Surfing in Sri Lanka: tropical waves and unforgettable escapes

Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched coastline has long been a hidden gem for surfers, blending tropical charm with world-class waves. With surf spots scattered along the southwest and east coasts, the secret is now out with popularity exploding over the last number of years and a whole range of shops and towns popping up ready to welcome beginner, improver or advanced surfers to ride the waves of the Indian ocean’s teardrop paradise.

From iconic point breaks at Arugam Bay to beginner-friendly beaches at Weligama, Sri Lanka’s surf scene is a vibrant mix of energy, culture, and natural beauty.

Why surf in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s allure lies in its warm waters, consistent waves, and year-round surf opportunities. The island’s unique geography ensures great surfing no matter the season, with two monsoon patterns splitting the year between its coasts, so surf is always up no matter if you take a Christmas break or head for some winter sun (& waves).

From November to April, the southwest coast is at its prime, featuring laid-back surf towns like Hikkaduwa and Ahangama.

Between May and October, the east coast, especially Arugam Bay, becomes a surfer’s playground.

When you’re not chasing waves, you can explore lush rainforests, ancient temples, and wildlife-filled national parks or simply enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich culture and cuisine.

Sri Lanka offers a reasonably cheap destination to visit and eat and local tasty plates of Curry & Rice can be found from $3-5.

Top surf spots

Hikkaduwa
This vibrant beach town on the southwest coast is a favourite for intermediate and advanced surfers. Its reef breaks deliver exciting swells, while the lively beach scene offers everything from local seafood to trendy cafés and bars.

Weligama
Ideal for beginners, Weligama’s long sandy beach break offers gentle, consistent waves. Surf schools and rentals are abundant, and the town itself has a relaxed vibe, making it the perfect place to learn and unwind.

Arugam Bay
Renowned as Sri Lanka’s surf capital, Arugam Bay’s Main Point is a magnet for experienced surfers seeking long, peeling right-handers. For newcomers, Whiskey Point and Baby Point offer smaller, manageable waves. Arugam Bay’s surf scene buzzes with energy, hosting international competitions and welcoming surfers from around the world.

Surf with Teardrop Hotels

Elevate your surf escape with experiences tailored by Teardrop Hotels. Their private surf lessons at Dewata Beach offer a mix of theory and hands-on practice. This 2-hour session, priced from USD35 per person, caters to all levels, from children as young as three to advanced surfers.

Guests staying at Teardrop’s boutique properties, such as Fort Bazaar in Galle or Kumu Beach in Balapitiya, can enjoy seamless transfers to Dewata Beach, ensuring a stress-free surf experience. The lesson includes, a 30-minute introduction to surf techniques and safety along with an hour of guided surfing in Dewata’s safe sand-bottom waves and a final 30 minutes of supervised, leisurely wave riding.

Tips for surfing in Sri Lanka

Pack light: Board rentals are widely available at all major surf spots. Just make sure to bring your boardies and a smile for the genuine warmth and fun times to come.

Stay sun-smart: Common sense point incoming – Use reef-safe sunscreen and hydrate regularly to combat the tropical heat. And maybe add a rashie to the boardies above!

Choose eco-conscious operators: Many surf schools and accommodations focus on sustainability and support local communities. Here at WWTR we always want to show our commitment to the environment and local business, we hope that you feel the same way too!