Surrounded by the warm, deep blue ocean from all sides, you’ll find the best waves ideal for surfing in Sri Lanka. The prime attraction of most travelers heading to Sri Lanka is enjoying the stunning beaches. The spectacular scenic beauty of the palm-fringed coast and mighty blue waves attracts them a lot. The protected bay areas in Sri Lankan waters suit surfers at any level. Whether you’re trying the sport for the first time, or a dedicated expert in the field, Sri Lanka offers a number of unsurpassed beaches for you.
The best thing is Sri Lankan beaches are accessible all throughout the year. Although the island is affected by two separate monsoons, it affects different regions at different timing. The bright side is usually there is good weather somewhere on the island at most of the time of year. Therefore, surfers won’t ever disappoint in Sri Lanka. Either southern or eastern beaches are available for surfing throughout the whole year.
Here we will show you the best spots and best times for surfing in Sri Lanka. These surf towns with coconut palms fringed gorgeous beaches will give you an unforgettable, truly exhilarating surfing experience.
1. Arugam Bay
Being famous as the surfing capital of the island, Arugam Bay is the renowned surfing hot stop among surfers. It is the first choice of many travelers who are interested in surfing. Located 320 km east of Colombo, Arugam Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. With the best waves to ride, it is rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the whole world. As well, Arugam Bay is the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka.
Arugam Bay offers waves for all experienced, intermediate, and experienced surfers. The main point in Arugam Bay is a major attraction for most surfers. But there are several point breaks in this large expansive beach to select according to your expert level. There are a few points which immensely beautiful and perfect for novice surfers. As well as there are some difficult points which are harder to get to than the main beach. But they are well worth the amazing surf break for experts with fewer crowds.
The best time to go to Arugam Bay is April to October, for surfing visits with great conditions to get the most out of this thrilling sport. The end of the surfing season marks the annual event of the international surfing competition in September. The Sri Lanka Pro World Surfing Competition is held in each year September for a whole week in Arugam Bay. This event is one of the most awaited events for many worldwide surfers. You may also participate in and enjoy a thrilling experience in Arugam Bay.
2. Hiriketiya
Often regarded as one of the best-kept surf secrets in southern Sri Lanka, Hiriketiya Beach has great waves and a low-key vibe away from the commercial beaches. Located in Hiriketiya, closer to the famous Dickwella beach in Matara, it is an exquisite lovely beach ideal for surfing. This recently discovered gem has become the surfing capital of southern Sri Lanka. It is becoming more and more popular among tourists as the best surf destination.
Hiriketiya Beach concentrates around a small horseshoe-shaped bay that is surrounded by a green thicket. It is considered an excellent surfing spot because it suits both beginners and advanced surfers. Its mellow reef breaks over deep water provide a perfect introduction to beginner surfers. As well, there is a separate point with strong waves for the more advanced surfers.
Months from October to April are the perfectly safe season to surf with clean and consistent waves. It provides pretty smooth waves during this season even beginners can enjoy it a lot. As well as, Hiriketiya has crystal clear blue waters, one of the best-unspoiled waters you’ll find in the country. It offers a delight to the eye if you’re looking forward to having a peaceful time.
Hiriketiya beach offers everything the same as a premier beach, including food cafes, water sports gear shops, and other facilities. It is an awesome place where you can forget about the busy world around you and simply ride in the waves. After enjoying surf lessons, you can laze around soft sandy beaches admiring the great views around the bay.
3. Mirissa
Mirissa beach is a well-known tourist attraction in Southern Sri Lanka. It is an ideal place for a number of water sports while surfing is a highly popular sport in the area. Clear waters and lively waves in Mirissa make it a supreme place for surf lovers. It is possible to rent a board and get some surfing lessons, although you are new to surfing.
Visiting Mirissa Beach with your family will be a truly memorable experience, as there are many activities that suit both kids and adults. Since Mirissa is famous for Whale watching, don’t forget to enjoy a cruise to have a closer look at these ocean giants. Catch some waves and enjoy the beautiful palm-fringed Mirissa beach to have the best-ever Sri Lankan vacation.
4. Weligama
Located in Matara, southern Sri Lanka, Weligama is a large sandy beach spread over a long distance of around 2 km. It is one of the popular go-to surf spots all year round and the best beginner surfing spot on the island. If you are new to surfing, you can get surfing lessons from an experienced coach and try some long rides that even first-timers can tackle.
You’ll find several surf beach camps in the Weligama area. Some are situated right next to the beginner beach break that will get you up and ripping in no time. If you like to enjoy the perfect surf and yoga camp experience, Weligama Beach is the perfect choice in southern Sri Lanka. The energetic blend of locals and tourists makes for a fun holiday environment on Weligama Beach.
Since Weligama is the most prominent fishing town in southern Sri Lanka, you’ll see many fishing boats, as well as famous stilt fishermen in the area. Enjoy the sight of lovely Taprobane Island which is located 200 off the coast from the main Weligama beach, while you are surfing.
Being a famous surfing spot, Weligama can get crowded at times. If you wish to escape the crowds, head down to the Midigama or Ahangama beach where there will be only a few visitors. Midigama and Ahangama beaches are also excellent surfing spots, which are becoming popular among surfers.
5. Unawatuna
Unawatuna Beach is a hugely famous tourist destination, located just 6 km from main Galle city. The reef in Unawatuna acts as a protected sanctuary and it is a well-known safe place for swimming and surfing. The best time to visit Unawatuna is October to April, during the dry season of southern Sri Lanka.
Unawatuna is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Sri Lanka. The waves in this area are safe for even the kids. It is possible to get surfing lessons for your kids from experienced instructors and try this sport together in safe waters in Unawatuna Bay. There are plenty of local surf schools in Unawatuna Beach, where you can get help to find the best surfing spots around the bay.
This lovely banana-shaped surfer-friendly destination offers all the amenities you would need for a day at the beach. There are plenty of beachside cafes, food stalls as well and surf gear renting shops. When the sun has set, enjoy a scrumptious freshly caught seafood dinner and relax to the sound of the night wind.
6. Hikkaduwa
Located in a simple one-hour drive from the capital of Colombo, gorgeous Hikkaduwa Beach is a well-known spot for surfing for a long time. It is the best choice for surf lovers on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. With a palm-fringed shore lined with cafes and restaurants, it keeps a charming beauty and attracts more and more visitors.
The waves in Hikkaduwa are consistent, peeling slowly toward the shore, and are particularly ideal for beginners. The best time to surf here is October to April when the monsoons fade and the weather is cozy around 30º C.
After enjoying surfing, you can visit many attractions on Hikkaduwa Beach. Hikkaduwa Marine National Park is one of them. It is a beautiful coral garden rich in biodiversity. The sanctuary has approximately seventy varieties of multi-colored coral species and large shoals of reef fish.
7. Bentota
Less than a 1-hour drive from Colombo, the charming Bentota Beach is the Sri Lankan tourist water sports hub. There is 8 km long stretch of golden sand bordering deep blue waters, where a number of water sports can be experienced. This area is highly famous for adrenaline-filled marvelous adventures such as speed boats, jet-ski riding, and water skiing. As for surf lovers, Bentota is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Visiting Bentota Beach will give you the opportunity to experience the enthralling bliss of adventurous windsurfing. Thrill-seeking adventure lovers won’t find a better beach than Bentota, for an exciting windsurfing ride. Remember to enjoy some delicious seafood after riding the waves, since Bentota is known for its fresh high-quality seafood.
8. Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya peninsula is a narrow line of land, with the mighty waves of the Indian Ocean crashing against its western coastline and the tranquil waters of the Puttalam Lagoon on the other side. It is widely famous for adventure lovers who want to try kite surfing. The breeze is coming across the peninsular towards the land and you can enjoy a trouble-free ride without a hassle.
Although tucked away on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, the remote Kalpitiya beach is an ideal place for surf lovers. It is one of the island’s relatively undiscovered gems to enjoy water sports, as well as offshore marine life. Kalpitiya is famous for whale and dolphin watching. You can witness dolphin pods up to thousands of members offshore in Kalpitiya.
Without a doubt, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world for surfing and mixing with fellow surf lovers. Sitting in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India, the mighty waves of Sri Lankan waters are attracting worldwide surfers. Here we have shown you the best spots in Sri Lanka for surfing. We hope this guide will help you to select the best surfing destination according to your traveling period. Sunshine glistens on the clear blue warm waters, inviting you to ride in the great waves of the Indian Ocean. Happy surfing in Sri Lanka guys!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Picuki and Surf Atlas. All copyrights reserved by original authors.
