Weligama Beach Sri Lanka: Complete Travel Guide 2025
- Kate Colliety
- 7 hours ago
- 12 min read
The hazy sun is setting, you’ve got sand in your hair and you’re walking across Weligama Beach with a surf board tucked under your arm. That’s the dream, right?
During our two-month adventure uncovering every nook and cranny of Sri Lanka, we found ourselves returning to Weligama again and again. This laid-back surf town on the south coast of Sri Lanka quickly became one of our favourite spots, thanks to its golden beaches, swaying palm trees, and thriving surf community.
Over time, we discovered the best surf schools, hidden cafés, coworking spaces and local tips that transformed our stay into something truly special. In this guide, we’ll share everything we’ve learned so you can make the most of this sandy paradise too.
Now, Weligama isn’t the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka, head to Tangalle for that and Jungle Beach but it has lots to offer in terms of surf and community.
Weligama Bay is the largest in Sri Lanka and home to a long, gentle reef break which attracts visitors from all over. Surf schools line the beach, perhaps making it more commercial than other beaches but you’re here for one thing (okay, maybe two): the surf and the sunsets.
Here’s our guide to Weligama Beach, Sri Lanka.
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Best Time To Visit Weligama
The best time to visit Weligama is during the dry season from December to March, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal beach weather, with average temperatures around 30°C.
We visited in November, at the very start of the season. The waves were already crowded, even before the peak months, so we can only imagine how busy it gets in December and January. That said, we only had a few short rain showers, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still get good weather, the shoulder season (October - November or April) is a great choice.
Where Is Weligama Beach?
Weligama is on Sri Lanka’s south coast and can be found 5-minutes from the ever-popular Mirissa.
Once a quiet fishing town, over the years Weligama has grown massively in popularity and now has large, resort style hotels and a congested main road but somehow we still felt the authentic Sri Lankan way of life, albeit we couldn’t help but feel it slowly fading.
How To Get To Weligama Beach
Weligama By Train
One of the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to get to Weligama is by train. From Colombo Fort, take the coastal railway line to Weligama Station. The journey takes around 3 hours and costs just a couple of quid.
Most people book 1st or 2nd class for the extra space and comfort. We booked 2nd class but ended up squeezed into 3rd and it was one of our best travel experiences.
We missed our train and joined our carriage at rush hour which was sardine packed, everyone started singing and trust us when we tell you, we will never forget that!
Or opt for comfort and book this private airport transfer to Weligama.
Weligama By Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Sri Lanka. From Colombo, take a Matara-bound bus, which often stops in Weligama, just check with your driver as you get on. The journey will take around 4 hours and cost 200 - 500 LKR depending on the type of bus.
If you’re coming from Ella the #31 runs from Ella to Matara and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. From Matara, you can hop on a local bus or take a tuk-tuk for the final 20-minute journey to Weligama. The bus costs around 650 LKR and the whole journey could take up to 8 hours.
Don’t want to spend 8 hours on a bus? Check out this Ella to Weligama Private Transfer!
Weligama By Tuk Tuk
Want to explore Sri Lanka on your own terms? Renting a tuk tuk is hands-down the most fun and flexible way to travel the south coast. You’ll find plenty of rental shops in Weligama, but we highly recommend Tuk tuk Rental for their great service and well-maintained vehicles.
We had an unforgettable road trip with our tuk tuk. Freedom to stop wherever we wanted, meeting locals on the side of the road, and soaked in the scenery at our own pace. Seriously, it’s an experience not to miss!
Ready to hit the road? Book your tuk‑tuk now at Tuk tuk Rental’s website and use our code KandM to get 5% off your booking. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Parking At Weligama Beach
There were plenty of places to park along the front, behind the surf shops, we never struggled for a spot. It was also free to park which was nice.
How Long Should You Stay In Weligama?
Well, how long is a piece of string?
In all seriousness though there’s not loads to do here apart from surf, chill and enjoy the sun. Some people spend 3 nights here, others spend weeks or months surfing at all the different points in Weligama.
Originally, we spent 2 nights here but then returned for a further 5 at the surf camp, The Surfer, then another 2 nights after that as we just loved it and weren’t ready to leave.
Top Things To Do In Weligama
The draw to Weligama is that there isn't too much to do, it’s a town to surf, relax, meditate, ice bath and that’s about it. However, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do based on our own experience.
Surfing in Weligama
It’s why the town has become so popular and it’s impossible to ignore the surf culture here. As we pulled up to Weligama Beach we were surprised by the row of impenetrable surf shops. We couldn’t even step onto the beach without being pitched a surf lesson or rental. This can be frustrating at times.
We rented our first board from Batu Surf School, and unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend it. After a disagreement about the board, a staff member got aggressive. We asked to speak to the manager, who was polite and helpful, but the whole situation left a sour taste. In hindsight, Surf & Stay and Freedom Surf School next door have much better reviews and would’ve been the smarter choice.
Anyway, before all that we hit the surf! The sandy bottom made it perfect for us to practice before heading to the Surfer Surf Camp and we enjoyed heading further out to the larger waves after a week learning about our technique. We surfed each sunset, coming in when the light had faded too much and we absolutely loved it!
If you’re new to surfing, Weligama is the place to learn, and we recommend checking into The Surfer.
For a breakdown of when to surf, the best spots and tips, head to our Weligama Surf Spots Blog.
Ice Weligama
After a long surf session head to Ice Weligama to relieve the aching bones. This was our first ice bath experience and it was so much harder than we’d expected! Learning about breathwork and controlling our bodies in a way we’d never had to do before was a learning curve and one that we now say we’re hooked on.
The ice bath sits at around 0.5 °C and there is also a sauna on site so you can contrast heat with cold.
Yoga
Where there’s surf there is yoga and there’s no better place to unwind than surrounded by the sea breeze and swaying palm trees. One of the most popular yoga spots in Weligama is The Green Peace Inn which offers daily drop-in classes as well as retreats. The yoga shala overlooks the sea in an open air setting which is perfect for a sunset flow.
We also took part in sunset yoga each evening at our surf camp, The Surfer.
Sunsets
One of our favourite things to do on the south coast of Sri Lanka was watching the spectacular sunsets with their orange hues and dusty undertones which only occur in Central Asia.
We’d walk down to Weligama Beach each evening and either surf or sit on the sand to watch the sun dip behind the horizon. One day we enjoyed watching a local cricket match on the sand which was staged by golden hour.
We have also heard The Cliff is a prime sunset spot if you want to grab dinner while the sun sets.
Cocktails
Once the sun had set we’d usually head to dinner or occasionally for a drink. Weligama has lots of cocktail bars including Tiki Bar Weligama which has DJ nights and happy hour from 5-7pm. That’s not our vibe so we headed to Zephyr which has incredible, innovative cocktail creations and a relaxed vibe on the beach.
Coworking
Weligama is developing a strong digital nomad scene with plenty of coworking spaces popping up. Head to Sugar Hostel or Pasijou to catch up on some work or head to Nomad Cafe for reliable WiFi and great coffee!
Yala National Park
There are lots of day trips from Weligama and one of the most popular ones is a Yala Safari. Yala is the most popular national park to visit due to it having the highest density of leopards in the world. Although we didn’t join a tour we did drive through Yala National Park in our tuk tuk and saw elephants, peacocks and wild boar.
Day Trip to Mirissa
If you’re using Weligama as your base then you must visit Mirissa which is only five minutes down the road. Mirissa is famous for its stunning beach, Coconut Tree Hill Viewpoint and nightlife which includes the famous Doctor’s House.
Other Day Trips From Weligama
Handunugoda Tea Estate
45 minutes away is the Handunugoda Tea Estate where you can walk through tea plantations, explore the old factory and learn about the process from picking to drying. You also get to try the tea surrounded by the green hills.
If you’re only exploring Sri Lanka’s south coast then we recommend doing this tour to see another side of Sri Lanka, if you plan to head up to Ella and Nuwara Eliya there’s lots more opportunities to explore tea estates and therefore we’d say enjoy the beach and surf while you can.
Galle Dutch Fort is unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka, a coastal town where narrow, cobbled streets weave between whitewashed colonial buildings, echoing a rich historical past.
We visited Galle on a day trip and enjoyed looking in all the boutique shops, exploring the walls and visiting the iconic Galle Lighthouse.
Midigama
Just 5 minutes up the road is Midigama, a quieter surf town with local family restaurants, the famous stilt fishermen and some more advanced surf spots.
Best Places To Eat In Weligama
Weligama doesn’t have a shortage of places to eat, from hip cafes to local restaurants and digital nomad cafes there’s plenty of choice. Below we share some of the best places to eat in Weligama. We also love the look of this cooking class based in Weligama where you can learn o cook the local cuisine!
After Surf Café
The perfect place to grab breakfast after a morning surf in Weligama. They serve great coffee, healthy bowls and a delicious brunch. You have sea views due to the roof top location which is also decorated in a boho vibe that we loved.
Mama’s Fish Point
Right on the sand at Weligama Beach is Mama’s Fish point. It is the perfect place to grab some sea food and watch the sun go down. We recommend the coconut curry which is a little sweet and tangy, plus the grilled fish is delicious!
A/42 Cafe & Restaurant
Now, this place is a little further out…. But it serves one of the best chicken burgers we’ve ever had and therefore we thought it was worth a mention if you’re fancying some western food.
Dulnetha Homestay & Restaurant
We also decided to have pudding for dinner one night and headed to Dulnetha to grab Roti. These were so good, piled high with vanilla ice cream and the perfect post-surf treat!
Nomad Cafe
There’s lots of digital nomad cafes and coworking spaces in Weligama. We chose Nomad Cafe to grab a coffee and get some work done, although now we wish we tried the food as it looked delicious. Nomad Cafe also has a small boutique selling locally made products and surf essentials.
The second time we visited Weligama we stayed at Tharaka Homestay. We loved the location, close to Cargills Supermarket and was only a short walk from Ice Weligama and the beach. The rooms are large and spacious with mosquito nets and fans and the hosts were lovely, allowing us to park our tuk tuk on their driveway at night.
If you need a basic, no-frills budget place to stay in Weligama we recommend Tharaka, however if you're looking for a bit of luxury keep reading!
On the shore of Weligama Beach is KOMOREBI, a villa-style accommodation designed with natural materials and colours. To us this is luxury without the price tag as you get a lush garden setting, sea views and little touches such as a tea and coffee maker. There is also an onsite restaurant serving a variety of delicious meals.
If you're looking for 5-star beachfront luxury in the heart of Weligama, this is it. The Marriott is the tallest building on the bay, with direct beach access and sweeping ocean views from nearly every room. It's slick, polished, and perfect for travellers who want Western-style comfort with a tropical twist. The infinity pool, spa, and huge breakfast buffet are standouts for us. It’s also super central so you can be out surfing within minutes.
Outpost is known amongst digital nomads, having locations in both Bali and Sri Lanka it is the most-established place on our list.
Staying at the coliving space Outpost will give you access to their coworking rooms with international plug points, fast, reliable WiFi, standing desk and dedicated video-call booths. There is also a generator for backup power, a pool and beachfront access.
The Best Surf Camps In Weligama
The Surfer Weligama
We could go on all day about how much we love The Surfer, it’s why we fell in love with Weligama and definitely why we can now confidently surf intermediate waves. The vibe here is great, each evening there are social events with the surf instructors, video analysis and delicious dinners.
If the Surfer is fully booked then we recommend Lucky’s. It’s locally run, friendly, and just a short stroll from the beach. Rooms are simple but clean and it has great reviews.
Weligama Beach Common Questions
When is the best time to visit Weligama Beach?
The best time to visit Weligama is during the dry season from December to March when you'll have sunny skies, calm seas, and perfect beach weather. The weather sits at an average of 30°C.
Is Weligama Beach good for surfing?
Yes, Weligama, alongside Arugam Bay is the best place to surf in Sri Lanka in our opinion. The long sandy, beach break is perfect for beginners. We’d also recommend The Surfer Weligama if you want a surf camp. We stayed here for five nights and learnt loads about our technique.
Can you swim at Weligama Beach?
Technically yes you can swim at Weligama Beach but you need to find a quiet spot out of the way of the surfers. We swam at the western end of the beach and had great fun jumping over the waves.
Can you see turtles at Weligama Beach?
While you might be lucky the amount of people here make turtle spotting near impossible. Instead head to Rekawa Beach in Tangalle or Mirissa.
What to take to Weligama Beach?
Surfing Zinc for the best face protection
Waterproof Suncream for the rest of your body
Surfing Hat for any really hot midday sessions
UV Rash Vest (Male) if you would like to wear your own. Tip: Wearing your own will make sure it fits tight which is key to efficient paddling. (Female Version)
Do hotels in Weligama have good Wi-Fi?
We found WiFi to be hit and miss in Sri Lanka, normally miss in the local homestays. However, there are plenty of cafes and co-living spaces with reliable internet for digital nomads and remote workers.
What’s the best area to stay in Weligama for surfing?
If you’re new to surfing, we suggest joining one of the surf schools like The Surfer Weligama. For confident surfers, staying anywhere near the beach gives you easy access for sunrise and sunset sessions.
Stay at The Surfer, Weligama - This is the best surf camp to meet friends, improve your technique and have the surf to yourself as they have a prime secluded spot!
Weligama is a surf town - If you want beautiful swimming beaches, base yourself in Mirissa or Tangalle.
Be careful of scams - Take a video of your surf board before you hire it, just in case they try to blame you for dinks that were already there.
Hire a tuktuk - This means you can use Weligama as your base and explore neighbouring Midigama and Mirissa.
Digital Nomads - Weligama is one of the best places to work remotely with several digital nomad cafés and co-working spaces.
Try Ice Weligama - Challenge your body with an ice bath!
Final Thoughts on Weligama
Weligama Beach is chaos at its finest, but for good reason. It is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf due to the sandy, beach break. Head to one of the many surf schools on the sand, hire a board and enjoy a sunset surf before rewarding yourself at one of the many restaurants.
We’d recommend spending a good few nights in Weligama to find the hidden restaurants, meet new friends and enjoy the unique vibe of one of our favourite Sri Lankan Towns.
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