Surf’s Up!
Sri Lanka is world-famous for surfing and has breaks suitable for all levels, so you’ll be in seventh heaven whether you’re a hardcore surfer or you’ve not yet mastered standing on a board.
With its warm water, palm-fringed sandy beaches, and a plethora of surf spots for any taste and level: reef breaks, beach breaks, point breaks. Variety is the keyword – your surfing adventures are a go!
And to help you round up the best surfing breaks in the country, here’s a roundup of our top five beaches for some ‘tubular’ waves!
Ahangama
The surfing capital of the Southern Province attracts some serious surfers. With easy access to the waves of Weligama, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Midigama, you’ll find numerous surf camps in this small town, where the shallow reef also attracts keen snorkellers. The dry season runs from December to March, bringing with it offshore winds and good waves. You’ll still find rideable waves during the wet season, from May to September.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is on the east coast and the best season to be here is when it’s too rainy in the south. The weather god’s grace Arugam Bay with dry skies while the rest of the island is battered by monsoon rains. It’s best to visit between April and September. Here Baby Point is better for beginners, while Main Point is for more advanced riders. Elephant Rock, a tuk-tuk ride from Arugam Bay, is great for beginners, but don’t wear flip-flops, as you have to climb rocks to get to it. It’s worth it because the beach is so beautiful. If you’re an experienced surfer, make your way to Pottuvil and Whisky Point, north of Arugam Bay. Whisky Point tends to get crowded, so don’t rock up too late in the day.
Mirissa
It’s not considered a surf mecca like some of the other surf spots found out here in Sri Lanka but it has a popular reef break, which is ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. Mirissa coast is lined with lots of restaurants and caffes along the shore, as well as bustling nightlife scene, for those after a parties.
Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is located on the southern coast of the island, just next door to Dikwella Beach.
It’s a small stretch of beach with golden sand and endless palm trees that also goes by the name of Hiriketiya Bay.
Many people head to Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka, for a quieter scene. There are a lot less people around and it attracts a much more chilled crowd.
Hikkaduwa
Once just a surfing village, it’s now popular with surfers and partygoers alike – there is always something happening here. As for the best surf spots; try Bennys, a left-hander reef break preferred by experienced surfers. Or there’s Main Reef, with left- and right-handers over a deeper reef, which is good and relatively safe for all levels. And for beginners; Beach Break with its safe shore and reef break.
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