Surfing in Sri Lanka: must-visit spots, tips, mood and more

Sri Lanka has become an increasingly popular destination for surfers and other beachgoers due to the fact that you can travel throughout this beautiful island country on a limited budget. Surfing in Sri Lanka will come for sure with some extra verdant landscapes, delicious local cuisine and warm and friendly locals.

All these features make Sri Lanka a tropical paradise and a haven for surfers.

Best of all, you can surf year-round in Sri Lanka … if you pick the right half of the country to visit.

West Coast surfing is best from November to April, and East Coast surfing takes place from May to October.

Read on to learn more about these different surf seasons and find the must-visit Sri Lanka surf spots.

Seasons, Weather, and Swells in Sri Lanka

Quick overview about surf in Sri Lanka:

This island nation of 22 million residents located on the Indian Ocean in Asia offers year-round surfing and warm water, with two surf seasons specific to each coast. The peak months for the coasts are July and August in the East and January and February in the West.

Peak months offer the most reliable and consistent swells; if you travel to surf in Sri Lanka during transition months (October and November or April and May), you may find less reliability in the waves, which is something to consider before booking a trip for surfing in Sri Lanka.

Because Sri Lanka is located close to the equator, temperatures are generally consistent and pleasant year-round, with average temperatures in the day staying around 26 to 30⁰C (around 78 to 86⁰F). However, one drawback of Sri Lanka is the monsoon season: heavy rainfall can be expected during certain parts of the year.

The West Coast will typically experience this from April to September, and the East Coast in November and December. Fortunately, these seasons do not overlap with the surf seasons, so you should not be affected by heavy rainfall, though some amount of rain is possible any time of year.

During the surf seasons on either coast, you may find waves measuring up to 8 feet; during the off seasons, you will likely find a maximum height of six feet. Sri Lanka’s surf season range of 3 to 8 feet makes it a great place for beginners to learn, and intermediate or advanced surfers can still enjoy some great surf sessions, too.

5 must-visit surf areas in Sri Lanka

Let’s check the  main areas for surfing in Sri Lanka.

Ahangama (South Coast)

A suburb of the province of Galle, Ahangama area boasts pristine beaches dotted by rocky outcrops and numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants catering to visitors.

In this area of more or less 6km of coastline there are plenty of great spots for beginners to learn to surf, while some breaks are better suited to advanced surfers.

Main spots in Ahangama

There are two well-known spots in Ahangama region.

The Rock

The spot known as “The Rock” is an A-frame which is well-known in the area. Usually it catches consistent swells creating powerful lefts and rights.

Kabalana beach

One of the most popular spots to surf in Sri Lanka, Kabalana Beach is a great place for beginners to get started and for advanced surfers to hone their skills. It is a 100% beach break with many peaks that make this spot suitable for all levels.

Surf camps in Ahangama

In the little town of Welhengoda you will find Mellow Hostel, which has a fantastic package for travelers designed as a all inclusive so you can focus 100% on surfing:

• 6 nights’ accommodation
• daily meals
• yoga classes
• 5 surf lessons
• special events
• cultural excursions

At Kabalana beach you also have Global Surf Lodge Kabalana, that is perfect for longer stays:

• 14-night package
• 5 surf lessons per week
• 5 yoga lessons per week
• daily meals
• surf video analysis

Hiriketiya Beach (South Coast)

The golden and grey color sands and palm trees lining around Hiriketiya Beach’s shores make this tropical paradise beach a dream destination for surfing in Sri Lanka (and also for beachgoers looking for a beautiful beach day).

This once-hidden gem (not that hidden any more) has become increasingly popular, especially among surfers, as word has begun to spread about this beautiful bay with amazing surf and friendly locals.

Main spots in Hiriketiya

The main surf spot in Hiriketiya is the bay itself, which creates a beach break type of wave perfect for all levels of surfing.

The size and difficulty of the wave at Hiriketiya depends exclusively on the swell power.

However, there are 2 main peaks, one on the east side of the bay over a reef which is perfect for intermediate surfers, but in general the crowd will be located all along the bay.

Surf camps in Hiriketiya

In case you are interested in surf camps in this spot, there are 2 to note.

My Surf Camp Hiriketiya is the perfect beginner’s surf camp if you want to try surf for the first time and you are not sure if you want to commit to this sport:

• 2 nights’ accommodation
• 2 lessons
• yoga classes
• breakfast included

For those who want to savor the experience of Hiriketiya Beach a bit longer than 2 nights and 2 days, The Salty Pelican Resort offers a pack with a longer stay:

• 10-night package
• 7 surf lessons
• unlimited yoga classes

Weligama Bay (South Coast)

Good surf can be found year-round in Weligama, which is another favorite spot for beginners.

Located on the South Coast and easily accessible from Colombo, Weligama boasts a number of historic sites along with its beautiful seaside views.

Main spots in Weligama

Weligama is a quite protected bay that offers good waves when big west swells get reflected into this area. Will find peaks all along the bay.

Since Weligama is located at a quite urbanized area, water pollution can be an issue.

Surf camps in Weligama

If you want to get the most of your surf trip to Sri Lanka and Weligama sounds like a nice area for you, here you have 2 surf camps you can check:

• Surfers Paradise in Weligama is run by experienced local instructors who provide
  • 10 surf lessons
  • a 6-night stay
• The Surfer Weligama is another great option for surfers of all skill levels, with
  • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • 2 times per day surf lessons
  • breakfasts and dinners are included

Arugam Bay (South East Coast)

This East Coast destination is a great place for surfing in Sri Lanka as a beginner, especially at Baby Point and Elephant Rock.

The area is mostly untouched and inmersed in nature, so if you feel like escaping a bit civilization probably that’s the place to go for surfining in Sri Lanka.

It is also a favorite for more advanced surfers and is home to the only international surf competitions held in Sri Lanka. Fishing once dominated the local community’s economy, but tourism has grown in recent years, thanks partly to its popularity as a surfing destination.

Main spots in Arugam Bay

Arugam bay offers many point breaks which are perfect for medium, intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves at Arugam can be long (very long) if you are already proficient with turning and pumping the board. Long boards are welcome in Arugam, but probably performance and short boarders will be the ones taking the most of the waves here.

Surf camps at Arugam

If you want to learn how to surf or feel like you need a guide/coach for your surfing days at Arugam, you have two options:

1. Paddyway Surf Camp, which offers visitors to Arugam Bay a package with
   1. 6 nights’ accommodation
   2. daily surf lessons
   3. yoga classes
   4. onsite pool
   5. restaurant
   6. optional excursions such as a national park safari or archaeological site visits.
2. If you have plenty of vacation time to use up, Arugam Bay Surf Camp has bit more extended offer with
   1. 14-night package
   2. daily surf lessons
   3. beach transfers
   4. surf equipment
   5. breakfasts and dinners
   6. rooms with a private balcony
   7. a maximum 5:1 student-instructor ratio

Mirissa (South Coast)

This small town in the Southern Province is popular for fishing, whale and dolphin watching, and surfing. Coconut trees dot the stunning shores, and travelers to the region love the beachside restaurants and laid-back atmosphere in Mirissa.

Mirissa is located almost next to the aforementioned spot of Weligama

Main spots in Mirissa

There are a few point breaks at Mirissa, being the most popular ones the following:

• The point
  • That’s the main spot at Mirissa. Right hand slow waves that can last very long
• Madiha
  • Consistent spot with rocky bottom that has waves almost every day of the year
• Plantation
  • Reef break 10 minutes away from Mirissa that offers good quality rights when the swell is a bit big

Surf camps at Mirissa

At Mirissa you have Surf & Yoga Mirissa, which offers tranquil accommodation in a lush and serene setting.

Surf & Yoga Mirissa offers expert instructors for daily surf lessons and yoga classes, a complimentary after-surf massage, daily meals and even a video analysis for participants.

Their packages range from 4 to 13 days, offering something for every schedule and budget.

Other tips for surfing in Sri Lanka: currency, traditions, behaviour…

Sri Lanka is a stunning island nation filled with history, culture, and plenty of recreational opportunities. Surfers love Sri Lanka for what it offers both in and out of the water. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your travel and surf trip:

• Dollars, euros, and pounds are all widely accepted, so you don’t need to exchange huge amounts of currency before your travel starts.
• Sri Lanka is generally a conservative and modest country, so keep that in mind as you choose clothing for your trip.
• Play it safe with drinking water: avoid the tap and opt for bottled water instead.
• Be respectful of local etiquette and customs, especially when visiting temples or mosques.
• Travel elsewhere if you are looking for “party towns.” Sri Lanka is not big on nightlife or clubbing, but it offers plenty of fun ways to spend your vacation, from mountain climbing to elephant watching.