Surf’s up in Sri Lanka, and we’re here to tell you why we love it as a surf destination.
Sitting on the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has year round surf in warm tropical waters for all abilities. The popular south boasts multiple surf towns from the famous Mirissa, beautiful Hiriketiya and our favourite Weligama. When the seasons change head to Arugam Bay on the east coast, a quirky surf town with some epic waves.
Why pick Sri Lanka? There are lazy beach breaks for beginners, gnarly reef breaks and some perfect spots for longboard tricks.
After two months of chasing waves and sipping coconuts around Sri Lanka, we’ve put together this ultimate surf cheat sheet so you can find the right spots for your level (and vibe).
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Best Surf Towns In Sri Lanka
Surfing In Weligama
Weligama is the best all-round surf town. The main beach has a long, rolling sandy-bottom break perfect for beginners to ride the white wash and small green waves out the back for surfers working on their technique, sometimes the swell can even get up to 7 feet. If you’re looking for a challenge you can head to the nearby reef breaks which offer advanced surfers a chance to get away from the crowds.
We spent 5 nights with The Surfer Weligama surf camp in hope we’d somewhat improve and we couldn’t believe how quickly we progressed with help from the fantastic instructors. If you’re new to surfing or want to learn about technique we highly recommend booking here.
The town itself is focused around the main A2 coastal route, meaning there’s always flying buses and honking tuk tuks. In recent years a few coliving and coworking spaces have popped up including Nomad Cafe and Outpost Living. You can also head to Ice Weligama for a sauna and ice bath, perfect for digital nomads.
Surf Spots In Weligama
- The Island
- Weligama Beach
Best Surf Camp
For a complete breakdown of Weligama’s surf spots, check out our detailed Weligama surf guide.
Surfing In Arugam Bay
When the monsoon shrouds the south coast there’s only one place to head: Arugam Bay. Located on the east coast, Arugam Bay has a different season to the other top surf towns on this list. You’ll want to visit between June and August for the best waves, plus in the off-season a lot of the town closes.
Main Point is the most famous surf spot in Arugam Bay and draws a crowded line up, but head 30-minutes out of town and you can find a quieter spot for both beginners and intermediate surfers.
We spent 5 nights in Arugam Bay, starting at Baby Point, then quickly realising that because we were at the end of the season (October) the Main Point’s swell was actually perfect for our ability. Not too big, but we did have one nasty wipe out on the reef below. We also enjoyed surfing at Peanut Farm Beach, plus the drive there is an adventure in itself!
The town here is a classic surf dive, with boho boutiques, pancake spots and shops selling lessons. But here’s the magic, there are also wild elephants roaming nearby!
Best Surf Spots In Arugam Bay
- Main Point
- Baby Point
- Elephant Rock
- Peanut Farm Beach
- Panama Point
- Whiskey Point
- Pottuvil Point
- Lighthouse
- Okanda
Best Surf Schools In Arugam Bay
Surfing In Hiriketiya
A crescent bay with two surf spots: A beginner ride onto the sandy shores or a fast break over reef for more advanced surfers. Hiriketiya is the prettiest surf town in Sri Lanka, lined with fairy lights, street food and independent shops.
Hiri stole our hearts so much we had to return twice during our trip to Sri Lanka! There are also more spots such as Dikwella just a short drive away making this a perfect hub for a surf holiday.
Best Surf Spots In Hiriketiya
- Hiriketiya Beach Break (Main Bay)
- Hiriketiya Reef Point
- Dikwella
- Kudawella
Best Surf Schools and Camps In Hiriketiya
Surfing In Mirissa
Mirissa is one of the most well known towns in Sri Lanka, sitting on the south coast close to Weligama it also offers a couple of surf spots. The most popular is a right hander for intermediate surfers, but beware of the sharp reef below.
During our time in Mirissa the waves were rough and we chose not to surf, we did however see people snorkelling with turtles by coconut tree hill, plus the town is famous for Doctor’s House which throws some epic surf parties.
Best Surf Spots In Mirissa
- Mirissa Right (Reef)
- Mirissa Beach
- Temple Point
Best Surf Schools and Camps In Mirissa
Surfing In Midigama
Close to Weligama, Midigama is home to some intermediate reef breaks that allow surfers to take a break from the crowded Weligama. You can stay in Midigama, it’s kind of a one horse town with local restaurants and homestays, not yet taken over by mass tourism.
Midigama is a quiet surf spot with popular breaks like Coconuts, Plantation Point, Rams, Lazy Left, and Lazy Right. We checked out these spots ourselves, but since we’re still at the beginning of our surfing journey, we decided to watch from the shore rather than risk getting cut up by the reef!
Best Surf Spots In Midigama
- Coconuts
- Plantation Point
- Rams
- Lazy Left
- Lazy Right
Best Places To Stay In Midigama
Surfing In Ahangama
Ahangama has a more modern, surf-chic vibe than Midigama with trendy cafés, beach bars, and boutique shops, while still keeping its local soul. It’s great for brunch, sunset cocktails, or a slow afternoon exploring.
It is also home to one of the liveliest surf scenes with access to Midigama and Weligama to the east and Unawatuna to the west. There are sand-bottomed swells as well as left and right A-frames over reefs for intermediate surfers.
Best Surf Spots In Ahangama
- Kabalana Beach
- Rajith’s
- Marshmellow
- Dreamsea Left
Best Surf Camps In Ahangama
Madiha
A lesser-known spot that is starting to make a name for itself is Madiha. With a few hipster cafes, Madiha feels like it has yet to be discovered, transporting you back in time. There’s only a few spots here reserved for advanced surfers. Both the left and right hand breaks are over sharp reefs and are a bit gnarly. The right is more forgiving but the left break is steep with a shallow reef, you’ll often see locals bailing out, lucky they know the right place to fall!
Best Surf Spots In Madiha
- Madiha Right (A-Frame)
- Madiha Left
Surf Season In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two surf seasons, split by the island’s monsoon patterns. The south coast is at its best from December to April, while the east coast, Arugam Bay has its peak season from May to September. The good news? No matter when you visit, there’s always somewhere to catch waves in Sri Lanka.
Final Thoughts
Have we convinced you yet? We hope so whether you’re chasing your first wave or already hooked on surfing, Sri Lanka is an epic place to visit. And even if surfing’s not your thing, the tropical vibes, fresh coconuts, and golden beaches are reason enough to visit.
Now grab your board (or rent one when you get there), and get ready to surf Sri Lanka!
Essential Items for Sri Lanka
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
Sri Lanka is a surfers paradise and it’s also great for beginners with multiple surf spots being a sandy bottom. Don’t forget a zinc sun cream and surf hat!
Home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles having a pair of binoculars is a must to appreciate the wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer!
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
