The Best Sri Lanka Surfing Spots You Must Visit

This blog post is all about the best Sri Lanka surfing spots.

Sri Lanka is hands down one of my favourite countries I’ve ever visited.

If you love beaches, warm weather, incredible food, and laid-back vibes, then this island paradise should be at the top of your list.

But the real highlight? The surfing.

There’s a reason why so many people say Sri Lanka feels like what Bali was 20 years ago. It still has that untouched charm, unspoiled beaches, and authentic surf culture without the insane crowds.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll cover:

The best time of year to surf in Sri Lanka
Top surfing towns and their best breaks
Where to find surf lessons and camps
Why you should travel along the coast, hopping from town to town
Essential travel insurance for surfers (yes, you need it!)

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

This blog post is all about the best Sri Lanka surfing spots.

When is the Best Time to Surf in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has two surf seasons, depending on whether you’re heading to the east or west coast:

Southwest Coast (Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Ahangama, Mirissa, etc.): best from November to April, with dry conditions, offshore winds, and also consistent waves.
East Coast (Arugam Bay, Peanut Farm, Whisky Point, etc.): best from May to October, when the east coast sees perfect swells.

This means you can surf in Sri Lanka year-round. Just pick the right coast depending on when you visit!

General Surfing Advice for Sri Lanka

If it’s your first time surfing in Sri Lanka, here are some things to keep in mind:

The waves cater to all levels: Beginners should head to Weligama or Hikkaduwa, while experienced surfers will love Arugam Bay and Ahangama.
Surfboards are easy to rent: You don’t need to bring your own unless you’re very particular. Rental boards are also available at every beach.
Respect surf etiquette: As Sri Lanka’s surf scene grows, so do the crowds. Give priority to locals and avoid dropping in on someone else’s wave.
Beware of sea urchins & reefs: Some breaks have sharp reef bottoms, so be careful if you wipe out!

RELATED blog post to read: The Best South Sri Lanka Travel Route: 10 Days

Useful Links & Resources

✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.

🚌 12Go Asia
We booked all of our transport in Sri Lanka via 12Go. Use this to book sleeper buses, day buses, trains and so much more to your next destination in Sri Lanka.

📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Sri Lanka with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.

👩🏻‍💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.

The 6 Best Sri Lanka Surfing Spots

Sri Lanka’s coastline is packed with incredible surf spots, from famous breaks to hidden gems.

Each surf town has its own unique vibe, whether you’re looking for world-class waves, a laid-back surf community, or a mix of nightlife and relaxation.

Below, I’ll take you through the six best Sri Lanka surfing spots, what makes each one special, and which surf spots you shouldn’t miss.

1. Arugam Bay: The East Coast’s Surfing Mecca

Arugam Bay is often called the best surf town in Sri Lanka, and for good reason.

Located on the east coast, it has some of the most consistent right-hand point breaks in the country, drawing surfers from all over the world.

It’s a place where you’ll wake up early for a sunrise surf, grab a post-surf coconut, and spend the rest of the day chilling in a hammock before heading out for a sunset session.

This town is all about surfing. You’ll find board rental shops, surf hostels, and also plenty of locals who have made a living off the surf tourism boom.

The vibe here is super laid-back, and while it’s more developed than it used to be, it still holds onto that authentic beach-town charm.

RELATED blog post to read: Best Place To Stay When You Arrive In Sri Lanka

Best Surf Spots in Arugam Bay

Below are the best Sri Lanka surfing spots in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka:

1. Main Point

This is the main break and best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. It’s a long right-hand point break that offers powerful waves, especially from June to August. It can get crowded, but the waves are world-class.

2. Whisky Point

A more relaxed, fun wave that’s great for both beginners and longboarders. The setting here is stunning, with golden sand and a huge boulder sitting at the water’s edge.

3. Peanut Farm

A great all-round spot that works for different levels. It has two main peaks, one for beginners and one that’s a little more challenging. It’s about 20 minutes outside Arugam Bay, so you’ll need a tuk-tuk to get there.

4. Elephant Rock

A stunning surf spot that’s a little harder to reach but well worth it. The waves are gentle, so it’s a great place for beginner-friendly sessions.

If you’re serious about surfing, Arugam Bay is a must-visit. Just keep in mind that it’s only surfable from May to October. Outside of this, you’ll want to head to the south coast.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

2. Hikkaduwa: The Original Surf Town

Hikkaduwa has been on the surf map for decades. Back in the day, this was one of the first places that put Sri Lanka on the radar for international surfers.

Today, it’s still one of the best places to learn to surf while enjoying an easygoing beach-town atmosphere.

Hikkaduwa is also a great choice if you want consistent waves with plenty of beachfront accommodation, cafés, and nightlife.

The town itself has a mix of surf culture, backpacker crowds, and also local beach life. It’s also well-developed, meaning you’ll have easy access to surf shops, restaurants, and a variety of accommodation options.

RELATED blog post to read: The Best Travel Route & Itinerary For Sri Lanka

Best Surf Spots in Hikkaduwa

Below are the best Sri Lanka surfing spots in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka:

1. Main Beach Break

A sandy-bottomed wave that’s so perfect for beginners. If you’re just starting out, this is one of the easiest places to learn.

2. Benny’s Reef

A faster and more challenging reef break for intermediate to advanced surfers. It gets some nice barrels on bigger days.

3. North Jetty

A powerful left-hand wave that can hold decent size. On a good day, it’s one of the best waves in the area.

Hikkaduwa is best from November to April, when the southwest coast is in season. If you want a mix of surfing, beach bars, and also a bit of nightlife, Hikkaduwa is a solid option.

3. Weligama: The Best Place for Beginners

If you’ve never surfed before or want to improve your skills, Weligama is the perfect place to start.

The town is home to Sri Lanka’s most beginner-friendly beach, with small, consistent waves and a long sandy bottom. So ideal for learning.

Unlike some of the reef breaks in other parts of the country, Weligama offers soft, rolling waves that make it much easier to progress. There are surf schools everywhere, so you can easily book a lesson or rent a board for the day.

The town itself has a chilled-out, backpacker-friendly vibe, with beachfront cafés, smoothie bowls, and also plenty of digital nomads hanging out in the surf hostels.

RELATED blog post to read: A Complete Guide To The Best Sri Lankan Food To Try

Best Surf Spots in Weligama

Below are the best Sri Lanka surfing spots in Weligama, Sri Lanka:

1. Weligama Beach

The main break and one of the best beginner-friendly spots in Sri Lanka. It’s so great for learning and long-boarding.

2. Coconut Beach

A quieter section of Weligama with fewer crowds and equally fun waves.

Weligama is also one of the most affordable places to stay, making it a great option if you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy a full-on surf experience.

4. Ahangama: The Coolest Surf Town

Ahangama is the ultimate surf town for those looking for a mix of great waves and also a trendy atmosphere. It’s less crowded than Weligama and Hikkaduwa, and it attracts a mix of surfers, digital nomads, and long-term travellers.

What makes Ahangama stand out is its variety of surf breaks. Unlike Weligama, which is mostly for beginners, Ahangama has more challenging waves that attract intermediate and advanced surfers.

Best Surf Spots in Ahangama

Below are the best Sri Lanka surfing spots in Ahangama, Sri Lanka:

1. Kabalana (“The Rock”)

One of the most famous surf spots in Sri Lanka. A powerful A-frame wave that’s so perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers.

2. Marshmallows

A softer, more mellow wave that’s great for intermediates looking to progress.

3. Devil’s Island

A fun left-hand reef break with good potential for barrels.

Ahangama is one of the best places to base yourself if you want to be close to surf but also have access to yoga classes, stylish cafés, and boutique guesthouses.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

5. Mirissa: A Hidden Gem for Surfing and Relaxing

Mirissa is better known for whale watching, beach bars, and stunning scenery, but it also has some fun surf breaks.

If you want a place where you can surf in the morning and sip a cocktail on the beach by the afternoon, Mirissa is a great choice.

RELATED blog post to read: Incredible Sri Lanka Hotels: Everywhere You Need to Stay

Best Surf Spots in Mirissa

Below are the best Sri Lanka surfing spots in Mirissa, Sri Lanka:

1. Mirissa Beach Break

A small but fun wave for beginners.

2. Secret Beach

A hidden surf spot that’s a little trickier to reach but worth the effort.

While Mirissa doesn’t have the most consistent waves, it’s a great place to mix surfing with relaxing beach days.

6. Unawatuna: A Casual Surf Spot Near Galle

Unawatuna isn’t as famous for surfing, but it’s still worth mentioning if you want to mix beach time, sightseeing, and casual surf sessions.

The main appeal of Unawatuna is that it’s close to Galle, making it a great base if you want to explore both surf spots and historical sites.

Best Surf Spots in Unawatuna

Below are the best Sri Lanka surfing spots in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka:

1. Dewata Beach

A mellow beginner-friendly wave.

2. Bonavista Bay

A quiet, fun wave with fewer crowds. So if you want a more laid-back surf experience, Unawatuna is a great choice.

Best Surf Camps in Sri Lanka

Below are some of the best surfing camps across Sri Lanka if you’d like to learn to surf for the first time.

Dreamsea Surf Camp (Ahangama)
The Surfer (Weligama)
Bay Vista Surf Camp (Arugam Bay)

RELATED blog post to read: Mondo Surf Village: The Best Surf Camp in Bali

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Surfing is amazing, but accidents happen. That’s why I always recommend SafetyWing travel insurance. It covers:

Surf-related injuries
Medical emergencies
Lost luggage & trip delays

So make sure you’re insured with travel insurance that has an added option for dangerous sports!

SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking long and short breaks away that includes an option for surfing coverage.