The surf trip – the trip we all wait for all year. There are many surf destinations for different levels, differing in wave size and power, the best season to go, water temperature and cost. In this guide we share the knowledge we have gathered over the years on how to make a surf trip to Sri Lanka unforgettable.
About the destination
Sri Lanka is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, south-west of the Bay of Bengal and south-east of the Arabian Sea. Its tropical climate offers great weather, with temperatures between 26 and 30°C. The population is mostly Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim. In the tourist areas most people speak English, and locals are used to hosting travelers from all over the world. The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee.
Surf seasons in Sri Lanka
Many people think the surf season in Sri Lanka is split in two. That is almost right – with a big “but”.
From October to April the peak season is on the south-west coast, from Hikkaduwa to Tangalle. In the summer months, June to September, the season moves to the east coast around Arugam Bay.
In practice, the south-west has waves all year round. If you know how to read the conditions, you can surf great, uncrowded waves on the south-west coast in the summer months too. Below we list which spots work in each season.
Surf spots in Sri Lanka
For each spot we note when it works, who it suits and what kind of wave it is, listed from west to east.
- Hikkaduwa: an A-frame breaking left and right from the same peak. It sits in front of a sandy beach but breaks over rocky bottom. Intermediate to advanced, and relatively crowded, with a local surf community – respect them and avoid unnecessary conflict. Best season: October–April.
- Dewata Bay: near the old city of Galle, with great waves for beginners, especially at the western end. Sandy bottom throughout, and usually smaller waves than other spots, as the bay is a little less exposed to the dominant southerly swells. Good waves all year – a great option for a summer trip to the south-west. Best season: all year.
- South Beach: about 200 meters from our Global Surf Lodge Kabalana, with great waves for surfers with basic experience who want to push themselves. A right-hand point over deep reef, with no danger of hitting it when you fall, and a deep channel that makes paddling out easy. Best season: October–April.
- Kabalana – The Rock: perhaps the best-known spot on the south-west coast. A quality A-frame where the left is longer and more open than the right. The left breaks over reef, while the right ends over sand. Next to the famous peak in front of the rock is a stretch of beach with great waves for beginners and intermediates, usually smaller and friendlier. Also a short distance from our lodge. Best season: October–April.
- Sticks – Fisherman: in front of a local restaurant in the Ahangama area, with great waves for all levels who can be independent in the water. It breaks over rocky bottom, but there is no real danger from the reef and the paddle out is relatively easy. At the entry stand the famous stilt-fishermen’s poles, which gave the spot its name. Several peaks, left and right. Best season: October–April.
- Lazy Left and Lazy Right: in Midigama, about 100 meters apart – two excellent waves for beginners. Because of their quality, it is rare to find them empty. Both break in relatively deep water and roll into the bay. The paddle is not short but easy. At Lazy Left you can sit deep at the far end of the point and take off behind the rock, which suits more advanced surfers. Best season: October–April.
- Rams: a short, hollow, fast right in Midigama, breaking over shallow rocky bottom – mainly for advanced surfers. You can often watch a live surf movie of the area’s best surfers from the restaurant in front of the point. Best season: October–April.
- Fisherman’s Weligama: a hidden, little-known spot with great waves all year. The paddle is long but worth it: a right-hand point that, in the summer months (the low season), offers one of the best waves in the area. Best season: all year.
- Weligama beach break: a long beach with great beginner waves all year. The big bay lets you choose the most comfortable spot according to the swell size. In summer (June–September) it offers great waves for all levels with almost nobody in the water. Best season: all year.
- Mirissa: a lovely surf town with two waves: a right point at the western end of the bay and a left at the eastern end. They break over reef that can be shallow in places, so bring booties if you are not used to reef. Best season: October–April.
- Hiriketiya (Blue Beach): a magical beach about an hour from Matara, with a great beach break for beginners and an escape from busier areas. There is also a left point for more experienced surfers because of the shallow reef. A day trip everyone should do in Sri Lanka. Best season: all year.
What to eat
Sri Lankan food is mostly simple and a little reminiscent of Indian cuisine. In recent years many western restaurants have opened, catering to every diet. If you want to try the local food, look for rice and curry with a variety of vegetable dishes. Must-tries:
- Rice and curry – found in every local restaurant, as a buffet or the curry of the day, usually only at lunchtime.
- Roti – thin dough filled with vegetables or egg. Spicy!
- Papadam – the national cracker, served with every rice dish in local restaurants. Careful – it is addictive.
- Coconut sambol – grated coconut mixed with chili, sprinkled over rice and curry for an extra kick.
Getting around
The south-west of Sri Lanka is relatively close to Colombo, a 2–3 hour drive (the east coast can take up to 10 hours). Once you arrive, the main way to get around is the tuk-tuk, equipped with ropes and roof racks for boards. A tuk-tuk takes up to 3 people.
Flights
Most international flights land at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, usually with one connection from Europe, via the Gulf or via India.
In short
Sri Lanka is an excellent surf trip for all levels. Besides great waves it offers nature, amazing landscapes and rich culture, and its main season on the south-west coast falls during the northern winter – the perfect escape from the cold.
Questions about surf trips to Sri Lanka? Contact us and we will be happy to answer. Aloha, the Global Surf team.
