1. Mirissa, Matara District
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.
How to get to Mirissa
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.
When to visit Mirissa
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.