, but over time, they have become increasingly hostile towards foreigners each season.

Sri Lanka, with its warm waters, consistent swells, and breathtaking landscapes, is an idyllic destination for surfers seeking an unforgettable experience. From the world-class surf spots like Arugam Bay to the vibrant cultural tapestry that permeates the country, Sri Lanka offers a unique and captivating surfing adventure.

By respecting the local surf culture, being mindful of etiquette, and embracing the warm hospitality of the Sri Lankan people, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab your board, ride the waves, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of surfing in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Surf FAQ’s

What are some popular surf spots in sri lanka.

Some popular surf spots in Sri Lanka include Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, and Midigama. These areas offer a variety of wave types suitable for surfers of different levels.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka for surfing?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka for surfing is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period offers the most consistent waves and pleasant weather conditions.

Are there any negative aspects to consider when surfing in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there are some negative aspects to consider when surfing in Sri Lanka. These include unpredictable swells and winds, pollution, localism in certain areas, and the lingering impact of the civil war. It's important to seek reliable travel advice before planning your trip.

What are the positive aspects of surfing in Sri Lanka?

Surfing in Sri Lanka has several positive aspects, including enjoyable waves, favorable offshore winds during the monsoon season, and affordable travel options. The country offers warm waters and caters to surfers of all levels.

What are some recommended activities to do in Sri Lanka when not surfing?

When not surfing in Sri Lanka, you can engage in activities such as hiking and trekking in destinations like Adam's Peak and Knuckles Mountain Range, white-water rafting in the Kelani River, scuba diving and snorkeling in Hikkaduwa and Mirissa, and wildlife watching in Yala National Park. Additionally, exploring the country's cultural heritage by visiting temples and attending traditional performances is highly recommended.

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