Sri Lanka has quietly become one of the world’s most compelling surf destinations. We sent Travel Editor Scar to find out what all the fuss is about. Why not use our guide to help plan your next trip?
With amazing food, warm waters, diverse breaks, and a welcoming culture. The South Coast of Sri Lanka offers something for every level. You can expect jaw-dropping line-ups set against backdrops of palm trees and fishing villages.
When to Travel:
The prime surf season on the southwest coast is from November to April, when the Northeast monsoon brings clean offshore winds. Outside of these months, you can expect quieter line-ups, but also choppier seas. Although more sheltered bays may still offer fun sessions.
Water temperatures are consistently warm, typically around 27–29°C so put away your wetsuits, and pack your suncream!
Exploring the South Coast
What makes this coastline so special is its density of surf towns. Within relatively short tuk-tuk rides, you can move from sandy-bottom breaks to powerful reef waves so there are so many options to progress your surfing.
Weligama: A beginner’s paradise
Weligama Beach is the surf classroom of Sri Lanka. The wide sandy bay delivers gentle, consistent waves that are ideal for beginners, while the absence of reefs makes learning safer.
It’s a lively surf town with beach bars and an international community, and there’s always something going on. It can get busy, but the size of the bay usually allows space, and there are definitely enough waves to go around.
If you’re after a bit more of a challenge, head to Jungle Beach, and don’t forget to buy some fresh mango after your session, believe me, it’s life-changing.
Midigama: Where Things Get Faster
Just minutes from Weligama, Midigama shifts towards more advanced waves. Known for reef breaks like Lazy Left, Lazy Right, and Rams, the waves here are faster and hollower.
You can expect more challenging conditions, with reef bottoms and powerful sections that will require a bit more experience, and you will benefit from a local guide to show you how the spots work.
There are fewer trendy cafes in Midigama, but you should check out Unsung Cafe for quirky interiors and excellent coffee.
Ahangama: Variety and Progress
Ahangama is packed with surf options, from beach breaks to sometimes slightly ominous reef breaks.
Lots of surfers base themselves in Ahangama, not just for the surfing, but also for the connection to the local culture. Expect to see stall upon stall of fresh fruit, the iconic stick fisherman, crazy local buses and epic food.
The town is full of cafes from which you can paddle straight into the waves and the surf culture is such an integral part of the area. The variety of spots here is definitely enough to support progression without needing to travel far.
Check out Kaffi, for an unbeatable cake selection, and direct access to the surf.
Mirissa: For scenic surfs
Best known for its beautiful beaches, Mirissa is increasingly popular with surfers seeking a blend of wave time and relaxation. The swell is typically consistent, and midweek sessions often come with more space in the lineup.
While some beginner spots exist, the area generally favours intermediate surfers, with occasional breaks offering more challenge.
If you want to try some super authentic local food, made to order by a Sri Lankan couple, check out Madu. It’s a challenge to find it, but so worth it.
Unawatuna: Gentle Waves and Historic Backdrops
South of Galle, Unawatuna combines surf with culture; its proximity to the historic town of Galle makes it a great stop on your trip.
Inside the bay, beginner-friendly areas such as Dewata Beach offer slow, mellow waves suited to building confidence in the water. A great place to start your surfing journey.
Grab dinner and cocktails at Koha restaurant
Hiriketiya: Lively surf town energy
Tucked into a horseshoe-shaped bay near Dikwella, Hiriketiya was once a quiet fishing cove. Now it’s popular for reliable waves and a party atmosphere.
The sheltered bay produces consistent surf suitable for a range of abilities. Softer inside sections are ideal for beginners, while bigger swells can deliver faster walls that pose more of a challenge. Its protected position also means it often stays cleaner than more exposed beaches when the wind picks up.
Hiriketiya is a hotspot, so be prepared to share some waves. It’s a friendly place to settle into the rhythm of Sri Lanka’s south coast, but expect some late nights, it’s not a peaceful place.
SK Town: Chasing empty lineups
Just east of Matara, SK Town is gaining a reputation amongst Sri Lanka’s beach breaks.
The waves can be punchy yet are definately approachable, and there are breaks all down the beach, so much space for everyone, making this a brilliant spot for beginners finding their feet and intermediates looking to progress without the intensity of busier lineups.
SK Bay doesn’t have the social scene of other Sri Lankan surf towns, but part of its charm is the peace and quieter lineup.
Treat yourself to a post-surf coconut from one of the beach shacks after your session.
Sri Lankan Surf Retreats and Experiences
Lapoint Surf Camps
Lapoint Surf Camps
Lapoint Surf Camp, Ahangama
Welcome to Lapoint Surf Camp, Sri Lanka, a lush greenery on Sri Lanka’s south coast, in the surf haven of Ahangama, and waves are rolling in across the road at Kabalana Beach.
The camp is surrounded by more than a dozen surf spots within 30 minutes, which means reef breaks, beach breaks, and point breaks for every mood and skill.
Camp life is designed for connection and good vibes. Social hosts welcome you from day one, ensuring solo travellers, friends, or couples feel included from the start. Hang out in open common areas, cool off in the pool, or grab a fresh coconut at the pool bar.
Practice surfskating, play ping-pong, or join spontaneous activities like quiz nights and beer pong on surfboards.
The rooms at Lapoint are comfortable, and there are options to suit everyone, from dorms for meeting new friends to double and twin rooms for privacy.
Expect delicious food, with fragrant Sri Lankan rice and curry keeping you energised for all surf sessions, jungle safaris, or waterfall hikes ahead.
lapointcamps.com/surfcamp/sri-lanka
Floating You Retreats
Floating You Retreats
Floating You Retreats, Ahangama
Combining surfing with self-development, Floating You offers a retreat experience that goes beyond the physical act of riding waves. Rooted in the idea of living holistically and sustainably, each guest’s journey is designed as both an adventure and a pathway into self-discovery.
The Floating You Sri Lanka retreat is based in Ahangama, where palm-lined shores and warm waters set the tone for a deeply immersive week. Mornings typically begin with coached surf sessions suitable for all levels, while afternoons soften into yoga, mindfulness practices, and creative workshops that encourage reflection and presence.
Expect expert coaching, combined with yoga, meditation, sound healing and sessions to bring you closer to yourself.
For those seeking more than just a surf trip, Floating You offers something softer and more transformative: an opportunity to slow down whilst coming closer to your purpose.
Once you’ve been on a Floating You retreat, you’re likely to want to experience it again, and the good news is, you can. These retreats take place in different locations all over the world, from Morocco, to the Maldives, and even the stunning Mentawais.
The Sevana
The Sevana
The Sevana, Talalla
The Sevana is a women-led, women-only surf retreat and boutique hotel in the south of Sri Lanka, created for adult women learning and progressing their surfing later in life. Built from scratch by a woman who made Sri Lanka her home six years ago and only started surfing in her late 30s, it was shaped by what didn’t exist at the time: a space designed specifically for women, coached by women, and centred on adult learners.
The Sevana challenges the idea that surfing has a single “right” way to look, feel or progress. The retreats are designed around a philosophy that values understanding over pressure, and progression that meets women where they are. Each retreat focuses on one surf level only, with a maximum of five women per week, with video analysis, allowing for personalised coaching led by an experienced woman head coach.
This is your precious time away, so space for rest and recovery is built into each day. Guests stay in spacious, design-led cabana suites surrounded by nature, with nourishing food, a pool, gym and yoga area. The retreats also support local organisations in Sri Lanka that empower women and marginalised communities, helping ensure the benefits extend beyond the retreats themselves.
Sundazed Retreats
Sundazed Retreats
Sundazed Retreats, Women’s Surf and Lifestyle Retreats
Sundazed Retreats is a women-founded, women-led surf rooted in female empowerment and the belief that surfing is one of life’s greatest teachers. Operating globally, each trip is created to connect women through the ocean, movement, and shared experiences.
In a traditionally male-dominated surf industry, Sundazed creates an environment where women feel supported and free step into their potential both in and out of the water. Community sits at the heart of every experience, allowing genuine connections to form through shared challenges, laughter, and time spent in nature.
Sundazed Retreats creates experiences in carefully chosen destinations. Each retreat blends surf coaching with yoga, breathwork, mindset coaching, and local exploration, creating a balanced experience that supports both physical progression and inner reflection.
In Sri Lanka, Sundazed Retreats partners with Global Surf and is based in Kabalana, a relaxed coastal village close to Ahangama on the island’s south coast. Known for its warm water, accessible waves, and laid-back surf culture, the area offers a rhythm that encourages slowing down and reconnecting. With its rich flavours, tropical landscapes, and deep sense of history, Sri Lanka provides a setting that feels both grounding and exotic, where each day unfolds through ocean time, shared meals, and stories shaped by place.
Solid Surf House
Solid Surf House
Solid Surf House, Weligama
Nestled on Sri Lanka’s breathtaking south coast, Solid Surf House is set in the lush green headland of Cape Weligama, just steps from the ocean and overlooking the iconic Weligama Bay. This lively fishing village is the cultural heartbeat of the south, where colourful fish markets, vibrant street food and a growing collection of stylish cafés, bars and beach clubs line the sweeping bay.
Perfectly positioned between the region’s best surf breaks, their location means effortless access to everything, from the beginner-friendly longboard waves of Weligama Bay to the stunning reef breaks of Jungle Beach and Turtle Bay, famous for their magical sunsets. World-class spots such as Madiha, Rams, Lazy Left, Marshmallows and Mirissa Point are all within a short drive, giving you more time to surf and less time on the road.
The camp is a peaceful, jungle-surrounded sanctuary, elevated above sea level and tucked away from the main road. Expect stylish en-suite rooms, a large swimming pool, yoga deck, outdoor cinema and a relaxed, home-away-from-home atmosphere where monkeys and peacocks are regular visitors.
Discover, explore, relax, surf and eat, that’s life at Solid Surf House. Their in-house chefs prepare freshly made breakfasts and dinners daily in our luxury open kitchen, blending authentic Sri Lankan flavours with European-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options are always available, and our guests consistently rave about the food.
With tailored surf coaching for all levels and their signature “One Package Fits All™”, they offer outstanding value and an unforgettable Sri Lankan surf experience.
Surf Spirit Retreats
Surf Spirit Retreats
Surf Spirit Retreats, Unawatuna
With nearly a decade of experience hosting retreats, Surf Spirit has built a reputation for creating soulful surf escapes that balance progression in the water with genuine restoration on land. They have two retreat locations on Sri Lanka’s south coast, each offering a different rhythm while sharing the same philosophy.
The Jungle Villa is designed for surfers craving stillness and reconnection. Surrounded by lush vegetation and alive with the sounds of nature, it feels wonderfully secluded, yet the beaches and the energy of Unawatuna are just a short drive away. Days here move slowly, with surf sessions, nourishing meals, and space to truly switch off.
For those who prefer more salty air, the Beach Lodge delivers a more oceanfront experience. Positioned directly in front of the retreat’s home break, it allows guests to check the conditions from their balcony and step straight into the lineup, the kind of effortless access surfers dream about.
Yoga sits at the heart of every Surf Spirit retreat, with twice-daily sessions designed to complement time in the water. Expect practices that build strength and mobility while creating room for mental clarity, helping both beginners and experienced surfers recover, reset, and return to the waves feeling stronger.
Yet what guests often remember most is the atmosphere. There’s an ease to life at Surf Spirit, a welcoming, community-led environment where solo travellers quickly feel at home and shared experiences naturally turn into lasting friendships. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about how the retreat makes you feel: grounded, supported, and deeply connected to the ocean.
