Surfing in Sri Lanka

Bathed in warm Indian Ocean current, and with nearly 1600 kilometres of palm-fringed coastline, Sri Lanka is an incredible surf destination. Positioned just south of India in the Indian Ocean you’ll find a land of magnificent landscapes featuring lagoons, fertile wetlands, mysterious forests, mountains, rivers and cascading waterfalls. Sri Lanka has an array of wildlife found in no other ecosystem, inspiring historical and religious sites, and a culture rich in tradition. With the west and east coast catching different swells, Sri Lanka is also a year-round surf trip destination. It can be divided into two seasons, November to April, the best area of the country to be surfing is the south-west coastline. During the months of May to October the best part of the country is the east coast, with Arugam Bay being the main surf area at this time of year. 

Whisky Point – It’s a curious name for a surfing hotspot, and a mysterious one – no one seems to know the origin. Whisky point is the best place on the Island for amateurs & those learning to surf for the first time. Situated within a 10-minutes’ drive from Pottuvil town – East coast, this stretch of beach is quiet & undisturbed and famous among the international surfers as Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s jewel a long right sand bottom point that provides barrels & big turn sections. A few of the other breaks in this area are Pottuvil Point, Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock, and Okanda. 

A mere 10 minutes away from Sri Lanka’s trending beach destination Weligama lies a charming bay-like beach spot that’s grabbing the attention of surfers the world over. Midigama – a beautiful surfer town on the southern coast – has become a new addition to the island’s ever-expanding list of surfing hubs. Joining the ranks of Ahangama, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Unawatuna and of course Weligama, this miniature surf spot is a short strip of beach a few kilometers away from the iconic Weligama bay. Midigama is also a great surf for beginners who are looking for their first reef break or to improve their skills