Weligama is perhaps the best place to surf in Sri Lanka, with Arugam Bay giving it a run for its money, but for beginner surfers, Weligama is unbeatable.
The large crescent-shaped bay offers a mellow beach break with a sandy bottom, perfect for beginners. The waves roll in creating clean A-frames making it a great spot to catch your first ever wave. It’s where we learnt to properly surf and is one of our favourite towns in Sri Lanka.
But Weligama isn’t only for beginners. There is a thriving surf community here and you’ll find some larger waves out the back and some gnarly reef breaks just a short drive away. With no shortage of surf schools and surf camps it’s the perfect place to join the lineup.
The town itself sits on the congested Matara Road which acts as a coastal artery connecting other towns along the south and is your gateway to some of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka.
Now be warned, Weligama’s surf gets busy, flying surfboards are the norm and there’s plenty of people getting pushed on white water! But don’t let that put you off, we joined The Surfer and learned loads about our technique, enough for us to explore some of Weligama’s best surf spots and avoid the beginner carnage (although we’ve all been there).
So, there you have it, an introduction to Sri Lanka’s best beginner surf spot and it just happened to be located in one of our favourite Sri Lankan towns, although we think that might not be a coincidence.
Here are Weligama’s best surf spots.
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Weligama Surf Spots Map
When To Surf In Weligama
The best time to visit Weligama for surfing is between December and April during the dry season. We visited in November and the surf was already super crowded!
We did have one storm roll in while we were at our surf camp, this actually turned out great giving us some practice with 4ft waves, although one day the waves were so powerful we couldn’t paddle out and had to turn back, keep this in mind when planning your surf trip.
From April to November head over to Arugam Bay for the best surf!
Best Beginner Surf Spots In Weligama
Weligama Beach Break
The best beginner spot and a perfect place to grab a lesson or rent a board from the surf shops on the beach.
It is a long crescent beach break with soft, rolling waves and a sandy bottom. Perfect for learning and perfect for wiping out. This is the perfect place to learn, ideal for foamies as it’s consistent. Just be prepared for crowds and flying soft tops – surf etiquette is out the window here!
Lazy Right (Midigama)
A mellow right-hander on a deep reef just 10 minutes from Weligama. It works best on smaller swells and is perfect for beginners looking to try reef surfing without the fear factor. It’s also a nice longboard wave.
In Front of The Surfer Weligama
We joined the surfer Weligama as beginners and soon progressed to surfing small green waves in front of their camp. This is a quiet spot with no crowds, one reason we’d recommend staying and learning here.
Intermediate Weligama Surfing Spots
Plantations (Midigama)
A clean A-frame reef break with both lefts and rights. Offers more height and push than Weligama Beach and is a great place to level up once you’re consistently catching green waves.
Coconuts (Midigama)
Just next to Plantations, Coconuts is another fun reef with slightly more power. It offers steeper sections and longer rides, with both lefts and rights depending on the swell. This spot is best at mid to high tide.
Mirissa Point
A scenic right-hand reef break wrapping around a rocky point. On the right swell, it’s super fun and long-running. Not always working and the waves were too rough for us here in November, but when it settles down it’s a favorite among intermediate surfers. Watch the rocks on entry and exit!
Fisherman’s Reef (Weligama)
A less-crowded option just offshore from Weligama Bay. This right-hand reef break needs a short paddle or boat ride, but offers clean faces and decent length rides when the swell aligns. More technical than the beach but manageable for confident intermediates.
Advanced Surf Spots In Weligama
Rams Right (Midigama)
This is the spot you hear whispers about. Short, heavy, and barreling, Rams is a shallow right-hand reef break for confident surfers only. The take-off is critical, the reef is sharp, and the vibe is serious. You’ll earn your session here.
Jungle Beach (Jungle Reef)
A hidden left-hand reef break nestled near the edges of Weligama Bay. Long paddle out (~500m), but worth it for long lefts and fewer crowds. Works best on a decent swell. Can be sketchy with currents and reef so we recommend talking to a local first.
Lazy Left (Midigama)
Despite the name, this break can get powerful on the right swell. Offers long, wrapping lefts ideal for high-performance surfing. Can barrel on the inside section and gets shallow fast. Suited for experienced surfers looking for longer rides.
Surf Lessons In Weligama
We decided to visit Weligama twice during our two months in Sri Lanka. The first time we just got a daily lesson from Batu Surf School (more on this later) and when we returned we joined The Surfer for 5 nights so we could improve our technique and get the most out of Weligama’s surf.
Surf Schools In Weligama
There is no shortage of surf schools in Weligama, you can’t walk onto the beach without being offered a board.
Unfortunately, one of our not so great travel experiences happened here. We hired a board from Batu Surf School for an hour only to be told we’d damaged it when we returned. We asked to see the manager and in the end we didn’t have to pay but this is your sign to video your board for any snags before you hit the waves.
Instead we recommend heading to Freedom Surf School which seems to have really good reviews or you can book a 2 hour surf lesson online here.
Surf Camps In Weligama
The best advice we could give you if you wanted to learn to surf is to join a surf camp. Weligama has lots of surf camps and is perfect for beginners wanting to learn.
The camps are usually based near the waves, and create a community atmosphere that travellers crave when being away from home.
Throughout your stay you’ll noticeably see an improvement plus many also have yoga packages as well.
The Surfer – Our Favourite Weligama Surf Camp
The Surfer team pride themselves on giving you the perfect surf and yoga stay in Weligama, and to be honest, we have to say they fully delivered on this statement!
You can choose the perfect package for your surf goals – whether you’re looking for two surf lessons a day, a surf and yoga package, or a more relaxed one lesson a day option. Your surf lessons will be with no more than six people, meaning you’ll get priceless feedback consistently throughout your time on the surf.
All the instructors we experienced were patient, knowledgeable and fun to work with. Here we must give a special thanks to Matty and Reshan for getting us to finally catch our own waves and turn effectively across small green waves.
Lucky’s Surf Camp Weligama
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.
Surf Shops In Weligama
Dylan’s Surf Company
Located on the main Matara Road, this is your main surf shop in Weligama stocking well known brands of grips, leashes, zinc suncreams, the lot. Dylan’s also has a brother store in Arugam Bay if you happen to also be surfing there.
We also noticed lots of other shops selling surf related gear such as zinc suncream and rash vests. The town is small but a little mooch around the shops will have you uncovering the surf treasure that you’re looking for.
Ice Weligama
After a long surf, why not cool off and relax your muscles with an ice bath at Ice Weligama. The bath sits at a chilly 0.5 degrees and is the perfect way to recover after a surf!
The facility is open daily from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the ice bath and sauna after a morning ride.
Ice Weligama also hosts regular events, including live music sessions and community gatherings, creating a vibrant social atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Weligama Surf Spots FAQs
How Much Are Surf Lessons In Weligama?
Board rentals typically cost around 800 LKR per hour, with daily rates available if you plan to surf longer. One-on-one surf lessons start at about 2,500 LKR for an hour.
We paid 800 LKR for our board on Weligama Beach.
Is Weligama good for beginner surfers?
Yes! Weligama is one of the best beginner surf spots in Sri Lanka thanks to its mellow beach break, sandy bottom, and consistent waves all year round.
Are there surf spots for intermediate or advanced surfers in Weligama?
Absolutely. While the main bay is beginner-friendly, there are more challenging reef breaks like Rams or Plantations just a short tuk tuk ride away.
Is Weligama surf crowded?
Yes, especially in high season. Expect lots of learners, surf schools, and the occasional flying foam board. Early mornings and further-out breaks are quieter.
Do I need to bring my own board?
No. There are dozens of rental shops and surf camps in town. You can easily rent a board by the hour, day, or week.
What’s the water temperature like?
The temperatures are warm year-round typically between 27–29°C (81–84°F). No wetsuit needed, just a rash guard for sun protection.
Is it safe to surf in Weligama?
Generally yes. The beach break is forgiving, and there are lifeguards at the main stretch. Just be mindful of crowds and reef breaks if you’re heading further afield.
What kind of waves does Weligama get?
Mostly mellow, slow-breaking A-frames, perfect for longboards and foamies. On bigger days, you might get faster peelers or small barrels further out.
Can I surf all day in Weligama?
Yes, but conditions are best at mid to high tide and usually cleaner in the early morning before the wind picks up.
Where are the best nearby surf spots to escape the crowds?
Check out Midigama, Plantations, Coconuts, and Rams Right for more advanced waves, all within 10-20 minutes of Weligama.
Is Weligama good for longboarding?
Yes, the soft rolling waves are ideal for longboarding especially on small swell days when shortboarders head elsewhere.
Are there lefts and rights in Weligama?
Yes! Weligama Bay offers soft A-frame waves with both left and right options depending on the sandbanks and tides.
Best Places To Stay In Weligama
$ Budget
Thakara Guesthouse
We loved the location, close to Cargills Supermarket and only a short walk from the beach. The rooms are large and spacious with mosquito nets and fans. The hosts were lovely allowing us to park our Tuk Tuk on their driveway.
$$ Mid-Range
The Surfer Weligama
The best surf camp in Weligama. Set in a quiet area of the bay with amazing instructors, you’ll learn loads about your technique. There is also a nice community vibe and delicious restaurant.
$$$ High-End
Marriott Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a 5-star beachfront luxury in the heart of Weligama, this is it. It’s slick, polished and perfect for travellers wanting comfort. The infinity pool, spa and breakfast buffest are standouts for us.
Spacing
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 no.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 tuktuk now at Tuk tuk Rental’s website. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
