Sri Lanka Surfing Guide: From Beginner Breaks to Advanced Waves

When to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a year-round surfing destination. It depends on where you want to visit when you come to the country.

West Coast (November to April)

During the dry season, from November to April, the west coast of Sri Lanka experiences offshore winds and consistent swells, creating ideal conditions for surfing. West coast surf spots include Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Weligama.

East Coast (May to October)

The east coast surf season runs from May to October. You're getting good waves from the southwest monsoon plus the offshore winds in the region. You'll find plenty of surfers heading to Arugam Bay as it's the most known surfing spot,

Tip from Peter: Think about the transition times between the east and west coast, April, May or October and November also have nice weather.

Beaches

Arugam Bay

You may choose an Airport Taxi Transfer from Colombo Airport to Arugam Bay which takes approximately six hours, or investigate the possibility of a private air taxi using Cinnamon Airways. If you do fly, you will land in Batticaloa and take a taxi to your accommodation.

The Main Breaks:

• Main Point

• Whiskey Point

• Peanut Farm

• Elephant Rock

Mirissa

Mirissa is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. If you're coming in from Columbo you have several different options for transportation to your accommodations. While driving is potentially more comfortable, the train can be an alternative way to go in more or less the same amount of time. Travel time will take approximately two and a half to three hours if traffic is good.

This is a laid-back beach town. It's not just for surfers interested in a visit here. Besides surfing, you can also book whale and dolphin-watching tours.

Where to Find Surfing Breaks:

• Mirissa Beach and Coconut Tree Hill (for beginners)

• Weligama Bay (for more experienced surfers)

This is well-known as the unofficial "Surf" capital of Sri Lanka. Don't tell the other beaches :)

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is approximately a two-hour drive or train ride from Columbo. It's a well-known beach area for both locals and visitors. It’s approximately two and a half miles long, and quite active when it comes to surf spots with a variety of breaks for different skill levels. This is the home base for the Red Bull Ride My Wave Competition of 2024.

Weligama

Weligama is for beginners and longboarders. The beachfront is over a mile long with just the right amount of depth to create some nice surf swells. There are several surf schools and board rental shops, making it easy for people to get set up, test equipment and head out.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is named after the town of Unawatuna along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It's quite the popular beach for both locals and tourists. The beach is in fact in the shape of a banana! It's a town full of history with the Galle Tower and the massive Japanese Pagoda. While it might not be the top beach to learn at, it could be a lot of fun.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is on the east coast and is considered to be the quietest of all the surf beaches in Sri Lanka. Uppuveli Beach and Nilaveli Beach are considered a good fit for beginners or intermediate riders. While there are amazing sandy beaches, people come here to do whale watching, visit temples and take in some history at Fort Frederick. This was built by the Portuguese and is still used by the Sri Lankan army today.

Surf Schools for all levels of Surfers.

• Surf School Sri Lanka

• Dylan’s Surf Company

• Freedom Surf SchoolAma Surf School