Last updated on January 16th, 2024 at 07:29 pm
If you plan to surf in Hikkaduwa, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer’s tips, and the best surf spots in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.
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About Surfing in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa is situated in South West Sri Lanka, about a 3-hour drive south of the capital Colombo. Due to its excellent surf conditions and great atmosphere, it became pretty touristy and famous among surfers and travelers. Therefore, you will find excellent hotels right on the beach, fabulous restaurants, surf shops with rental boards, and crazy nightlife.
Hikkaduwa is an incredible surf town. With high-quality waves and warm water (27-28°C), surfing in Hikkaduwa is a surfer’s dream. Moreover, the prices are ridiculously low, which makes it a prime destination for a surf vacation.
The surf in Hikkaduwa is consistent almost daily during the surf season. This beach offers several surf spots within walking distance of each other. Therefore, surfers of all levels can find waves that suit their skills.
Surf Seasons in Hikkaduwa
Like all the Southwest Coast of Sri Lanka, the best time to surf Hikkaduwa is between November and April. During these months, the swell is big and consistent, and the surf conditions are at their best. Since the swell is unpredictable by nature, it is better to surf Hikkaduwa as close as possible to the season’s peak (January and February). That way, you will score good waves even if the season starts late or ends early.
During the surf season, the sun always shines on Hikkaduwa. Therefore, a pair of shorts and flip-flops are all you need.
Surf Spots in Hikkaduwa
When surfing in Hikkaduwa, you can choose between several different breaks, depending on your skill level and the swell size.
In detail, these are the main surf spots in Hikkaduwa, from north to south:
North Jetty:
This reef break is located right in front of the Harbor wall and offers long rides to the left side.
Main reef:
If you are an experienced surfer, this is where you want to be. Hikkaduwa Main Reef is located in front of Funky De Bar hotel and offers both rights and lefts that break over a flat reef. Actually, this is the most consistent spot in the area, and even though it can get crowded, there are always enough waves for everybody. This is, without a doubt, the best surf spot in Hikkaduwa.
Benny’s:
Keep walking south about 300 meters, and you will get to this great spot. Here, the waves break closer to shore over a rocky bottom. In fact, the drop is pretty steep, and the ride is shorter, but it still offers a great wall for maneuvers. This spot performs better during low tide.
The Beach Break:
This spot is located on the south side of the beach, in front of Hotel Ritas. Due to the soft break and the sandy bottom, this is the perfect beginner spot and the best place to take surf lessons.
In short, when surfing in Hikkaduwa, you have a few options to choose from. Moreover, if you want to explore even further, you can stop any Tuk-Tuk driver on the street and head to other great surf spots in the area, such as Kabalana, Unawatuna, and more.
Can Beginners Surf in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, absolutely!
As mentioned, there are several surf spots in Hikkaduwa to suit surfers of all skill levels. For instance, Hikkaduwa Beach Break is the ultimate beginner spot. With small and mellow waves over a sandy bottom, anyone can surf here without danger. However, if you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, the main reef offers challenging waves with a beautiful shape.
Surf Hotels in Hikkaduwa
When coming to surf in Hikkaduwa, you better stay as close as possible to the waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Ritas Hotel, Hikkaduwa– Ritas Hotel is situated right on Hikkaduwa Beach, in front of the beginner’s beach break. It offers fan or air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and oceanfront balconies.
2. Hansa Surf Hotel– Hansa Surf Hotel boasts a restaurant and free WiFi. On top of that, guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and free private parking.
3. Main Reef Guest House– Main Reef Guest House offers comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the scenic sea and main surfing point.
4. Funky Hotel– Funky Hotel has a private beach area and free WiFi. Attractively set in the Hikkaduwa Beach, Funky also offers a restaurant bar on the property and hosts a beach party every Thursday.
For more surf hotels in Hikkaduwa, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Surf Camps in Hikkaduwa
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Hikkaduwa’s surf scene at a surf camp. With the proper guidance and a supportive environment, a few days at one of Hikkaduwa’s surf camps can do magic for your surfing skills.
These are the best surf camps in Hikkaduwa:
1. Hippie Surf School & Surf Camp Hikkaduwa.
2. Surf Lanka Me Camp.
3. Reef End Surf School.
4. Soul Surf Surfing School.
5. Yula Surf.
6. Surf Control Surf School.
For all the details about Hikkaduwa surf camps, please click here.
Hikkaduwa- Travel Information
Language– several Indo languages, mostly Sinhala.
Currency– Sri Lankan rupee.
Calling code– +94.
Time zone– GMT +5:30.
Pros– consistent waves, good breaks for any skill level, warm water, fantastic nightlife, and cheap travel.
Cons– none.
Nightlife in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of the best party towns in Sri Lanka. In fact, during the high season, you can find a good party every single night of the week.
It works like this- every night, a different hotel hosts the party, so you just need to ask which one it is on any given night. Surprisingly, the nightlife scene is pretty wild, with great music, drinks, and many people. It can last till 3-4 AM, which can sometimes make it hard on your morning surf session.
Other Fun Activities in Hikkaduwa
1. Diving and Snorkeling- The Hikkaduwa area has terrific marine life and also 4 different shipwrecks to explore.
2. Turtle Sanctuary and Hatchery.
3. Visit the Tsunami Museum- The disaster of 2004 is still an open wound to the Sri Lankan people.
4. Visit Gangarama Buddhist temple.
5. Rent a Bike and go explore the area on your own.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
Hikkaduwa is a spectacular surf town. It offers several fantastic surf spots and waves for all skill levels. Moreover, it is simply a fun place to hang out on the beach, party at night, and meet new people.
We hope you liked this surf guide to Hikkaduwa. You can also check out other spots in Sri Lanka, such as Mirissa, Weligama, and Arugam Bay, as this country has many other great surprises for you.
