Sri Lanka is one of the most reliable surfing destinations in the Indian Ocean.
Add to that the friendly locals, palm-fringed beaches and rich cultural heritage, and you have an easily accessible tropical surfing paradise! There are plenty of surf camps in Sri Lanka where beginners can learn the basics and intermediates can amp up their skills. All the while, experienced surfers will have a blast exploring the uncrowded line-ups and off-the-radar breaks on the southern coast of the island.
There are many surf camps in the southern province and the eastern province of Sri Lanka.
With two distinct surf seasons for each side of the island, Sri Lanka is a year-round surfing destination that deserves a place of honor on your bucket list.
Boasting a great choice of waves and the highest biodiversity density in Asia, Sri Lanka is also a budget and family-friendly destination. Non-surfers can practice yoga, visit ancient Buddhist ruins and tea plantations, as well as go on exciting safaris.
No need to mention that the food in Sri Lanka is simply delicious? And cheap! Think fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, and the best tea and coffee you’ve probably ever had.
To give you a better picture of how impressive this small teardrop-shaped island south of India really is, you should know that ancient Persians and Arabs called it Serendip, which is the origin of the English word ‘serendipity.’
Surfing in the Southern Province
Between November and April, the west coast receives morning offshore winds, which produce some ultra-clean waves. This is also the dry season in Sri Lanka, with low chances of precipitation and plenty of sunshine.
Ahangama is the capital of surfing in the Southern Province. Thanks to its prime location, numerous surf camps are based here and take surfers to the nearby breaks at Unawatuna, Weligama, Midigama, and Mirissa. You’ll find anything from mellow beach breaks to punchy reefs all within easy reach from Ahangama.
The surfing capital of Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Hikkaduwa is a small town in the Galle District. This is the most developed surf town on the island – there are cafes and bars on the strip, surf schools, and rental shops, while the colourful coral attracts divers and snorkelers.
One of the most visited beaches in Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is home to a left-hand reef break that is more suitable for experienced surfers as well as a shallow beach break with a sandy bottom for beginners. The waves here rarely exceed 4ft (1.2m), and a longboard would be the best option here.
The two popular breaks at Midigama are as mellow as they sound and, therefore, excellent for beginners and intermediate surfers. However, when big swells kick in, they offer something for advanced riders too.
For beginners, Weligama is a go-to surf spot all year round. Located in the Matara District in southern Sri Lanka, it’s considered the best beginner beach on the island and can be surfed even when it’s small.
In the Southern Province, a couple of kilometers east of Weligama, Mirissa is a picturesque bay with a mellow right-hand reef break that is suitable for all levels. Still considered a hidden gem, crowds are not a problem at Mirissa. The area also offers whale-watching opportunities and the chance to surf with dolphins.
Surfing in the Eastern Province
Sri Lanka’s surfing mecca, Arugam Bay on the east coast is often compared to Kuta in Bali. The main right-hand point break in the bay delivers consistently small peelers, and is suitable for all levels between April and October. Considered the best wave in Sri Lanka, it breaks over a reef and offers several fast sections and some incredibly long rides, just perfect for longboarding.
Located 4 km (2.5 miles) south of the main break at Arugam Bay, Elephant Rock can be a technical wave; when it’s working, that is. This right-hand point break has two sections – one for beginners and one for more advanced surfers. Despite the considerable number of surf schools, this one remains a far less crowded surf spot on the east coast.
South of Arugam Bay, the small hamlet Okanda in the Eastern Province is home to a right-hand point break that is more suitable for experienced surfers.
North of Arugam Bay, Pottuvil is a right point break, small but hollow, that is more suitable for experienced surfers.
A semi-secret surf spot within easy reach from Arugam Bay, Peanut Farm Beach is home to a right-hand point break with two sections: Main Point and Baby Point.
Main Point is a technical wave with a fast take-off and barrelling sections and, therefore, recommended for more experienced surfers. Baby Point is mellower and more suitable for beginners.
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