Surf safaris in tuk tuks, delicious curries, and fun waves for every ability of surfer—this is surfing Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with friendly people and impressive landscapes. Wherever you end up, you’ll find yourself in good company with stunning scenery and amazing food.
Sri Lanka has two very different surf hubs that fire in different surf seasons, so you can score fun waves any time of the year. In this guide to surfing Sri Lanka, we’ll fill you in on the basics, including when and where to go, where to stay when you get there, the best transportation options, the food situation, and other essential info to help you plan your next exotic surf trip.
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Surfing Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has had a well-established surf scene since the early 1960s. Popular with surfers from western Europe, eastern Europe, and Israel, as well as backpackers learning to surf and anyone who enjoys small, user-friendly peelers in a tropical setting (this is logging heaven!), the country has a wide selection of symmetrical right-hand sand points and fun reefs, all set against a beautiful landscape and one of the most colorful cultures in existence. “Sri Lanka” literally translates as “resplendent island,” and that’s exactly what people find when they visit, whether they are touring the tea plantations in the hill country or traipsing along the coast in search of waves.
With so many visitors flocking to the island over the past few decades, a healthy tourist infrastructure has developed, ranging from private villas and beachside resorts to an almost endless selection of restaurants and tours. While Sri Lanka remains one of the more affordable surf destinations on the planet, there’s no shortage of luxury options available, making this one of the best options for a beginner to intermediate (or family-friendly) surf getaway.
Where to Surf in Sri Lanka
There are two main surf hubs in Sri Lanka: the southwest coast around Ahangama and Weligama, and the eastern province around Arugam Bay.
Southwest Coast—Ahangama, Weligama, and Hikkaduwa
On the southwest coast, the best conditions and most consistent swells are typically on offer from November through April. In this region, you’ll find a variety of beach and reef breaks, like Rams Right, The Rock, Lazy Lefts, Weligama, Plantations, and Mirissa Point. The waves here tend to be a bit punchier than elsewhere on the island, although still relatively user-friendly. Depending on your preference, anything from a longboard or fish to a high-performance shortboard can be fun.
Eastern Province—Arugam Bay
From May through September, the scattered collection of right-hand, sand-bottom points in this arid region come to life, fueled by consistent southeast and southwest swells. A few of the most popular breaks in this area include Arugam Bay, Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock, and Okanda. While these waves are all sand-dependent, they tend to be long, perfect sand points that are perfect for small-wave gear, such as traditional logs and retro fish. That being said, many locals and visitors spend a lot of their time riding shortboards.
Surf Seasons and Swell Info
Southwest Coast
The same southwest swells that hit Indonesia make their way up to Sri Lanka. From November through April, the winds are most likely to be offshore in the mornings and late afternoons. Waves often run in the head-high range and can occasionally hit double overhead during this time.
During the offseason on the southwest coast, many of the premiere breaks stop working due to less-than-ideal wind conditions and irregular swell directions. However, unlike the eastern province, which goes flat during its offseason, there’s still frequently swell in the water in the southwest, so it is possible to score fun waves year round if you check the more wind-sheltered spots.
Eastern Province
During the peak season of May through September, most spots are graced with offshore winds in the mornings. While Arugam Bay typically gets windy in the afternoons, several nearby breaks have headlands that provide some wind protection and keep things fairly clean and rideable throughout the day.
During the offseason (October through April), it’s typically flat and not worth a visit if you’re looking for waves.
Types of Surf Breaks
Sri Lanka has a variety of surf breaks to choose from, with a bit of something for everyone. You will find sand-bottom points, beach breaks, reef breaks, and other interesting setups along the way.
For the most part, many of the breaks are fairly user-friendly, making Sri Lanka an excellent option for beginner to intermediate surfers.
If you’re an advanced surfer seeking a bit more juice or some hollow barrels, you can find that, too (particularly on the southwestern coast). However, don’t expect Indonesia-style consistency, quality, or power.
Level of Difficulty
Sri Lanka is a great place to learn to surf or to hone your skills and advance into some more serious waves. With a variety of user-friendly waves and some really great surf instructors to help you progress, surfing in Sri Lanka caters to all levels of experience.
Crowds
At the best breaks on both coasts, you should expect relatively crowded lineups full of both local surfers and visitors. On the southwest coast, there is such a large variety of waves to choose from that you can avoid the worst of it if you’re willing to drive around a bit. If you’re an advanced surfer, you might even find yourself scoring barrels at Rams Right with only a handful of others out, since many of the surfers in the area are beginners and intermediates around who aren’t comfortable on shallow, hollow reefs.
In the eastern province, Arugam Bay is the main attraction and located directly in town. The lineup is typically quite crowded, as lots of eager surfers are up and on it long before first light. That being said, it’s a great wave, and every now and then you can score windows with lighter crowds.
The further away you get from Arugam Bay, the fewer surfers you’re likely to encounter—and many of the other points in the area are just as good as A-Bay.
In both regions, there are still waves that are lesser-known or harder to access that stay relatively uncrowded, if not completely empty. So if you are willing to get off the beaten path, it’s possible to score a session to yourself.
Water Temperature
The water temperature in Sri Lanka ranges from about 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 29 degrees Celsius) all year long, so be prepared to enjoy board shorts and bikini sessions (although you might want to wear a rash guard from time to time to protect yourself from the powerful sun).
Getting to the Surf
Hiring a tuk-tuk is the easiest way to get to the surf in most cases, and also part of the fun of surfing Sri Lanka. Most hotels and resorts will be more than happy to arrange this for you.
On the southwest coast, the surf breaks are closer together and you can see many of them from the main coastal road, which makes it easier to navigate. Meanwhile, in the Arugam Bay area, the point breaks tend to be pretty spaced out, and tuk-tuks are the main mode of transportation. Just make sure to agree upon a price before departing, particularly for long, all-day surf missions.
For a more comfortable experience or longer surf explorations, you can also arrange a private car with a driver, giving you added comfort, space, and convenience—especially if you’re carrying multiple boards or traveling with a group. Many hotels and villas can assist with arranging reliable drivers, ensuring your surf trip is as seamless as possible.
You can also rent a scooter and drive yourself, but you might want to take a tuk-tuk to the break the first time you go and pay close attention to the roads. All of the breaks outside of Arugam Bay involve navigating unmarked dirt roads.
We’ll cover more in our transportation section below, including car/scooter rentals and how to get around on longer trips.
Good to Know
The offseason on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka stretches from around May through October. A lot of hotels and restaurants fully close up shop during this time period, due to a lack of tourism. You can still score fun waves at this time, but there are definitely fewer breaks on offer.
The offseason in the eastern province stretches from October through April. While there might be some random swells during the shoulder months, it’s basically flat at Arugam Bay and all the nearby breaks during this time of year, so it’s probably not worth a visit if you’re seeking surf. A lot of local hotels and restaurants fully shut down during this time, as well.
Top Surf Spots in Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay: Arguably the most popular (and crowded) wave in Sri Lanka, A-Bay is a long, rippable right-hand reef/sand point break with an occasional inside sandbar that is great for logging. That wave is located in the middle of town and surrounded by hotels, hostels, and other accommodations, so it is almost always crowded when it’s breaking. That being said, it can be super fun and is a great base during the high season.
Pottuvil Point: Located a short drive from Arugam Bay near the town of Pottuvil, Pottuvil Point is a long, fun, right-hand sand point that is protected from the midday wind by a picturesque rocky headland. Equally fun for logging or shredding a shortboard, this wave is relatively user-friendly, although it can get hollow with early season sand.
Whiskey Point: Also located close to the town of Pottuvil, Whiskey Point is a softer option that’s great for beginners. A long, user-friendly right-hand sand point, like most other waves in the area.
Peanut Farm: Yet another beginner-friendly right-hand sand point located near Arugam Bay, Peanut Farm breaks in a beautiful setting complete with picturesque rocks along the shore.
Hikkaduwa: One of Sri Lanka’s most well-established surf towns, Hikkaduwas has a number of reef and sand-bottom spots that range from soft to punchy, including Benny’s, Main Reef, and the Beach Break.
Ram’s Right: Located in Midigama, Ram’s Right is a hollow right-hand reef break that offers up some of Sri Lanka’s heaviest barrels. The left off the back of the peak offers up a steep, rippable wall.
Where To Stay
Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise with a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re seeking stylish boutique hotels, serene beach villas, or luxurious resorts, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
Sri Lanka’s coastline is dotted with charming towns that cater to surf enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Areas like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Weligama on the southwest coast are popular among surfers and have a range of luxury accommodations. Further east, Arugam Bay is renowned for its surf scene and has a bunch of stylish resorts.
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For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Sri Lanka does not disappoint. The island is home to several high-end resorts and villas, particularly in areas like Bentota, Galle, and Mirissa. These luxury accommodations offer world-class amenities, stunning ocean views, private pools, and exceptional service.
Travelers should be aware that certain times of the year, especially during peak holiday seasons and major surfing events, can see a surge in bookings. We highly recommend planning and booking your accommodation well in advance to ensure the best selection and availability.
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Sri Lanka Travel Basics
Seasons and Weather: The weather in Sri Lanka is exactly what you’d expect on a tropical island—mostly hot and humid, with some tropical thunderstorms rolling through here and there to cool things down a bit.
In both the eastern and southwestern provinces, if you’re chasing the best surf, your timing will likely coincide with the hotter and drier season.
This means temperatures will be in the 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit range (30 to 40 degrees Celsius). Due to the humidity and strong sun, it can often feel hotter than what your weather app is telling you, so you might want to stick with surfing in the mornings and evenings, and avoid the midday heat as much as possible.
Currency: The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. As of the time of writing, 1 US Dollar was worth just under 300 rupees.
Tipping: Tipping in Sri Lanka is not expected, but is always appreciated. Some restaurants will add on a 10–12 percent service charge, but you can’t count on that money going to your server. Leaving around 10 percent of the total bill directly with your server is the best option if you want to provide a tip.
There is typically no need to tip your tuk-tuk driver, but you can always choose to do so for exceptional service.
Staying Connected: You can pick up a Dialog SIM card at the airport for around 2,000 Sri Lankan Rupees. Typical plans include 8.5GB of data and 3-4G network coverage. Dialog does not allow you to use your mobile phone as a hotspot, but most hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
Language: Sri Lanka has two main languages: Sinhala and Tamil. However, many people who live in tourist areas and work in the tourism industry will speak some English.
Good to Know: If you’re planning to visit either of the surf provinces in their monsoon season, it’s considered to be “offseason” and will be significantly slower, with fewer eating and sleeping options available. Many hotels and restaurants completely close up shop.
Although the local monsoon seasons definitely bring more rain and storms, keep in mind that the weather forecasts are not very accurate for the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The forecast may show thunderstorms all day every day, but the reality could be a quick rain in the early morning or afternoon.
We found the southwest coast to be a welcome relief when we visited in the offseason. It was 10 degrees cooler than in Arugam Bay and much quieter, which was a nice change of pace.
Eat and Drink
Sri Lanka is home to a diverse range of incredible dishes. You’ll find curries, sambol, roti, a mix of international and Western options, and more curries. Sri Lankan food shares some similarities with Indian food, but with a distinctly island flair. There are plenty of rich spices and flavors, and just about everything is absolutely delicious!
A lot of the restaurants in the tourist hubs of Sri Lanka try to be everything to everyone, with menus that offer everything from local dishes to burgers, noodles, and more. Personally, we prefer not to eat at restaurants that try to offer everything, opting instead for places that specialize in one type of food. We suggest immersing yourself in the local cuisine, as it is incredibly tasty and quite unique.
Transportation
Getting around in Sri Lanka is always an adventure. You can see lots of amazing wildlife right off the roads, from peacocks to monkeys and even elephants if you’re lucky.
In certain parts of the country, wild elephants literally hang out in the middle of the road. While we can’t deny that this is a cool sight, please be respectful and don’t feed any wild animals! Both surf hubs are far away from the airport (Arugam Bay is a 7- to 10-hour drive, while the southwest coast is a three- to four-hour drive), so you have a couple of basic options for transportation.
Option 1: Travel from the airport to your surf hub via private transfer, and then use tuk-tuks or hire a private driver to get around at your destination.
Option 2: Rent a car and drive yourself.
We highly recommend option 1, as renting a car and driving yourself can be stressful, and is unnecessary when private transfers and local drivers are readily available. Driving in Sri Lanka can be unpredictable—vehicles often pass quickly, even on blind corners, and the narrow roads are shared with buses, tuk-tuks, and pedestrians. If you’re not accustomed to navigating this type of environment, it can feel overwhelming, especially when large buses barrel past with only inches to spare.
To keep your travels smooth and enjoyable, we suggest leaving the driving to the experts so you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking views instead.
Trains are another option, and a quintessential part of the Sri Lankan experience. While most surfers opt for private transfers from Colombo to the surf zones due to the convenience of moving gear, the scenery on the train routes is absolutely gorgeous—and the fact that you can sit and dangle your legs off the side of the train sounds pretty rad.
Of course, traveling by train or a bus with surfboard bags can pose some challenges. You might have to wait around for a bus or train with extra cargo space, so plan accordingly.
Things To Do in Sri Lanka
(besides surfing)
Visit Ancient Temples and Cultural Sites
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising above the jungle, or explore the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, filled with temples, statues, and sacred relics. Don’t miss Dambulla Cave Temple, home to intricate Buddhist murals and giant statues tucked inside a cliffside cave.
Go on Safari
Wildlife is everywhere in Sri Lanka. Take a safari in Yala, Udawalawe, or Wilpattu National Park to see elephants, leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, peacocks, and more. Game drives are available year-round, and animal sightings—especially of elephants—are common.
Explore Tea Country by Train
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic in the world, passing through misty mountains, rolling tea plantations, and waterfalls. Stop in Nuwara Eliya or Haputale to tour Colonial-era tea estates and sip fresh Ceylon tea at the source.
Hike to Epic Views
Lace up your shoes and explore Sri Lanka’s lush highlands. Hike Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock for panoramic views of the valley, or visit Horton Plains National Park for a trek to World’s End, where the land drops sharply into the jungle below.
Visit Waterfalls and Natural Pools
The hill country is dotted with waterfalls that are perfect for a cool dip. Popular options include Diyaluma Falls, Ravana Falls, and Bambarakanda, the latter of which is the tallest in the country. Some falls are easily accessible, while others require a short hike through the forest.
Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to prepare Sri Lankan dishes like dal curry, coconut sambol, hoppers, and jackfruit curry using fresh local ingredients. Many classes include a visit to a local market and are run out of home kitchens for an intimate and authentic experience.
Practice Yoga or Join a Wellness Retreat
From the south coast to the hill country, Sri Lanka is a peaceful place to reset. Many surf towns also offer yoga classes, Ayurvedic treatments, massage therapy, and meditation, whether you want to drop into a class or spend a few days at a retreat.
Ride a Tuk-Tuk and Explore Small Villages
Tuk-tuks are a fun and flexible way to explore Sri Lanka’s countryside. Hop in with a local guide or rent one yourself (with a permit) and explore rural roads, rice fields, markets, and quiet coastal towns that most tourists miss.
FAQs
Is Sri Lanka safe? Although Sri Lanka has had a tumultuous history (including a violent, protracted civil war that affected virtually everyone in the country), it has always been welcoming of tourists and is now considered to be quite safe.
Is Sri Lanka a family friendly destination? Because Sri Lanka is such a safe destination and has so much to offer in the way of natural attractions, adventures, and activities, it is a great place to take the family. From surfing and other beach activities to tea plantation tours, picturesque train rides, and tons of exotic animals, there’s something for everyone there.
What’s the best time of year to surf in Sri Lanka? When it comes to surfing in Sri Lanka, the best season for the southwestern coast is November through April, while the eastern province (including the Arugam Bay area) is best from May through September.
Are there options for beginner surfers in Sri Lanka? Most of the breaks in Sri Lanka are relatively soft and user-friendly, and many are perfect for beginners. The waves are typically in the waist- to head-high range, and many of them break over sand.
Where should I stay in Sri Lanka for surfing? Where you stay depends on when you visit the country and what type of waves you want to surf. The southwestern coast (including Hikkaduwa) has a number of punchier reefs and beach breaks that fire between November and April, while the eastern province (especially Arugam Bay area) have lots of right-hand sand points that have swell and good conditions from May through September. Get in touch with our expert surf travel planners for the top recommendations for your surf and travel style.
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Great article, thank you for sharing the hot tips! Which platform would you recommend best to offer the most reliable surf forecast? Thanks!
Thanks! We usually use Surfline or Magic Seaweed but it’s always helpful to read between the lines of swell directions and periods as forecasts are not always accurate. For the best surf experience and surf break insights, we recommend going with trusted local surf guides.
Hi Eric
Great write-up and spot on with the info. What spot is that in the very first photo in the post?
Thanks, Greg! That’s Mirissa Beach.
Hi, i’m a beginner-intermediate level surfer coming to Sri Lanka for the month of September – would you recommend Arugam Bay or Southwest like Hirikiteya? I’m looking for decent clean waves to progress my surfing, i.e. not whitewater, but not yet ready for the stage of riding bigger waves in reefs etc. Could you please advise me?
Many thanks
Hello, September falls within the season on the east coast, so Arugam Bay is likely your best bet for the most consistently clean conditions.
Can you rent surfboards and are the rentals good boards (not soft tops)
Thx
Geof
Yeah, you can certainly find quality surfboard rentals. Might take some searching to flesh out the best options.
Hi Eric,
Thanks so much for all the information! I’m looking for a good longboard school / instructor on the southeast coast for December 2023. Do you have any recommendations please? ☀️
Hi Paloma, you’re welcome! With our custom surf trip planning services we can help you plan an amazing trip and connect you with a great local instructor. You can learn more here.
Kannan information, we are family of 4, 3 intermediated to advance surfers, hopefully:)
Cannot wait to see all that Sri Lanka has to offer from sites to surfing!
John & Fam
Hi John, yes, of course, here you go! His local number should still be +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111
Hey Eric!
My partner and I are travelling over to East Coast Sri Lanka for a little surf trip for our honeymoon in September. We would love to get the contact info for Kannan if that’s allgood?
Thanks!
Hi Emma, yes, of course, here you go! His local number should still be +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111
Hi there,
Would love to know what board rental is like in Sri Lanka? Or am I better off booking a surf camp if I didn’t want to bring my own boards across?
Thanks!
Hi! Ceylon sliders in Weligama offers surf board rentals. They have both longboards, fish boards and a few shortboards I think.
Hello,
Flying out to Sri Lanka late April and wondering whether it is worth exploring the south coast for waves or to go straight over to the east.
Thanks Gabriel
Hey, yes, the southwest is still worth exploring in April. Enjoy!
Hi there
Not sure maybe somebody already commented earlier but does the current economic / political situation has any impact on surfers coming to Sri Lanka nowadays?
Planning a trip in winter, I notice governmental websites advise against only if its highly necessary.
Any thoughts let me know
Hi Daan, it certainly isn’t perfect and there may be some hiccups when traveling there but things are improving and businesses in surf tourism are welcoming surf travelers from all over the world with open arms. Sri Lanka has been through a lot over the years, and the country could use the support of tourism now more than ever. Hope you are able to get out there and have an amazing trip! Cheers
Hey dude, planning a surf trip for me and my gf, both pretty damn beginner. Was thinking of Sri Lanka and read your article. Super useful! I’m looking at dates 23 Sep – 2 Oct as it coincides with my birthday but can’t decide which location is a safer bet, as it’s kind of in between on and off season for both of those you’ve shared. Any info would be great. Thanks man.
Hi Adam, sorry we didn’t get to this in time! Hard to say as your timing is right between both seasons, that said, the southewest region gets waves year round, the winds are just more favorable for more consistently clean conditions in the prime surf season. So the southwest region is would prob be safer bet although you can potentially score in either area. Cheers
This site has provided me with great information. I am thinking of planning a trip early December to the south west coast. Any helpful information that you can provide? I surf Mexcio a lot. This will be my first far away surf trip and plan to start doing more. Any advice you can think of is greatly appreciated.
Hey there, awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a great trip. Check out our Surf Travel 101 article, and our Surf Trip Packing List for more surf travel advice and insights. Cheers and happy travels!
Thanks Eric. I have been researching a lot. Would it be best to perhaps stay around Weligama or Hikkaduwa? Would that be a good area to branch out from to surf various areas?
Thanks Again
You’re welcome, Don. Yeah, Weligama is a great hub for exploring the southwest coast. There is a good concentration of breaks within striking distance from there.
Hi,
what will the surf be like at the start of October ?
regards
Craig
Hey, depends where you go, but you should be able to find fun surf somewhere! I’d say the southwest is your best bet.
Hey guys,
first of all: thanks for the great info. By far the best and comprehensive guide to surfing in Sri Lanka I’ve found so far. I want to do a 2 months trip in July/August, mainly to surf. I’m looking for budget-friendly a destination with warm weather and consistent surf. Waves don’t have to be world class since I’m only an intermediate surfer. As of now I’m looking into Bali and Sri Lanka. I’ve already been to Bali but I’ve never been to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka definitely looks beautiful and because of the season we would obviously go to the East/Arugam area. The only thing I’m concerned about are the crowds. Especially compared to Bali I was expecting fewer crowds in Sri Lanka and I hoped for somewhat remote surf. However, after looking at a couple of edits from Arugam area, it looks as crowded – if not more crowded – than Bali. I was kind of surprised to see that honestly.
So finally my question(s): How bad are the crowds? Is there a lot of localism? Can you easily escape the crowds by looking for other spots outside Arugam? And are there other good spots?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Hey David, to jump right into your questions. Like most places it varies from break to break, based on time of day, etc, etc. Of course, Arugam Bay is one of the most well-known and crowded waves in that area, but you should still should be able to manage getting some fun ones there. Also, if you hire a good guide to show you around, you can go find/explore less crowded breaks. Re localism, I wouldn’t be too concerned about that, unlike more hardcore surf destinations, Sri Lanka has lots of beginner and intermediate level surfers. Not to say there aren’t advanced surfers as well, but it’s pretty mellow in general in my experience. Yes, you can venture away from Arugam Bay to find waves, I will leave the other good spots question a mystery, as you’ve got to leave some adventure and exploration. But, in most cases/surf destinations, there is just about ALWAYS other good spots. 😉
excellent info guys. is there a good surf & yoga retreat on the east coast ?
Hi Craig — Thanks for your feedback! We’re not aware of a great surf and yoga retreat on the east coast, but we’ll keep on the lookout! If you’re open to other areas of Sri Lanka, a fantastic surf and yoga retreat on the southwest coast is Soul & Surf. We highly recommend the retreat and this coastline is a beautiful lush area! Cheers
yeh cheers Tara… i saw that & i guess it’s just the right season to stay there.
I will be travelling alone so was just after your thoughts as i’ve never been to Sri Lanka
HI great article, is it easier to get tuktuks around/to breaks or mopeds? Thanks
Hey, thanks! Either options works, it’s pretty easy to get TukTuks and I would recommend you start with that option to get the lay of land and driving conditions. Cheers
Hey hey Thank for the info super good to know and loads of info .Heading down there in First week of March. Wife is sunning away while I’m surfing so looking for good swell or just fun ripable waves as never been to this area. We staying in Abode Ahangama so looks central. Looks like its early rise and check the charts or sports . Fun time ahead I hope ewwwwwww
Hey Simon — Thanks for your feedback! We’re stoked you found the guide helpful. Hope you score and have an amazing trip! 🙂
Hey legends! Extremely grateful for everything you are doing, have so much epic info!
I’m looking at travelling with my partner end of January/February for 3 weeks & trying to figure out the best options for the surf and which route to take (spot’s/area’s to check out) to get a real good experience of Sri Lanka surf for the time we are there.
Looking forward to hearing back from you
James
Hey James, thanks for the kind words! Jan/Feb is primetime for the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, so you’ll want to spend the majority (if not all) of your time in that area if your primary focus is surfing. Fly into Colombo, and head south to check out some of the main surf spots/hubs on the southwest coast; Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, The Rock, Weligama, Mirissa and beyond! Hire a driver for the quickest route, or hop the train for more scenery and adventure. Happy travels!
Hi Eric, we are thinking of traveling in April from the US. Where are you traveling from? Are you worried about the closures and difficulties in getting there due to covid? Ive been reading. lot and it seems risky to travel to Sri Lanka right now? Which is heart breaking because we are dying to go! Thoughts??
PS. Thank you for this blog its very helpful!!!!
Hi Leah, awesome! It’s hard to say what it will be like in April 2022 as things are changing every week. But as of the time I’m writing this comment, we have been in contact with and helping plenty of travelers from different areas of the globe (US, UK, Europe, India, and beyond) with trips to Sri Lanka. I hope that travel will get easier with time as the world adapts to the new norms, but only time will tell. Glad you found our site to be helpful! Let us know if we can further help with booking your trip. Cheers
This info is disappointing in some ways. I have reason to be in South India May-June 2022. I was thinking of taking a flight over to Sri Lanka for some surf. You make it sound impossibly crowded with the line-up packed before sunrise?! Why travel halfway around the world to find another Malibu? I often pay just to get to difficult to reach, uncrowded waves, whatever it costs. So I guess that’s what I’m looking for? Any suggestions for that part of the world?
Hey Jonathan – Like most places, crowd levels depend on where you’re going and of course the time of year. At the most well-known spots (like Arugam Bay and Weligama) there can be plenty of people out at peak season. That said, if you travel a bit farther to surf breaks away from the most well-known spots (you can hire a tuk tuk), you can find line-ups with fewer people. We surfed some breaks in Sri Lanka with a handful of people out and it was awesome — it was just a solid 40-minute drive away from a popular surf hub.
Since you’re looking for difficult-to-reach uncrowded waves in that part of the world and are happy to pay a premium, it sounds like a perfect fit for you could be the Maldives. The Maldives come with a luxury tropical paradise, plus fewer surfers out than Sri Lanka. Again, the more remote resorts/boat routes will get you fewer surfers out. For the ultimate surf splurge, you can even charter a seaplane for surf excursions. Check out this Guide to Surfing the Maldives.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives has a 25% discount right now on advance bookings. Niyama is a luxury resort with its own surf break off the island and many other breaks nearby accessible by boat.
Hope you have an amazing trip! Cheers
Hi Eric,
I am thinking about going to Weligama in August (the third week). I am from India. This trip will be mainly to introduce my two kids to surfing. Is August a good month? I am flexible about other locations too to try out (within Srilanka).
By the way, a very new post.
Hi Bharathi, yeah, while August is not a part of the peak prime surf season, there will be still be waves that are plenty suitable for kids just learning to surf, so no worries on that front. If you are looking for better quality waves, then the east coast and Arugum Bay area would be a better bet as that as August is during the prime season on that side. But really, if this is your kids first time surfing I think that you would find conditions in the southwest to be fine for learning too. Enjoy your trip!
Hiii,
Thank you so much for this extremely detailed article! I’m a local living in the island itself and honestly I can’t say I’ve found any other plc with so much info.
Trying to get my friends interested in surfing, I really really wanna try it 😀
Best wishes with all your future trips.
Thanks, Gee! So happy you found it helpful. We love Sri Lanka — you live in a beautiful place! Surfing is so much fun, I hope you’re able to try it soon 🙂 Cheers
Hey, thank you so much for detailed post. I am heading to Sri Lanka in April so it’s just in the middle of the two seasons. Having a hard time deciding if we should spend a few days in Arugam Bay before making our way to Ahangama/Weligama area. What are you thoughts on the surf conditions mid April in A-Bay?
Thank you so much!
Hi Laura, yeah, I’d say it’s worth checking out before making your way down to Ahangama/Weligama area. Do know where you’re going to stay in Ahangama/Weligama area? We work with a bunch of awesome surf camps, boutique hotels, and villas in the area and would love to help you book somewhere great to stay! You can submit an inquiry here: https://lushpalm.com/surf-trip-inquiry/
And here’s a list of reasons to book through Lush Palm: https://lushpalm.com/why-book-with-us/
Hey man! Heading to Sri Lanka at the start of April, Intermediate/advanced surfer looking for some info on some mellow spots you could suggest that may still pick up swell during the off season and fairly consistent?
Hey Andre! If you’re looking to head to Aragum Bay, you might want to contact Kannan. He’s an awesome local surf guide we recommend and his local number is +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111 If you’re heading to Southwest Sri Lanka that’s still a great month to get waves. I’ll shoot you an email to discuss this.
Hey man,
Im looking at doing 15 ish days in Sri Lanka in June this year. I read a lot saying that the East coast is the place to be from May to Sept. aside from the main breaks all over the internet, is there much for less popular breaks (especially lefts :P) ? I plan on going alone, so im hoping theres enough swell in June to keep me busy
Hey Brent, yeah, you’ll likely have plenty of swell to stay busy. We surfed rights in the Aragam Bay area. Get in touch with Kannan and he’ll take you to the best less popular spots.
Hi,
I am coming to ahangama on 22 of feb. foe a week. i am an intermediate surfer and would like to spend 3-4 days with a very good instructor (including video etc.) do you have any leed for me ?
Hi Eric,
Your article has been so helpful. My Fiance and I are headed to Male in July. We want to stay in Sri Lanka a week before to get over jet lab. After your article, I am looking into Argum Bay. I friended Kannan on FB. Do you have any recommendations to stay. We like the boutique hotel.
Thank you!
Hi Diana,
Great, glad to hear! Yes, I have some recommendations.
Please submit an inquiry here and I’ll follow up accordingly: https://lushpalm.com/surf-trip-inquiry/
Cheers,
Eric
Hey! Great article thanks for the tips! Heading to Sri Lanka for a month next week, starting in Arugam Bay and traveling the coast all the way to Hikkaduwa looking for waves and was wondering if I could get Kannans info for Arugam? Thanks!
Hey Fletcher! Thanks, you bet. I’ll email his contact to you right now. Cheers, Eric
Hello! could you please advice surfing spots in late September and early October? we are total beginners and would like some time to practice by ourselves as well as lessons
Hello! Thanks for reaching out. We’ll be happy to help! I just sent you an email with some questions. I look forward to connecting.
Cheers,
Eric
Hi, thanks for a great survey!
Given that I arrive on mid-september, would it be better to skip arugam for lack of waves (I’m beginner’s beginner) would love your input. thanks!
Hi, you’re welcome!
You could probably still score some fun waves in September in Arugam.
I emailed you some questions to get more information about your trip.
Happy to help!
Cheers
Do I understand you correctly if I think it’s still possible to surf on the southwest
coast in July even if it’s not high season? If so, where on the southwest coast would be best? I’m a beginner and would like to avoid fighting with the crowds in the East coast over every wave 🙂
Hi Jennifer, Yes, you are correct in your understanding. You can still get fun surf that is way less crowded on the SW coast of Sri Lanka in July which is considered to be the off-season. I’d recommend staying in the Ahangama/Weligama area. Let us know if you want help finding the perfect place. Cheers!
Great guide!
Couple questions — do you know where to find the luxury aircon buses that run from Colombo to Arugam Bay? I read on some other forums that those don’t run anymore because cab drivers protested them. Not sure if that’s true — do you have any input/ advice? Trying to find the least painful way to get from the airpot to A bay.
And what’s the swell size like in Arugam Bay in July? Ive read 3-8 feet, but am also finding mixed reports!
Thanks for your help!
Hi Val- Happy you found it helpful! If the info/posts you read on the forums is recent then I would believe it. Unfortunately, there is a real lack of transportation information for Sri Lanka, especially for the buses! Did you check out this website? And do you know where you are staying in Arugam Bay? I would ask them for a recommendation, as they help travelers all the time and have the most recent information.
Re: swell size in Arugam Bay, obviously it depends on the swell, but the range of 3 – 8 feet sounds about right. It will more likely be smaller than bigger, and I don’t know what size you prefer, but if you’re looking for smaller waves, if it’s big at Arugam Bay you can most likely find smaller waves at other nearby breaks.
Have an awesome trip!
Yeww.
May come in August. Have done A-Bay and areas before and had fun but we might hit the SW coast this time. Can you confirm that there will still be a few surfable spots nearby, sheltered from nasty winds??
Hey Ben- In August you’re more likely to score in the Arugam Bay area, as this is typically the offseason for the SW coast (and on-season for A-Bay). We tried our luck on the SW coast in August (after hitting A-Bay) and we did get a couple of fun days at a reef break and some surfable beach break days, but it was definitely slim pickings. As we mentioned in the guide, you can find surf in the offseason, but it typically won’t have the consistency or quality of the better months (November through April). You could hit the SW coast, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get decent surf (especially if you’re there for a smaller window). The SW coast in August is a roll of the dice!
Hope you have an awesome trip! Yeeew!
Hey dudes,
Sweeeeeeet info!
Should i bring a board over?
ill be travelling for a few months(hopefully),
Is it worth buying a motorbike?
Hey Gabriel! Happy you’re digging the guide! There are a few surf shops, but limited board options so I’d recommend bringing a board to make sure you have what you want on hand. And not so sure about buying a motorbike. If you’re staying mostly in one area, many people take tuk-tuks for transportation, or you can also just rent a motorbike. If you’re staying mostly in the same area, renting is probably the way to go. Also, just FYI, driving in Sri Lanka is preeeetty crazy 🙂
Have an awesome trip! Cheers
Hey bro, cool tips, just to double check that I got it right, no point going East chasing waves if im going to be in Sri Lanka the whole of April right? better stay west? Cheers!
Hey Al – Yes, that’s correct! Swells in the east don’t really pick up until May, so for April, it would be best to stay west for your trip. Arugam Bay is a cool area, but during the offseason, there isn’t much potential for surf. Have an awesome trip! Cheers
HI Eric,
I’m definitely keen to hear if there are any local guides in the Southwest. My partner and I are heading to Dikwella next week and are also hoping to find someone with local knowledge who would be available to show us around. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Dan, wish I could help you out. I’d did some quick research but didn’t find anything. We stayed near Weligama at a place called Soul & Surf which had non-local surf guide staff, and Weligama is about an hour west of Dikwella area. The waves are a lot more accessible in the south so I think it would be easier for you to get around and explore if you do a little surf break research. That being said, I’m sure you can meet someone pretty easily once you’re who would be happy to show you around. Good luck and hope you score! Cheers
Hi… Eric?
I’m in my late 20’s & my partner is in his early 30’s, I have read Galle in Sri Lanka is more family surf holiday.
I am looking for a point break to ride a mal or mini-mal, something to the likes of the pass at byron, rainbow bay on the gold coast & noosa on the sunshine coast of Australia,
which beaches out of Unawatuna/Galle, Weligama & Mirissa are the closest to a point break/long consistent ride(avoiding shallow reefs)?
I am not a beginner but i’m not catching every single wave & riding the nose.
Thanks in advance!
Nic
Hi Nicole, those are some fine breaks you mention. I’d say Mirissa could be a fun spot for you guys. The reef there is pretty mellow but can get shallow on a low tide, just be mindful of urchins. Also, Lazy Rights in Midigama is a mellow reef with deeper water and a channel. The rides won’t be as long as the breaks you mention but I’m sure you’ll have fun. Beyond that, I’d say you should get in touch some folks who live down there to pick their brains as I’m sure there are others in the area that I’m not familiar with.
Good luck and hope you guys have a blast!
Cheers
Hey Eric,
Great blog. Just starting my research into a surf trip that will be coming off the back of a few weeks doing humanitarian work in India (will be in sir lanka mid December).
Im an intermediate level surfer, been surfing for years but im nothing special, could you recommend a back packing route heading south of Colombo? Im a natural so the more lefts the better!
And help is greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Hey Mason, thanks man! Sounds like an awesome trip you’re planning. I’m not familiar with anything between Colombo and Hikkaduwa, which is about 2 hours drive. But I’d just say head south from Colombo, surf Hikkaduwa, then make your way down along the coast through Galle, Unawatuna, Midigama, Weligama, Mirissa and beyond if you’re seeking waves! Those are some of the major surf towns where you’ll find plenty of lefts and rights. I’d suggest looking into catching a train for part of the way which we didn’t fit in but heard is really incredible. That might be a cool thing to do from Colombo to Hikkaduwa although I don’t know the exact routes.
Enjoy the journey!
Cheers
Can I please get contact details for Kannan your driver / surf guide on the east coast?
Also, would you still recommend surfing the south west coast in mid-late July for an intermediate surfer or are there just way too few breaks at that time?
Thanks
Hi Lucy, yes, of course. Kannan’s local number is +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111 I’m sure he’d be stoked to show you and you guys around. Say hello for us!
As for surfing the southwest coast during that time, it just depends on what you’re looking for in the trip. If it’s about scoring the absolute best surf, then probably not. But if you want to check out a completely different part of the country don’t mind surfing mediocre waves, then yeah, it’ll be worth it. There should still be some alright waves to be found. We surfed there in Aug and had some fun sessions.
Cheers!
Hello!
Another question if you don’t mind…
I was planning to stay at surf and soul but we are little late in booking. Can you please suggest another stay along the likes of Surf & Sole? We are looking for a stay with a nice pool area & amongst some green or not.. Basically a boutique (or not) luxury escape.
Thank you for your time!
Nicole
Hi Nicole! In the same area, Sunshine Stories and Ceylon Sliders are both very cool spots, but they don’t have pools at their properties. Cape Weligama is a beautiful luxury property, and Eraeliya Villas and Gardens is also a nice one. Have a wonderful trip! Cheers
Hi Karine! Our pleasure! Good stuff, hope you have an awesome trip, I’m sure you will, Sri Lanka is a beautiful place with great people. When we were in Welligama it was considered to be off season so the place was pretty quiet as a lot of people close up shop for the season. However, you should be good in mid-October with the start of the season right around the corner. Look up Dylan’s Surf Company, they have a surf shop in the Weligama area and you might also want to check out Ceylon Sliders! Have fun and get some good ones for us! Cheers
Hey Eric! great infos thanks! We are heading to Welligama area mid-October for a month of Sup surfing. Is there a few options of shops that sells women’s surf swimwear, booties etc…? We’re super stoked!! cheers!
Hi Eric
Thanks for a very comprehensive article on SL.
Im heading there in January. Are there lots of wave spots in the Mirissa area?
Hi Michael, that’s a great time to go. And yes, there are plenty of breaks in the 10 min drive stretch from Mirissa to Weligama and beyond in both directions!
Hi Eric, my family and I want to travel to Sri Lanka for the first time, we want to head to the south west coast, I like the idea of Marissa Bay or similar. What would be the best accommodation options for a surfing family of 7(youngest being 3yrs old).
Hey Ryan, first of all, that’s amazing and thanks for the future family surf travel inspiration! I suppose the best accommodations very much boil down to your personal preference. We often go the boutique hotel route but if I had a family of 7 I’d probably go the family-friendly resort route with a pool or rent a private villa. You might want to check out Number One Mirissa for a boutique hotel at Mirissa Bay or Paradise Beach Club for more of the beachfront resort style offering. Hope you get some fun waves while you’re there! Cheers
Hey! Was wondering what spots might work best on the southwest coast during the off season. I’ll be out there beginning of July, I know you said certain breaks that have wind protection or are side shore could still be fun. Appreciate any recommendations, thanks!
Hey Zach! There is a really great surf break breakdown I think you’ll find helpful here: https://www.soulandsurf.com/retreats/sri-lanka/surf/conditions-breaks/ We caught Weligama on some decent and fun cross shore windy days and there are some right reef breaks in the area too if you ask around I’m sure you’ll get pointed in the right direction once you’re there! Cheers and good luck! Hope you score some fun ones.
Planning a surf trip for two months, Oct-Nov. Based on previous articles I’ve read, it seemed that the waves would still work in October, if not on the South-West, then on the East coast, however you have both areas as ‘off-season’ for October.
Our dates are inflexible… would you recommend I look elsewhere for October or should we get some surf?
Hi Sadie, thanks for reaching out. I think in the Arugam Bay area that while Oct is considered by many to be the start of their “off-season” there could still be some residual late season swells that roll through so you could probably find some waves at that time, the closer to Sept the better. And then the actual surf season on the southwest coast starts in November so you should be good there. So if you spent Oct around Arugam Bay, and November on the Southwest coast, you could potentially get the best of both worlds! Just depends on what Mother Nature has in store for you 🙂
Eric…
Rad blog bro, great info… Am heading to Sri Lanka & A Bay for da first time in August, I’ll definitely look up Kannan, he soundz like the exact dude I want to help me out when there, but my question is two fold, changing foreign currency into local coin, where best??? And getting from Colombo to A Bay, least hassle way, taxi??? Cheerz bro
Hey Ryan, thanks for the feedback man, much appreciated. As for changing currency, we always used ATMs because we set up bank accounts with banks that don’t charge any foreign exchange transaction or withdrawal fees. But if you aren’t in that same boat, I’d just recommend doing it at the airport so you don’t have to hassle with finding a place. As for getting from Colombo to A Bay, I’d say arranging a private taxi in advance if you can is the least hassle way to go about it. If you’re staying in Colombo for a night, your host could probably help you find a driver. If you’re traveling alone, you might want to look out for other surfers on your flight to see if they want to split the cost. Cheers and good luck brother!
Tnx for the extensive blog, great read. I am looking for a local surf guide to show me around and find the best spot in any given condition. Not looking for the usual surf camp experience but just somebody with great local knowledge. Any experience? Tnx already
Hey David, thanks for reaching out, glad liked the article and found it helpful! What area are you looking for a local surf guide in? If it’s Arugam Bay, I highly recommended getting in touch with Kannan. He is an awesome local guide and just a really cool guy, you can find his contact info is in the other comments. If you’re looking for someone in southwest Sri Lanka, let me know and I could probably help you get connected with someone in that area as well.
Hi Eric, my family are heading to AB at the endow June. Kannan sounds perfect for us! Could I get his details?
Cheers,
Viva
Hi Viva, yes, of course. Kannan’s local number is +94 779 780 088. You can find him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/kannathasan.t111 I’m sure he’d be stoked to show you and your family around. Say hello for us!
Cheers!
Hi. Are you seeing many kitesurfers in Arugam yet? If so when is the Windiest time of year?
Cheers
John
Hi John, not sure, we didn’t see any when we were in the area but try checking in with the crew over at Upali Beach Surf Resort & Cafe. You can find them on Facebook with @upalibeach. They’d probably be able to provide some local insight on the matter.
Cheers!
We are going in April – starting in Arugam Bay and working down to Weligama/Galle area.
We wanted to get a transfer to AB – then try and see if we could rent a car for the rest of our trip – would you recommend this? We quite want some flexibility about where to go after spending 3 days in AB.
What were your top surf sports towards the south, ideally not too touristy and busy!
Hi Lucy, I’m not 100% sure about renting a car in Arugam Bay. Doing a quick search on Expedia shows there is nothing available, I’m not sure if that’s because it’s all booked out or there are just no car rental companies. I’d think you could sort it out, but I can’t tell you for sure one way or another. You might want to try emailing a place like Spice Trail to ask a local resident. I know you can rent a Tuk-Tuk in Arugam Bay if you want to go explore the area. And while surrounding areas of Arugam Bay are pretty remote and rural, Sri Lanka, in general, is a pretty crazy place to drive so be careful if you’re planning to drive around. As for top surf spots to the south, we were there in the off-season so only a couple breaks we’re working. But if we were to go back during the peak season, I’d definitely want to go see what’s up the coast to the east beyond Mirissa. Hope you score your ideal waves!
Hey Eric,
Thinking about heading to Weligama at the end of February for a while, on a big SE asia trip. Sadly, I had to sell my boards in Indo, are there places in weligama or colombo where I can buy a used shortie? If so any idea the cost?
Also, are there scooters w/ surf racks?
Thanks for the post man,
super helpful.
Hey Rob,
Yeah, since you’ll be there during the prime surf season I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding a used shortboard to buy. And Weligama is a busy enough surf hub so I think you’ll be able to sort it out pretty easily there. I wish I could tell you exactly where to look and how much it might cost but when we were there it was the offseason and so a lot of shops were not open for us to check it out.
As for scooters, there will definitely be scooters with surf racks available for rent.
Thanks and glad you like the post and found it helpful!
Have an awesome time!
Cheers
Hey Rob there are no scooters with surf racks in Arugam Bay as they are trying to protect the local over-priced transport rates.
Hey we’re going in March, we land in Colombo at 04.00am. With a surfboard and 2 decent bags.. Will there be taxis at the airport willing to take us to hikkaduwa so early? Or would you recommend trying to organise it beforehand? Thanks
Hi, I’d think there will be taxis at the airport that early in the morning. But it might be less competitive which would mean fewer options and possibly higher prices. Like many places, it’s definitely a hustle in Sri Lanka. Negotiating is a part of their culture, so if you don’t organize a taxi in advance, have your wits about you and be prepared to negotiate. That being said, if it were me, I’d arrange a taxi in advance as I prefer to have the sure thing sorted out, especially after a long and exhausting day of travel. Good luck and enjoy!
Srilanka is renowned for surfing and additionally the shorelines however a few times the waves are so quick than it is hard to surf so in that circumstance dependably attempt to take direction from the surf instructors they gives the best surfing counsel.
Thanks for the comment, I suppose it all really depends on your surfing ability. There are definitely fun waves for all abilities in Sri Lanka, and yes, if you are a beginner it would be helpful to get some proper surf instruction. Cheers!