Surfing in Sri Lanka

Surfing in Sri Lanka has become one of the most popular activities among surf lovers from all around the world. When it comes to Surfing in Sri Lanka, October to April is the season for the South West Coast, and from April to October is the best season for the East Coast of the island. If you are looking for opportunities for Surfing in Sri Lanka, here are the best spots for you on the South and the East Coast of Sri Lanka. 

01. Surfing in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa is one of the famous surfing spots about 120km south of Colombo. The below spots are considered to be the best surf spots in Hikkaduwa.

• Bennys – A left-hander reef break preferred by experienced surfers when the waves are over 6 ft.
• Main Reef – Left and right-handers over a deeper reef, good and relatively safe for all levels.
• North Jetty – Long left-handers with a reef break by the harbor wall.
• Beach Break – The favorite with beginners, safe shore, and reef break.

02. Surfing in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is another popular surfing spot situated 145km south of Colombo. Here are the best surfing spots situated around Unawatuna. 

• Unawatuna Beach Break – Unawatuna has great beginner waves right on the beach but the man-made reef that protects the temple messes with the natural order of the waves.
• Dalawella Reef – About 120 meters from the main beach, Dalawella is a left breaker over a reef with coral, rocks, and urchins.
• Bonavista Bay – A good learner’s wave between 3 ft and 5 ft with the right swell. On the north part of the temple peninsula.
• Kabalana Beach Break – Kabalana is great for beginners right at the shore with frothy small waves but the main point has a rip current and there are no lifeguards.
• South Beach – Just a bit north of Kabalana is South Beach with a good longboard wave. 

03. Surfing in Weligama

Weligama is famous for good waves all year round and is situated 165km south of Colombo. Below are the famous spots for surfing in Weligama. 

• Weligama Beach Break – The two-kilometer main beach has a row of surfing schools with plenty of boards for rent. The unfortunate side is that sometimes it suffers from residential pollution. The waves are usually easy to learn on and can get a bit bigger for the intermediate-level surfers.
• Midigama (Lazy Left, Right, and Rams Right) – Just a little north of Weligama is Midigama with three great points. The Lazy Left is better in the afternoons and a favorite with goofy riders. The Right is close to the road and has a shallow reef break. Rams Right is for more advanced surfers, with some barrels and short and tight breaks.
• Gurubebila (Coconut Point and Plantation Point) – Plantation Point is great for early morning rides with both lefts and rights. It’s a rocky entry but is easier to ride than Coconut which is a classic A-Frame formation better suited for experienced surfers.
• Mirissa Bay – Just a bit south of Weligama is Mirissa Bay with its crescent-shaped beach lined with palm trees and rocky reefs on the sides. There are both left and right-handers in this bay and it’s mostly for intermediate and advanced surfers (or more skilled beginners wanting to get better with reef breaks).

04. Surfing in Arugambay, Sri Lanka

Arugambay is the most popular surfing destination in Sri Lanka on the east coast. It’s best to visit Arugam Bay between April and September. These are the best spots for surfing in Arugmabay. 

• Elephant Rock – This spot is a tuk-tuk ride from Arugam Bay. It’s best for beginners but getting here is a challenge. Don’t wear flip-flops as you have to climb rocks to get to the beach. It’s worth it though because the beach is beautiful.

• Baby Point and Main Point – These are the two main points in Arugam Bay itself. Baby Point is better for beginners while Main Point is for more advanced riders.

• Pottuvil and Whisky Point – These two are north of Arugam Bay and are both for experienced surfers.