Sri Lanka is a land of sensory excess – from cascading waterfalls to winding rivers, mysterious mountains, lush green forests, abundant wildlife, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Let’s just say it’s pure magic.

For surfers, this magic extends to the waves because Sri Lanka is a surfer’s dream. From the East Coast to the West Coast, there’s always a swell to chase. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Sri Lanka is a year-round surf destination – where the winds keep one coast alive while the other sleeps.

Sri Lanka’s Surf Seasons

The waves in Sri Lanka never really stop. But the surf scene here has two pulses, shifting with the monsoon. From April to October, the East Coast is where the action is. Then, from November to April, the southwest coast takes centre stage.

No matter when you are planning a surfing trip, there’s always a coast waiting to welcome you. 

Surf Spots in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s surfing scene can be split into two coasts.

On the east coast, it’s all about Arugam Bay – the island’s undisputed surf capital from April to October. During these months, the bay comes to life with surfers flocking from all over. Off-season, when the monsoon rolls in, the shutters go down and the whole scene shifts to the southwest coast.

The East Coast surf scene shuts down, giving way to the Southwest Coast, which wakes up in November. From Hikkaduwa to Weligama, surf towns are strung like pearls along the coastline, each offering its own breaks and vibes. It sure can get crowded, but with so many options it’s easy to slip away to less crowded waters.

Choosing where to go isn’t about which is better than the other. It’s about when you want to go and the vibes you are chasing.

So, here are some of the best surfing spots:

1. Arugam Bay

When you think about surfing in Sri Lanka, you think of Arugam Bay. This gem on the eastern coast has earned its reputation for a reason - from its warm waters to the consistent swells, accessible surf spots, the variety of point breaks and a laid-back surf town energy.

The surf scene here is very diverse, catering to everyone from first-time paddlers to seasoned surfers. Here are some surf points at Arugam Bay:

• Main Point: Ah, the crown jewel of Arugam Bay which is widely considered as one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka. Having one of the best waves in the world, this right-hand point break with 4-10ft waves and 200-500 meter rides is suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. Oh, and the natural setting? It is simply stunning. The one downside? Main Point can get crowded. Perhaps that’s part of the thrill as well because you get to share waves with a global surf community.

• Baby Point: Located between Main Point and the town, Baby Point is ideal for beginners (aptly named, don’t you think?). With gentle 2-3ft waves, a shallow sandy bottom and a right-hand break, it is a great place to practice and catch your first wave before you go towards bigger breaks. Best from July.

• Pottuvil Point: Just north of Arugam Bay is Pottuvil Point which offers one of the longest rides a wave can offer (up to 800 metres). However, the swell has to be just right (at least 3-4ft) for this spot to really work. Suitable for intermediate and experienced surfers.

• Whiskey Point: Just around the corner from the Pottuvil Point lies Whiskey Point, with mellow, right-hand point breaks. If you’ve got your basics mastered (like standing up on the board) Whiskey Point is a good spot to progress onto catching waves without having to worry about bigger swells.

• Peanut Farm: Past the rice paddies, jungles and peanut groves, the beach opens into a wild, untouched stretch of sand. The waves here are consistent, forming in nearly the same spot, breaking on a rock and peeling towards the shore. With 3-4ft waves and 200-350 metre rides, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.

• Elephant Rock: This large boulder outcrop, located between Arugam Bay and Peanut Farm is another great right-hand point break, which also doubles as a beautiful sunset spot. The waves are mellow, sandy and forgiving – perfect for beginners and intermediates.

• Okanda: While Okanda is the furthest spot from Arugam Bay, it sure is a special place, untouched and located at the edge of the Kumana National Park. The drive to Okanda beach in itself is an adventure with elephants, water buffalo and deer occasionally crossing your path as you edge closer to the park. Okanda, however, is not for the faint of heart with steep barrel waves that are 5-8ft high and rides that stretch on for up to 500 metres. In other words, you need to know what you’re doing in order to catch waves here. 

2. Hikkaduwa

Hikka is one of the OG surf towns in Sri Lanka, drawing in beach lovers, snorkelers and sun-seekers since the 60s and 70s. Fun fact – Hikkaduwa also hosted Sri Lanka’s first-ever surfing competition back in 1993.

This kilometre long stretch of shoreline offers a few different surf breaks to choose from. These include:

• Benny’s: Named after a guesthouse that perhaps welcomed some of the earliest surfers back in the days, Benny’s is a popular left-hand reef break known for a fast, hollow takeoff. It is best suited for experienced surfers.

• Main Reef: The Main Reef is the beating heart of Hikka’s surf scene. With both left and right-hand breaks, it is typically good for intermediate and experienced surfers. When the swell is higher, it transforms and becomes fast and hollow – something for more experienced surfers.

• North Jetty: Located at the harbour end of the town, North Jetty is a long left-hand reef break close to the harbour wall. This spot attracts regular crowds, so don’t expect to surf alone. It is ideal for intermediate surfers.

• Hikkaduwa Beach Break: A sandy and reef shore break suitable for beginners and intermediates. The conditions make it a safe and good place for learning, practising and catching your first memorable wave.

3. Midigama

Don’t be fooled – Midigama might look like just another sleepy coastal village when in reality, it is surf central. And what makes Midigama special is the variety it offers – from mellow and playful to heavy waves, it keeps surfers hooked for weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of the key surf spots in Midigama:

• Lazy Left: This popular left-hand deep reef break is popular among intermediate surfers. While the first section can get fairly fast, the wave gets nice and mellow afterwards, earning the name ‘Lazy.’ You can expect long rides of up to 500 metres with waves holding up to 5-6ft on good days.

• Lazy Right: Located close to Lazy Left, this is a right-hand deep reef break. Think of it as an even mellower version of its counterpart. If you are a competent beginner, this is one of the best places to transition onto reef breaks.

• Devil’s Rock (Sion): Offering both left and right-hand waves, this is a favourite for intermediate surfers. It’s loved by both long boarders and short boarders. If you wind up here, make sure to watch out for sea urchins and sharp rocks.

• Rams: Then there’s Rams – the most advanced surf break in the area. It’s a shallow, hollow right-handed wave breaking over a shallow coral reef that’s fast and unforgiving. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.

• Plantations: This is yet another good spot for intermediate surfers with a reef break that gives plenty of room to play. It breaks mostly to the right with occasional lefts depending on the swell and sand filling. While the reef is fairly deep in most sections, be cautious about rocks near the entry and exit points.

• Gurubebila/Coconuts: Located near Plantations, Gurubebila (also known as Coconuts surf break) is a classic A-frame point break offering both powerful left and right-hand waves. Breaking over a reef bottom, the waves are powerful and well-shaped, requiring experience and caution. The rides can be long, up to about 400.

4. Ahangama

Beyond Midigama is the charming coastal town of Ahangama that has quietly stepped out of the shadows of major surf hubs like Hikka and Arugam Bay. Let us tell you this – Ahangama is every bit as good!

The waves here aren’t exactly for first-timers, especially if you are still learning to stand up. But, for anyone intermediate and above, Ahangama offers a variety of exciting surf breaks such as:

• Marshmallows: Don’t let the name fool you for there’s nothing fluffy about Marshmallows. While it might be soft by reef standards, it’s still a deep water A-frame more suitable for intermediate and more experienced surfers.

• Kangaroos: Right next door to Marshmallows, Kangaroos is a reef break with lefts and rights. Some places are good for beginner surfers transitioning to intermediate, though it’s best to tackle these waves with a local surf instructor.

• Sticks: Named after the iconic stilt fishermen who perch over the reef, Sticks is versatile with lefts, rights, multiple peaks and the occasional barrel on the best days. Like Kangaroos, this spot is good for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate with an instructor guiding you.

5. Kabalana

If a relaxed, less crowded surf vibe is what you’re after, Kabalana is your go-to. Located just north of Ahangama, it’s a favourite for beginners seeking their first waves without the hustle of busy surf towns.

Now, Kabalana doesn’t leave out the experienced surfers. There are two very different sides to surfing in Kabalana, with one side offering the more seasoned riders a chance to test their nerve on one of the punchiest peaks of the south coast.

Kabalana has two main surf spots:

• The Rock: This A-frame reed break is powerful, hollow and capable of throwing serious barrels when the swell is big. It’s widely considered to be one of the best A-frame reef breaks in the country, particularly popular with short boarders. The Rock offers consistent and fun left and right waves, with the barrelling left waves generally considered to be harder than the right ones. Experienced surfers can ride fast up to 400m, and on a big day, the waves can reach up to 10ft.

• Kabalana Beach: This is one of the best beginner-friendly spots in the area that’s great for first-timers to practice. If you paddle out a little further, you’ll even get to try your hand at catching green waves.

Want to ride waves in the paradise island of Sri Lanka? Contact our team to craft an unforgettable surf adventure.