Surfing
Sri Lanka is famed for its surfing and boasts a wide range of surf breaks suitable for all levels, so there is something for everyone. Along the shore, you’ll find sand bottom points, beach breaks, reef breaks, and other fascinating tiny sets of waves. Sri Lankan beaches with beautiful scenery and reef breaks are ideal for learning to surf. Along the main surfing beaches, there are several surf schools and board rental shops. Surfing in the mornings and evenings are better to avoid the brutal sun and heat.
Additional information
Best time and popular spots
November to April
- South coast
Ahangama
Amazing waves of Ahangama, unsurprisingly, draw some serious surfers. The area is crisscrossed with rocky points and jagged reefs where intermediates and experts can pleasantly seek glassy lefts and rights. This little hamlet is home to a plethora of high-quality surf camps.
This stretch of beach with coconut trees is great for unwinding after a day of surfing and snorkelers are drawn to the shallow reef as well.
During the wet season, from May to September, you can still find rideable waves.
Weligama
Weligama offers nice surf all year. This is the greatest site in Sri Lanka for beginners, and there are other reefs around for more experienced surfers. The waves are normally gentle but can find a little larger waves for intermediate-level surfers. There are several surfing schools and boards for hire around the beach.
Midigama
Midigama is well-known for its five consistent surf spots, all of which are within walking distance of one another. They are The Lazy Right, The Lazy Left, The Rams Right, Plantation Point, and Coconut. It boasts a wide range of wave types, from shallow breaks to barrels and tight breaks.
Hikkaduwa
Bennys, Main Reef, North Jetty, and Beach Break offer a nice range of waves for surfers of all skill levels. The beach is a popular beach destination on the island, and it is flanked with hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, sun loungers, and parasols.
Unawatuna
The waves of Unawatuna are ideal for beginners, while adjacent Dalawella Reef, South Beach, and Kabalana are perfect for advanced surfers.
Unawatuna is a well-developed tourist area with several hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés, and bars. The beach is also a popular destination for families.
May to September
- East Coast
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is ranked among the top ten surf spots in the world. Its high-quality surf breaks cater to all levels of surfers. Many surfing events are held here annually.
Arugam Bay’s well-known breakpoints include Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Pottuvil Point, Elephant Rock (Crocodile Rock), Baby Point, and the Lighthouse.
Okanda
Okanda is located south of Arugam Bay, a popular surfing destination.
This is a great spot for anyone looking for an uncrowded place with waves ranging from 2 to 8 feet. Because of the strong rip currents and secluded position, this is a spot only for experienced surfers.