Last updated on January 16th, 2024 at 06:49 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Sri Lanka, you came to the right place. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your surf trip to Sri Lanka, such as travel info, surf seasons, and of course, the best surf spots in Sri Lanka.
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About Surfing in Sri Lanka
If you like warm water, long waves, and living like a king with a small budget, you need to go surfing in Sri Lanka. In fact, this amazing country has become very popular among surfers in the last few years, and for a good reason. It offers all types of breaks for all skill levels, so all you need to do is choose the right beach according to the swell size and the time of the year. Good surf is always available here!
Surf Seasons in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s surf season lasts all year long. Actually, it receives the same swell as the Maldives Islands, but with less power. Sri Lanka is divided into 2 different surfing areas, each performing half of the year, while the other is flat.
From November to April, the surf is up on the West Coast.
In contrast, from May to October, the surf is up on the East Coast.
To clarify, the closer you will be to the peak of the seasons (July/August in the East and January/February in the West), the more consistent the surf will be. Therefore, to play it safe, you better calculate your steps to avoid the transition months (October/November and April/May).
The Best Surf Spots in Sri Lanka
The surf spots in Sri Lanka are spread between two areas- the West Coast and the South Coast:
Surf Spots in Sri Lanka’s West Coast:
There are plenty of surf spots on Sri Lanka’s West Coast. It is rich with beach breaks, point breaks, and reefs to both the left and right sides. Moreover, most of the good beaches are close to each other, so you can move around with your Tuk Tuk (a taxi with 3 wheels) driver and choose your favorite break of the day. Usually, he will also wait for you and watch your stuff to drive you back to your hotel.
In detail, these are the main surf spots on Sri Lanka’s West coast, from north to south:
Hikkaduwa:
Break type- Reef break and Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- If you drive about 3 hours south from the capital, Colombo, you will get to this wonderful surf town. Hikkaduwa has the perfect balance between being a party town and a surf town. On the main reef, in front of Funky De Bar hotel, you will find the best wave breaking with perfect shape on both sides. If you walk or paddle 300 meters south, the wave will be a bit softer, and if you keep going even further, you will get to the beach break in front of Hotel Ritas, a great beginner’s spot.
Unawatuna:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner and intermediate.
Description- This town is much more relaxed than Hikkaduwa and is more suitable for families. The waves here are more mellow and great for beginners and for longboards. Most of the bay produces a soft beach break, but if you are an advanced surfer, you can head to the corner of the beach and surf over the reef, where the waves are more challenging.
Kabalana:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is definitely one of the best surf beaches in Sri Lanka. Kabalana offers 2 main breaks. The first one is right in front of the big rock (you will see it in the water) and produces long rides and steep walls. The second one, 300 meters south, is mellower and more beginner-friendly.
Weligama:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- Weligama Bay has small, soft waves that break over a sandy bottom. Therefore, it is an excellent place for beginners to take a surf camp. However, if your skill level is higher than that, don’t waste your time here, there are better spots.
Midigama:
Break type- Reef break and point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This is a small village with 3 great surf breaks. The first one is “Lazy Left”. As its name reveals, it is a mellow and soft left-hand point break, great for longboards and goofy footers. Unfortunately, this spot requires a big swell to perform well.
The second spot is “Lazy Right”, which offers the exact same surf conditions, but to the right side. On both spots, you can get extremely long and slow rides.
The third spot is “Rams”. Unlike the other 2 spots, this powerful reef break tends to barrel often and is suitable for experts only. Due to its quality and shape, it is always crowded and competitive.
Gurubebila:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This is an excellent and lovable spot offering 2 different breaks. The first one is Plantation, a soft right-hand reef break, while the second, about 300 meters south, is called Coconut and offers a slightly stronger A-frame break.
Mirissa:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- One of the most beautiful places you will surf in Sri Lanka. However, Mirissa requires a big swell to perform. Once such swell hits, the waves break on the right side of the bay and create a fantastic right-hand point break over the reef, with long, mellow rides. Watch out for sea urchins on the entry and exit.
Madiha:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Luckily, Madiha Beach is well-exposed to any swell type. Therefore, you can always find something to ride here, and when Mirissa is too small, you can take a 5-minute Tuk Tuk ride and get your waves here. On the right side of the beach, you can surf a reef break with an A-frame shape, and on the left side, only if you are an advanced surfer, you can enjoy a left-tube ride over a shallow reef.
Surf Spots in Sri Lanka’s East Coast:
If you surf in Sri Lanka between May and October, the East side is where you want to be. Unlike the West side, the East Coast doesn’t have beach breaks and no left-hand waves either. In fact, all the spots in this area are right-hand point breaks. In other words, if you are a regular footer, it is a dream come true. However, if you are a goofy footer, you have an excellent opportunity to practice your backside.
In detail, those are the main surf spots on Sri Lanka’s East Coast:
Arugam Bay:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Beginner to advanced.
Description- You probably heard about this spot, which is famous as a world-class break. On the tip of the bay, the main point is a right-hand point break over a reef. The wave is open, long, fast, and sometimes hollow. Actually, it is probably the best surf spot in Sri Lanka. Inside the bay, you will find “Baby Point”, a beginner’s wave breaking over a sandy bottom.
Pottovil:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- Located about 5 minutes Tuk Tuk drive from Arugam Bay, Pottovil is another long right-hand point break, which is slower and gentler.
A short walk from there, after a big rock, you will find Whisky Point, another right-hander.
Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- Elephant Rock is located on a beautiful beach about 5 minutes from Arugam Bay. “Surprisingly”, this one is also a right-hand point break with a mellow break, perfect for beginners. Elephants tend to hang out on this beach, especially during the afternoons. It is an absolutely amazing sight, but don’t get near them, they are dangerous.
A few minutes south from there, you can surf Peanut Farm, which has more power on the break and is better for intermediate surfers.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in Sri Lanka.
Surf Camps in Sri Lanka
If you are a beginner or new to surfing, the best way to explore the best surf spots in Sri Lanka is at a surf camp. In detail, these are the most recommended ones:
1. Kima Surf Camp, Weligama– For more details about surf camps in Weligama please click here.
2. Ticket to Ride Surf House, Ahangama– For more details about surf camps in Ahangama please click her
3. The Nuga House, Kabalana– For more details about surf camps in Kabalana please click here.
4. Safa Surf Camp, Arugam Bay– For more details about surf camps in Arugam Bay please click here.
For more details please visit our post about the best surf camps in Sri Lanka.
Surf Hotels in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest destinations you will ever surf. Therefore, you can stay here in great hotels right on the beach for $30-40 a night. Moreover, if you want to make it even less, you can stay across the street for even $10-20.
These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the best surf beaches in Sri Lanka:
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. Surf Sea Breeze, Mirissa– Offering a restaurant, Surf Sea Breeze, this front property is located in Mirissa South, right in front of the right hand point break. This is the best location a surfer can get in Mirissa.
3. Morena Boutique Hotel, Midigama– It offers beachfront accommodation 600 meters from Midigama Beach. It provides various facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace.
4. Baywings, Arugam Bay– Situated in front of Baby Point, just a few steps from Arugam Bay Beach, Baywings features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a garden.
For more surf hotels in Sri Lanka check out our post about surf resorts in Sri Lanka, or simply search for the best deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Sri Lanka
There are countless surf beaches in Sri Lanka and a huge variety of surf spots. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can find their waves here. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Weligama. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves at beaches like Hikkaduwa and Plantation. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride beautiful barrels at Madiha and Kabalana.
Which Location in Sri Lanka is Best for a Surf Trip
Sri Lanka is a small island, which makes it an easy destination to explore on a surf trip. In fact, within a few minutes’ drive, you can visit some of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka.
So, the following locations are the most recommended to stay at:
1. Hikkaduwa– With a fantastic reef break and a beach break just next to it, there are waves for any surfer and swell conditions. You can also take a short drive to the mellow beach break at Unawatuna.
2. Midigama– If you stay here, you will have easy access to various breaks on the West Coast, such as Lazy Left, Lazy Right, Rams, and Plantation.
3. Weligama– This is the best location for beginners and longboarders.
4. Mirissa– The beach here is stunning, and when there is a good swell, you can surf an incredible right-hander.
5. Madiha– Outside the water, there is not much to do, but the waves are fantastic.
6. Arugam Bay– Between May and October, that is the best surf town to stay in. Moreover, you can take a short ride from here to spots like Pottovil, Peanut Farm, and Elephant Rock.
Surf Shops in Sri Lanka
If you need to get some new surf gear, there are several surf shops in Sri Lanka that will get you covered with everything you need:
1. In Hikkaduwa– Sunny Surf Shop.
2. In Midigama– Midigama Surf Shop.
3. In Weligama– Ceylon Sliders.
4. In Mirissa– Lazy Ride Surf Boutique.
5. In Arugam Bay– Krish Surf Shack
Nightlife in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, and most places don’t offer any nightlife scene. However, Hikkaduwa and Mirissa became pretty touristic and, therefore, can be considered “party towns”. In fact, the concept is pretty simple: every night of the week, there is a party at one of the hotels on the beach. Just ask the locals, and they will tell you where it is.
Arugam Bay on the East Coast also offers awsome parties, mainly on weekends.
How to Get to Sri Lanka
In general, international flights will always land in the capital, Colombo. Then, you need to take a taxi from the airport to your destination. Don’t be overwhelmed by all the different transportation companies, in reality, they are all the same.
Getting to Hikkaduwa will take about 3 hours, and getting to Mirissa will take about 4 hours. If you are heading to Arugam Bay, your journey will be a bit tougher and last approximately 10 hours.
Sri Lanka- Travel Information
Language- several indo languages, mostly Sinhala.
Currency- Sri Lankan rupee.
Population- about 22 million.
Calling code- +94.
Time zone- GMT +5:30.
Pros- consistent year round surf, great selection of surf breaks, warm water, cheap travel.
Cons- none.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Sri Lanka should be the greatest thing you can give yourself as a surfer. It is an opportunity to ride spectacular waves in a completely different culture and make wonderful memories. We hope this guide helped you on your search for the best surf spots in Sri Lanka. Have an awsome surf trip!
