Sri Lanka’s tropical coastline gives you year-round surf, thanks to two distinct seasons. When one coast goes flat, the other usually picks up. The water stays warm—around 80°F (27°C)—so you won’t need a wetsuit. You’ll find everything from easy beach breaks that are good for learning to faster reef breaks that demand a bit more experience.
This island in the Indian Ocean has become a regular stop for surfers traveling through Asia. So, get that surfboard waxed as we show you where to surf in Sri Lanka.
Found on the southern coast, Mirissa is one of those places that works for a range of surfers. The beach curves around in a horseshoe shape, lined with palms, and has a couple of reliable breaks.
You’ll find a right-hand reef break near the rocks and a left-hander closer to the harbor. Beginners usually stick to the sandy beach break, while more experienced surfers head for the reef, which can hold clean waves up to around 6 feet (1.8 meters).
Beyond the surf, Mirissa’s known for whale watching during the season—you can take a boat out and potentially see blue whales and dolphins. Coconut Tree Hill is an easy walk and has a nice view over the bay.
When you’re done for the day, you’ve got beachfront restaurants, grilled seafood, and a low-key nightlife. It's a fantastic place to base your Sri Lanka itinerary.
From Colombo, the scenic train ride along the coast to Weligama takes about 4 hours. From there, it’s a short tuk-tuk ride (around 10 minutes) to Mirissa.
You can also take an air-conditioned bus from Colombo’s central station or book a private driver. If you’re coming from Galle, it’s roughly a 28-mile (45-kilometer) drive down the southern expressway. Once you're in town, most surf breaks are either walkable or a quick tuk-tuk ride away.
The main surf season is November through April, during the dry season. January tends to have the most consistent waves. Mornings—between 6 and 10 am—are usually best, with light offshore winds from the north. Swells typically come in from the southwest. If you're new to surfing, mid-tide mornings are easier to manage. For more experienced surfers, low tide brings steeper, faster breaks.
Surfers walking on Marissa's main beach © ksl / Shutterstock
On the east coast, Arugam Bay is a small beach town that draws a lot of surfers between May and September. The main break is a right-hand point that can line up for over 1,300 feet (400 meters) on a good day, with rides that last over a minute if you catch it right. It’s a mix of peeling walls and the occasional barrel.
The town itself is simple—just one main road with surf shops, casual cafés, and a few laid-back restaurants. Despite its popularity as one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka, the place still feels relaxed. Kumana National Park is close enough for a day trip and is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
From Colombo, it’s about an 8- to 9-hour drive east, usually through Ella and Wellawaya. Most people book a driver, but you can also catch a direct bus from Pettah station or break up the trip with a train to Ella and a bus from there. Budget travelers sometimes take a night bus during the season.
Once you’re in Arugam Bay, tuk-tuks are the usual way to get to nearby breaks like Whisky Point or Peanut Farm—both are around a 15–20 minute ride.
The main surf window runs from May through September. June to August is usually when conditions are most reliable. During this stretch, wave height tends to range from 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters), and early mornings—from around 5:30 to 9am—bring the cleanest conditions before onshore winds kick in. Occasionally, you’ll get calm evenings around 4pm, which can be another good time to paddle out.
Elephant Rock is the perfect surfing spot for novices © Shanti Hesse / Shutterstock
Weligama means “sandy village” in Sinhalese, and that’s pretty accurate. There’s a wide, crescent-shaped beach here—about 1.25 miles (2 km) long—with a mellow beach break that’s great if you’re learning to surf. The waves break gently over sand, so it’s a forgiving place to practice.
Closer to shore is perfect for beginners, and further out there’s just enough size to keep intermediates happy. The bay’s shape protects it from heavier swells, so you get fairly clean, consistent waves most days.
There’s a laid-back surf scene here. You’ll see stilt fishermen out on the reef—something that’s been done for generations—while the beachfront is lined with board rentals, cafés, and surf schools. See our guide to how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka to make your surf trip perfect.
From Colombo International Airport, the quickest way is the expressway—it takes around 3 hours by taxi or private car. The train from Colombo Fort is slower (about 4 hours), but it hugs the coast and has some great views. Buses are cheaper but take longer. If you’re coming from Galle, it’s only a 45-minute drive. Once you’re in town, most of the beach, surf schools, and cafés are walkable. You could easily spend a two-week Sri Lanka itinerary here.
The best time for surfing tends to be between October and April. November through March usually sees the most consistent conditions. January’s a good bet—it tends to have the cleanest waves in the morning.
Water temperatures sit around 81–86°F (27–30°C), so you won’t need a wetsuit. Early mornings between 6 and 9am are usually the best time to paddle out—winds are light and the water is glassy. Even when other breaks get messy in the wind, Weligama’s shape keeps it surfable most of the time.
Surfboards for hire on Weligama Beach © surflover / Shutterstock
Unawatuna is a curved bay just a few miles south of Galle, with a mix of surf, history, and nature all in one place. Surf-wise, it works for beginners and intermediates.
There’s a reef break with both left- and right-hand waves when the swell lines up and a beach break that stays manageable for learners. The waves usually work best when there’s a southwest swell and a light wind from the northwest.
Outside the water, Galle Fort is only about 10–15 minutes away, and it’s worth a visit for the colonial architecture and shops. The water here is usually calm and clear, so you can snorkel right off the beach, and it’s common to see turtles near the reef. Inland, there are jungle trails and small temples tucked into the hills.
The train from Colombo to Galle takes about 2.5 hours and runs along the coast—it’s an easy ride and pretty scenic. From Galle, Unawatuna is only 15 minutes by tuk-tuk.
If you're driving, the Southern Expressway gets you there from Colombo in about 2 hours. There are also air-conditioned buses that leave regularly from Colombo’s central station. From the airport, plan for around 2.5 hours by private car.
The main surf season runs from November to April. January and February usually bring clean, surfable conditions most days. You’ll get the best waves with southwest swells and offshore winds from the northwest. Mornings—from around 6 to 9am—tend to be calmest before the wind picks up. Beginners do well at high tide, while more advanced surfers head to the point break when the tide drops a bit. See our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka to plan your visit right.
Sri Lanka's Best Beaches: An aerial view down over Unawatuna Beach © Shutterstock
Kabalana Beach is home to one of the more reliable A-frame waves on the south coast, and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Most surfers just call it “The Rock” because of the big rock sitting offshore. The wave breaks over a deep reef and handles a wide range of swell—anything from 2 to 10 feet (0.6 to 3 meters). It tends to pick up more size than nearby breaks, so even on smaller days, it usually still works.
You get both a left and a right here. The left tends to run a lot longer—sometimes up to around 1,300 feet (400 meters)—while the right is shorter and a bit faster, with an easy channel to paddle back out. The beach itself is relaxed, with a good mix of surf cafés where you can grab a coconut or something to eat (see our guide to the best food in Sri Lanka).
There’s enough around to keep things convenient without it feeling overbuilt. It’s mainly surfers, and the vibe stays low-key.
From Colombo, take the Southern Expressway to the Matara exit, then drive along the coast through Ahangama to reach Kabalana—plan for around 2.5 hours total. If you prefer the train, the coastal line runs to Ahangama, and from there it’s a quick 10-minute tuk-tuk ride. Look out for the Egyptian-style Kabalana Hotel. The wave breaks just out front.
The best window runs from November to April, during the dry season on the southwest coast. January and February tend to be the most consistent. You’ll want to paddle out early—ideally between 5:30 and 10:00 am—before the wind kicks in. It works through all tides, but it’s usually best on a mid tide heading toward high.
Sticks gets its name from the nearby stilt fishermen—one of the few places where they still practice that way. The break itself is a mix of reef and sand with multiple A-frame peaks that work for a range of surfers. Longboarders like the mellow sections that peel clean for nose-riding, while shortboarders can take advantage of punchier sections when the swell direction lines up.
It’s right in front of a chill surf café where you can hang out, rent a board, or grab something to eat (some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka). The entry is a little awkward—either over some rocks or across a narrow wooden bridge—which helps keep the crowd a bit thinner compared to other nearby breaks. This is one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka.
Same general route as Kabalana: take the Southern Expressway to the Matara exit, then head along the coast to Ahangama (about 2.5 hours from Colombo). The coastal train is also a good option and stops right in Ahangama. From the station, it’s about 5 minutes by tuk-tuk.
The main season is November through April. December to February is when the conditions line up most often. Early mornings between 6:00 and 10:00 am usually bring the cleanest waves before the wind picks up. It works best on a mid- to high tide when there’s more water covering the reef.
On bigger days in January or February, it can get a bit punchy and fast, which suits more experienced surfers.
Stilt fishermen © Shutterstock
Baby Point is one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka for learning to surf. It’s a gentle beach break with soft waves that roll in over sand—great if you’re just starting out or looking to cruise on a longboard. Even when the main breaks in the area are getting a bit heavy, Baby Point usually stays manageable. You’ll see a mix of surf schools and beginners here most mornings.
The vibe around the break is laid-back. You’ll find a string of beach cafés, a few surf camps, and plenty of places doing seafood dinners while the local fishing boats pull in. You could easily spend a week long Sri Lanka itinerary just here alone.
From Colombo, you’re looking at a 7–8 hour drive. You can take the inland route through Ella for more of a scenic ride, or head down the southern highway to Hambantota and cut east. Once you’re in Arugam Bay, Baby Point is usually within walking distance of wherever you’re staying.
Surf season runs from April through October. June to August usually sees the most consistent swell. Mornings are best—clean conditions before the winds pick up later in the day. This is a great place to head if you're surfing in Sri Lanka with kids.
Whiskey Point is a right-hand break just north of Arugam Bay that wraps around a rocky headland. It’s a wave that changes depending on the tide—sometimes it’s mellow and cruisy, other times it shapes up into a longer, faster line. On certain mornings, you might even find a sneaky barrel section.
It’s quieter here compared to the main break in town, which means less crowd pressure and more space. The beach stretches wide, the rocks make it feel wild.
It’s about 2 miles (3 km) north of Arugam Bay. A tuk-tuk from town takes around 10 minutes, or you can rent a scooter if you want the flexibility to check out other nearby breaks too. A great Sri Lanka travel tip is that there’s also a coastal walk that takes about 40 minutes if you’re in no rush.
The best time is between May and September, with July and August usually bringing the most reliable conditions. It works well on a mid to high tide with a southeast swell. Mornings from around 5:30 to 9:00 AM tend to be the cleanest.
Just south of Arugam Bay, Elephant Rock is known for the huge boulder shaped like—you guessed it—an elephant. The break is a right-hand point that shifts depending on the tide. When the tide is low, it gets punchy and fast, better for experienced surfers. Once the tide rises, the wave slows down and becomes more manageable for intermediates.
It’s not the easiest place to reach, which keeps things relatively quiet. The beach itself is undeveloped, with wide stretches of sand, and coastal lagoons full of birdlife. You’ll need to hike in.
It’s about a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride south from Arugam Bay. Renting a scooter gives you more flexibility. From where the road ends, there’s a short 10-minute walk across a rocky headland and down a narrow trail. Look for the elephant-shaped boulder—it’s hard to miss. If it’s your first time, you can pay a local guide a small fee to help you find the path.
The best window is May through September, with July being the most consistent. It works well with southeast swells around 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 meters) and tends to be best on a mid-rising tide. This is a great place to stay (see our guide to Sri Lanka accommodation).
SK Town sits just outside Matara in the low-key village of Madiha. The wave is a right-hand reef break that runs along a coral shelf. It holds up well on both small and bigger days. When the swell is up, the inside section gets faster and more technical. On mellow days, intermediates can cruise the shoulder without too much trouble.
What’s great about SK Town is the mix of mellow village life and a small international surf crowd. You’ll find roti stands, a few temples worth wandering through, and the classic Sri Lankan stilt fishermen.
From Colombo, take the Southern Expressway to Matara—it’s about a 3-hour drive. Then head 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) west toward Madiha.
If you’re not in a rush, the coastal train is a scenic way to go. Once you get to Matara station, a tuk-tuk will get you the rest of the way. There are also local buses between Matara and Mirissa that stop in Madiha. During surf season, some surf camps run shuttles to the break.
Surf season here runs from November through April. December to March usually sees the most reliable conditions. The wave breaks on all tides, but it tends to line up best on a mid-incoming tide. Mornings are your best bet before the wind picks up. If you're chasing something steeper, January and February tend to be a good time.
Peanut Farm is a laid-back surf break named after a peanut plantation that used to be in the area. It's just south of Arugam Bay, and even though it’s grown in popularity, it still feels quieter than the main breaks up north. The wave here is an A-frame that breaks over a mix of sand and reef, with a faster right that can barrel when the swell lines up and a softer left that’s easier to ease into.
The beach itself is quiet, with palm trees, rock pools that show up at low tide, and plenty of wildlife. It’s not unusual to see monkeys, monitor lizards, or a few birds scurrying through the bushes. See our guide to Sri Lanka safaris.
Peanut Farm is around 4 miles (6 km) south of Arugam Bay. Most people get there by tuk-tuk—it takes about 20 to 25 minutes down a rough dirt road. During the season, you’ll sometimes find shared jeeps running the route. If you rent a scooter, you’ll have more freedom, but be ready for a short walk through some low scrubland at the end.
The best window runs from May through September, with July usually getting the most consistent conditions. The wave works at all tides but tends to line up best on a mid-tide heading toward high.
Okanda sits right where the eastern coastline starts to feel remote. It’s a powerful right-hand reef break that comes alive when there’s enough swell, breaking fast and hollow over a shallow coral bottom. It’s not the place to test your skills—it’s better suited to experienced surfers who are comfortable with heavy waves and reef setups.
What makes Okanda unique isn’t just the wave—it’s the setting. There’s a centuries-old Hindu temple right on the headland where local fishermen still stop to pray before heading out. The beach is backed by scrub and jungle.
It’s about 12.5 miles (20 km) south of Arugam Bay. You’ll need a 4WD or a jeep to make it down the rough track, especially during or after rain. The road passes through park buffer zones, so keep an eye out for Sri Lanka wildlife. You can hire a local driver who knows the way or join a surf day trip that includes Okanda. The drive usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions.
June through September is the window, with July and August usually seeing the most consistent swell. Okanda needs a wave around 3–4 feet (about 1–1.2 meters) or more to start working well. It tends to perform best on a mid- to high tide when there’s enough water over the reef.
Ram’s Right is a fast, hollow right-hander that breaks over a shallow reef just off the shore in Midigama. It’s one of those waves that advanced surfers tend to keep an eye on—short, intense rides with solid barrel potential when the conditions line up. It’s not the kind of wave you just cruise into; you’ll want to be comfortable navigating shallow reef and tight takeoffs. When the swell direction and tide work together, you can sometimes get a couple of tube sections in one ride.
Midigama itself has a mellow surf-town feel, with a mix of yoga studios, juice bars, and fishing boats pulled up along the sand. .
The break is between Weligama and Mirissa, right along the coastal road through Midigama. From Colombo, the quickest way is to take the Southern Expressway to the Matara exit, then drive west for about 20 minutes. The train from Colombo to Weligama is another easy option..
You’ll want to be there sometime between November and April, with December to February usually having the best waves. Ram’s Right needs around 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) of swell to really work, and it handles best on a mid to high tide.
Coconuts is a reef break in the middle of Midigama with a long, peeling right-hander that sometimes connects all the way through. It’s a good place for intermediate surfers getting used to reef, since the takeoff can be a bit more forgiving. There’s still plenty of challenge if you move in deeper—the inside section moves faster and needs a bit more experience.
The break is named after the coconut palms lining the shore, and the setting feels about as relaxed as it gets. Fishing boats, rice and curry joints—with a low-key international surf scene. There’s no rush here, and most people walk barefoot from their guesthouse to the break with a board under one arm and coffee in the other.
It’s right in central Midigama and easy to find—the palm trees are a good marker. If you're coming from Colombo, take the Southern Expressway to Matara, then follow the coast west for about 20 minutes. The train to Weligama is a nice alternative, and it’s just a short tuk-tuk ride from there. Most people staying in Midigama can walk straight to the break from where they’re staying (see our guide to boutique hotels in Sri Lanka).
It works best from November through April, with January and February bringing the most reliable swell. It can break on any tide, but tends to line up best on a mid-tide with waves in the 3–5 foot (0.9–1.5 meter) range.
Hikkaduwa © Shutterstock
Hikkaduwa is where surfing first took off in Sri Lanka. Back in the 1970s, this was the place that drew the early surf crowd, and it’s still a reliable choice today. The setup includes both reef and beach breaks, so it works for a range of abilities.
Beginners can stick to the inside, where the waves are a bit softer, while more experienced surfers can paddle out to the A-frame peaks that form farther out.
It’s easy to get into a rhythm here. You can grab something to eat at one of the beachfront cafés and watch the waves in between sessions. The reef just offshore is also great for snorkeling—you’ll see plenty of colorful fish and coral just a few strokes from the sand.
When you're not in the water, the area is known for Ayurvedic treatments, easy day trips, and beach parties during the full moon.
Hikkaduwa is about 61 miles (98 km) south of Colombo, right along the main coastal highway. The train from Colombo takes around two hours and runs right along the ocean—there’s even a stop in town. Buses and private cars are also easy to arrange. If you’re coming from the airport, expect the drive to take about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
The main season is from November to April, when the southwest coast is dry and the surf is more consistent. December through March usually brings regular swells in the 3–5 foot (0.9–1.5 meter) range, with clean offshore wind in the mornings. The reef tends to work best on a mid to high tide, but the beach breaks are more forgiving throughout the day.
written by
Kirsten Powley
updated 07.07.2025
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