With its palm fringed sandy beaches, warm water and a huge variety of waves all year round, Sri Lanka is fast becoming the number one destination on a surfer’s bucket list. This guide will cover everything you could possibly need to know for the surf trip of a lifetime.
We’ll include:
- Travel Basics
- Sri Lankan Surf
- 6 Spots You Should Know
- How Much Does It Cost
- Getting To The Waves
- Post Surf Grindz
- Places to Stay Close To The Waves
Sri Lanka has two opposing coastlines, enabling year-round waves for a wide range of surfers. Its diverse geography, vast national parks and rich culture make laydays just as enjoyable as those with pumping surf.
Learn more about another amazing surf destination, in this Surf Guide To SW France.
Travel Basics:
Getting To Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka’s international airport, Colombo-Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB) is situated just north of Colombo, the country’s capital. Many airlines from Europe, the Middle East and Asia fly direct, daily.
Government:
In the Spring and Summer of 2022, Sri Lanka suffered its worst ever economic crisis, resulting in rising inflation and ridiculously long fuel queues. Consequently, after many peaceful protests, including over 1 million people descending on the President’s home in Colombo, the Rajapanska family were finally removed from office.
Since then, a new Government has restored order to Sri Lanka, and economic agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have enabled the country to start getting back on its feet.
Safety
Generally, Sri Lanka is a very safe country to travel, commonly frequented by solo and female travellers The locals are extremely welcoming, and English is widely spoken, should you ever require some help.
During peak seasons, the famous surf towns of Arugam Bay and Weligama are jam-packed with tourists, creating a safe environment to surf and travel. However, like many countries in Asia, be careful of scams and petty crime. I like to use a money belt when I travel, just to be safe.
Weather
Sri Lanka has both wet and dry seasons, alternating between the South West and East Coasts. This enables the island to produce clean, glassy waves throughout the year.
During dry season, temperatures average 90*F (32*C) and humidity is around 50-80%.
In the wet season, temperatures remain the same but humidity increases. The wet season doesn’t mean rain all day, there are usually sharp showers in the morning and evenings, remaining dry for the most part.
Money
The local currency is Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), which has been heavily devalued due to the economic crisis.
Many restaurants will happily take US Dollars and almost all hotels will offer money exchange services for dollars, euros, or pounds. ATM’s can be found around almost every corner in the towns and cities.
Tipping
It is not necessary to tip in Sri Lanka, however it is certainly appreciated. A compulsory 10% service charge is added to almost every restaurant bill. Generally, tipping for tuk tuk journeys is not commonplace, as you should agree a price beforehand.
Transportation
Getting around Sri Lanka is very easy and there are a variety of options to cater for your budget.
Taxis, trains and buses offer frequent services to all surf towns.
Local transportation to and from surf spots is also easy to find in the form of tuk tuks.
Airport – Weligama
- Train – 300 LKR or $0.85 (3 hours, 1 change in Galle).
- Taxi – 25,000-40,000 LKR or $70-$100 USD. (2.5-3 hours).
Airport – Arugam Bay
- Bus – 3000LKR or $8 (8-10 hours).
- Taxi – 45,000-55,0000 or $125-$150 (7-8 hours).
Cell Phone:
Local sim cards are available at the airport and in most larger supermarkets, with further top-ups offered by almost all local shops. Dialog and Mobitel are the major providers and can be found stationed at the airport, upon your arrival.
Prices are more expensive in the airport, however: around $5 for 3GB, compared to in the town, where you can pick up a 5GB sim for only $2. You could also get a SIM card before you arrive through Amazon, but it will cost you much more.
Wifi is available in almost every restaurant and hotel, and itʻs good! You can stream movies on this WiFi, unlike the WiFi I was able to find all over Mexico.
Other basics you should know:
Import taxes make buying and finding surfboards and surf gear very expensive in Sri Lanka, especially if you travel to locations in their off season. Board rentals range anywhere from $12 – $15 per day, although weekly deals can be arranged.
You have to weigh the costs of traveling with your surfboard or just paying the rental fee. If you bring your own board youʻll have to pay the airlines, take taxis instead of buses, and lug your board from the surf to your hotel. Sometimes renting a board is so much more worth it.
Surf Of Sri Lanka
Season:
Sri Lanka’s wet and dry seasons alternate between the South West and East Coast. Between November and April the South West coastline has its dry season, with surfers flooding to small fishing towns such as Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Mirissa.
Alternatively, May and October is the East coast’s dry season, enabling the reef and beach breaks of Arugam bay to fire. This makes Sri Lanka the perfect year-round surfing destination.
Wave Types:
Sri Lanka really is a destination for surfers of all abilities. Generally speaking, waves are mellow and forgiving. Most of the famous spots are right hand point breaks along flat reefs. However, some more critical waves can be found over shallow, sea urchin infested reefs.
Skill Level:
The mellow reefs and friendly lineups make Sri Lanka a perfect destination for beginner and intermediate surfers, however there are a few spots for advanced surfers too. We’ll give more information on these later.
Crowd Level:
During season, the beach breaks and main reef spots can get busy, however for their quality, and compared to the jam-packed reef breaks of Bali or Europe, these can still be considered relatively uncrowded.
Furthermore, the vast coastline means uncrowded spots can be found if you’re willing to travel or take a guide.
Sharkieness:
There is no threat of dangerous sharks in Sri Lanka. Crocodiles can be spotted in the lagoons around Arugam Bay and Weligama’s main break, but not in the ocean itself. Nasty sea urchins are your biggest threat, so reef boots are recommended!
6 Surf Spots You Should Know
With something for every type of surfer, let’s take a deeper look at some of the best breaks.
West Coast:
Weligama Main Break
If you’re new to surfing, or just getting the hang of it, Weligama Main Break offers cruisy, small waves over a sand bottom beach. With no rocks or reef nearby, it is much more forgiving of the odd wipeout.
There are plenty of surf schools to choose from on the beach, costing no more than $8 for an hour’s lesson.
Fisherman’s Reef
For intermediate surfers, there are more surf spots than days in the week. A personal favourite located just down the coast from Weligama Main Break is Fisherman’s Reef.
A very easy and forgiving right hander that breaks on a soft and consistent reef. It’s a bit of a paddle to reach the break, however its rolling right handers make it a regular footer’s dream. To save your arms or some time, you can also take small boats out with guides, or as part of a lesson.
Fisherman’s is located out in front of the little fishing harbor in Weligama and next to the fishing boat channel.
Madiha Left/Right
A mixture of reef and sand with a barrelling section on the inside makes Madiha a great spot for those more advanced surfers out there.
With both lefts and rights, this wave offers both long walls and barrelling sections over a shallow reef. Making your way out isn’t a problem but watch the sea urchins on your way in! We’d advise you to take a guide the first time you go.
East Coast
Elephant Rock:
A beautiful long right hander, perfect for beginners and intermediates. Surrounded by jungle, you really feel like you’re surfing in paradise here. Around 4km away from Arugam Bay, it won’t cost you more than $6 in a tuk tuk for a return trip.
Arugam Bay Main Point:
One of the best right handers in Sri Lanka. A cruisy 150-meter wave with tube sections when the swell really pumps. Located right on Arugam Bay’s main beach, it’s only a short walk from many hotels and hostels.
Beware, due to its accessible location, it can get crowded here during peak season!
Peanut Farm:
Another long right hand point break breaking over sand bottom, this uncrowded spot is difficult to get to without a guide, but so worth it. To make things even better, elephants often come down to the surf spot to watch you score some waves.
How Much Does It Cost
Whether you’re traveling on a budget, or after a no-expense spared trip of a lifetime, Sri Lanka has all bases covered. With the recent economic crisis, prices have risen, but compared to western life, it’s still very reasonable. We’ve accounted for varying degrees of budgets below.
Budget For Surf Bums:
It is super easy for surfers to have a cheap stay in Sri Lanka. Dorm rooms can be found for as little as $5 per night. These rooms will be simple and probably won’t have air-con. If air-con is a necessity for you, rooms can be found for as little as $10 per night.
All these places should offer free water refills and sometimes breakfast too! However, if not, don’t fear, as many local restaurants will serve simple eggs on toast or traditional rice and curry for as little as $2 and evening meals won’t cost you more than $4.
Depending on your bartering skills, getting around in tuk tuks can be cheap, with 20-minute journeys costing no more than $5.
A rough estimate for surfers on a strict budget:
- $8/night for an air-conditioned dorm room.
- $10 for meals and snacks
- $3 for a Tuk Tuk to different surf spots
- $4 for a few casual, post surf beers
Total of around $25 per day.
Budget for Surfers With A Job:
Nicer homestays, including private rooms, aircon and breakfast can be found for anywhere between $30-$80 per night. These places will have a pool and are usually located within walking distance of the beach.
Meals at few nicer restaurants may cost around $3-$7, with cocktails around $4.
Relaxing massages can be found for anywhere between $5 and $10.
A rough estimate for surfers who want to holiday a bit more:
- $50/night for an airconditioned private room with breakfast included and a communal pool
- $20 for meals and snacks
- $7 for a Tuk Tuk to different surf spots or nearby towns
- $10 for a few cocktails or beers
- $7 for a 60-minute massage
Total of around $94 dollars per day (minus $28 if sharing the room and tuk tuks)
Budget for Surfers with A Trust Fund:
For those that are perhaps celebrating something, or simply love a life of luxury, Sri Lanka’s surf towns certainly cater for this too.
Luxury Hotels or Surf Camps offering private rooms with aircon, a private pool and often located right on the beach are available for anything between $100-$200 per night. These places will often include surf hire and yoga lessons.
There are many fine restaurants in Sri Lanka, with meals costing up to, but rarely in excess of $10.
Massages within the hotel may cost no more than $15, whilst day excursions to a National Park may cost around $60 per person.
A rough estimate for surfers who want complete luxury:
- $150/night for a luxury hotel on the beachfront
- $25 for meals and snacks
- $7 for a Tuk tuk to different surf spots or nearby towns
- $10 for a few cocktails or beers
- $10 for a 60-minute massage
- $60 for a day trip to one of the beautiful national parks
Total of $262 per day (obviously the day trip to a national park may only be once a week!)
Getting To The Waves
Traveling around Sri Lanka is quite simple. All surf towns are located either on bus or train routes and these modes of transport are simple, safe and super cheap.
The South West surf towns of Weligama, Ahangama and Hikkaduwa are located around 2-3 hours drive away from the main airport, which can be accessed by a bus directly from the airport.
Whilst on the East Coast, Arugam Bay is about a 7-hour drive away and is a bit more challenging to get to. You can take the bus to get there, but you would have to leave from the min city of Colombo and transfer 3 times before finally being able to make your destination.
If the train is your game, the station is located in Colombo, which you can get to by bus or taxi from the airport. From here, you can easily take the train to Weligama for next to nothing.
Once at your destination, the best way to check out all the breaks is via tuk tuk. There are many on the streets willing to take you to all local spots and most drivers possess a good idea of all the surf break names.
It’s not uncommon to barter your prices down for any journey and almost all tuk tuks have their own roof racks, so your board can travel in style with you. Most journeys won’t cost you more than $5 but be willing to pay more if you want them to wait around to take you home.
If you fancy the freedom of exploring yourself, you can hire a moped for around $8 a day.
Tuk Tuks will be willing to take you to locations further afield too, destinations such as Hiriketiya in the South West, or Okanda if you’re in Arugam Bay offer great waves away from the crowds. A 4-5 hour round trip, with an hour tuk tuk each way, will cost you around $20.
Post Surf Grindz
Like any good country thatʻs worthy of being called a surf destination, Sri Lanka has plenty of cheap eats on offer. Street food dominates the scene during the peak months, where $2 Rotiʻs can be had almost everywhere.
Of course, thereʻs some decent restaurants to try out as well. In the South West, Weligama and Mirissa offer up some amazing grub to keep you fueled after long days in the ocean.
Ceylon Sliders
Located on the beach front in Weligama, Ceylon Sliders is the perfect spot for some post surf fuel. Offering delicious burgers on a rooftop with panoramic views of the bay, it’s a great place to watch the sunset over Weligama’s main break.
Although definitely not the cheapest spot in Weligama, we think the views and burgers make it worth it. A burger and beer will set you back around $12-$14.
No1. Roti
Situated in Mirissa, No1. Roti offers super tasty traditional roti’s. This is the perfect snack for pre and post surf fuel during long day sessions at Mirissa’s picturesque point break. A roti won’t cost more than $3.
Follow The White Rabbit
Further down the coast in Ahangama, Follow the White Rabbit provides exceptional local and western food right on the beach. The vibe is contagious, leaving you coming back time and time again. A meal and a cocktail won’t cost you more than $8.
The East Coast also has its fair share of delicious hang outs.
Mama’s Kitchen
An all you can eat buffet of the tastiest Sri Lankan food you could ask for, Mama’s kitchen is the perfect stop for some post surf food. Costing less than $5 per person, this is a must when surfing in Arugam Bay.
Salty Swarmis
A laid back coffee shop and hang out space, located right on the main beach, Salty Swarmis offer brilliant breakfasts and lunches to fuel your day. Good coffee can be hard to come by in Sri Lanka, but Salty Swarmis certainly does not let you down.
A tasty burger and fruit juice or iced coffee won’t cost more than $10.
Siam View
WIth views over the ocean, authentic Thai cuisine and live music, Siam View is a great spot to eat and drink whilst watching surfers catch the last few waves of the day.
If Thai cuisine isn’t your vibe, the restaurant allows you to take tasty street food from a stall just outside their restaurant upstairs to chow down with your beers.
Stay Close To The Waves
Spots in the South West include:
Surfing Wombats:
Situated just off the main coastal road, but still only a 2-minute walk to the main beach, Surfing Wombats offers clean dorm rooms from only $7 per night. The chilled vibe and authentic pizza oven allows fellow surfers and travelers to connect and share surfing stories.
Plantation Surf Inn and Restaurant:
Also located in Midigama, Plantation Surf Inn is a family-owned homestay with high quality rooms just a stones throw from the beach. One night in a double room will cost around $30.
Marriott or Kima Surf Camp.
Just 200 meters from Weligama’s Main Break, Kima Surf Camp is the ultimate luxury stay for any solo traveler who has a bit of extra cash going spare. Private rooms from around $60 a night.
Kima Surf offers up 4 hours surf guiding each day, combined with free breakfast and evening meals. The camp will take you to the best spots along the whole South West coast with never more than a 3 guest to 1 surf guide ratio.
Arugam Bay:
The Long Hostel
A great option for those budget travelers wanting a bed right on the beach. The long hostel offers dorm rooms from as little as $5 per night and is located only 100 meters from Arugam Bay’s main beach. A real traveler vibe makes this a great spot to interact with other surfers from all over the globe.
Surf and Yoga Arugam Bay
For those wanting an all-inclusive stay, look no further than Forcus Cabanas set amongst the palm trees Surf and Yoga is located just one block from the main street and beach.
This all-inclusive retreat really enables you to relax and let the amazing staff look after your every need. Prices start at around $60 per night.
Forcus Cabanas
If you’re looking for ultimate luxury, located amongst lush greenery, and only 3 minutes walk from the main beach, these Cabanas really make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise. Rooms will cost around $110 which includes an amazing breakfast.
