Surfing

With its warm waters, consistent waves, and stunning beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s top surfing destinations. Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave or an experienced surfer looking for challenging breaks, Sri Lanka’s coastline offers something for everyone. From the south coast’s lively surf towns to the east coast’s uncrowded barrels, this guide covers everything you need to know about surfing in Sri Lanka.

Why Surf in Sri Lanka?

✅ Year-round surfing (south coast: Nov–Apr | east coast: May–Oct)
✅ Affordable prices (budget-friendly surf camps & rentals)
✅ Variety of breaks (reef, point, beach breaks for all levels)
✅ Stunning beaches with palm-fringed shores & relaxed vibes
✅ Friendly surf culture – great for solo travelers & beginners

Best Surfing Spots in Sri Lanka

1. Arugam Bay (East Coast) – The Surfing Capital

🏄 Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
🌊 Top Breaks: Main Point, Whiskey Point, Pottuvil Point
📅 Season: May–October

Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka’s most famous surf destination, known for its long right-hand point breaks. Main Point offers one of the best waves in Asia, while Whiskey Point is great for intermediate surfers. The town has a laid-back backpacker vibe with plenty of surf camps.

2. Hikkaduwa (South Coast) – Surf & Nightlife

🏄 Best for: Beginners & party lovers
🌊 Top Breaks: Main Reef, Beach Break, Narigama
📅 Season: November–April

Hikkaduwa is perfect for beginners, with gentle waves and surf schools lining the beach. The Main Reef offers more challenging sections for advanced surfers. After surfing, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and coral snorkeling.

3. Weligama (South Coast) – Beginner’s Paradise

🏄 Best for: First-time surfers & longboarders
🌊 Top Breaks: Weligama Bay, Mirissa, Midigama
📅 Season: November–April

Weligama’s calm, sandy-bottom bay is ideal for learning to surf. Plenty of surf schools offer cheap lessons (from $10/hour). Nearby Mirissa has fun beach breaks, while Midigama offers reef breaks for more experienced surfers.

4. Mirissa (South Coast) – Fun Beach Breaks

🏄 Best for: Intermediate surfers & whale watching
🌊 Top Breaks: Secret Beach, Coconut Tree Point
📅 Season: November–April

Mirissa is famous for whale watching, but it also has great waves. Secret Beach (a short tuk-tuk ride away) offers uncrowded surf with both left and right-handers.

5. Unawatuna & Dalawella (South Coast) – Scenic Surfing

🏄 Best for: Relaxed surfing & Instagram-worthy beaches
🌊 Top Breaks: Dalawella Beach, Kabalana
📅 Season: November–April

Unawatuna is more known for its beautiful beaches, but nearby Kabalana has a fast reef break for advanced surfers. Dalawella is great for beginners with its gentle waves.

6. Trincomalee (East Coast) – Emerging Surf Spot

🏄 Best for: Adventure seekers & uncrowded waves
🌊 Top Breaks: Uppuveli, Nilaveli
📅 Season: May–October

Trincomalee is an up-and-coming surf spot with fewer crowds. The waves here are less consistent but can be excellent when the swell hits.

Best Time to Surf in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers year-round surfing due to two monsoon seasons:

• South & West Coast (Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa) → November–April
• East Coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee) → May–October

For the best waves, visit:

• Arugam Bay in July/August (peak surf season)
• Hikkaduwa in December/January (consistent swells)

Sri Lanka Surfing Tips

✔ Rent a board ($5–$15/day) or bring your own (some airlines charge extra).
✔ Take a lesson if you’re a beginner (Weligama is the best place to learn).
✔ Respect local surfers – Sri Lankan surfers are friendly but follow lineup etiquette.
✔ Watch out for riptides & reefs – Some breaks have strong currents.
✔ Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

Surf Camps & Schools in Sri Lanka

• Arugam Bay: Ranga Surf School, Hideaway Surf Camp
• Weligama: Surf & Sun, Freedom Surf School
• Hikkaduwa: Surf Lanka, Ceylon Sliders

Most camps offer packages (lessons + accommodation).

Beyond Surfing: What Else to Do?

• Whale watching in Mirissa (Dec–Apr)
• Yoga retreats in Unawatuna & Midigama
• Exploring Galle Fort (historic Dutch-colonial town)
• Snorkeling & diving in Hikkaduwa

Ready to Catch the Perfect Wave?

At Get Sri Lanka Tour, we can customize your dream surf trip—whether you want a beginners’ package in Weligama or an advanced surf safari in Arugam Bay.

📞 Contact us to book your Sri Lanka surf adventure today!