Sri Lanka is an unreal place to travel to and an even better location for waves. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or still a beginner on a Wavestorm, Sri Lanka’s famous breaks will have you looking to hop on your board and go exploring.
Depending on the time of year you visit, the many beautiful beaches can have wildly different conditions. Generally, the east and west coasts alternate between calm and choppy. Make sure to keep an eye on the conditions for the perfect time of year to hit Sri Lanka. Aside from killer surf, Sri Lanka has an amazing culture, delicious food, and cheap accommodation.
The capital and largest city in Sri Lanka is Colombo, occupying a large section of the western-most part of the island. Popular spots are Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa in the southwest, Mirissa, Ahangama, and Weligama in the southernmost part, and Arugam Bay in the east. That’s a lot of names to consider so let’s break it down and find out which surf spot, and surf camp, are right for you.
10 Surf Camps in Sri Lanka
Before we dive in and look at the variety of surf camps, make sure to understand when you’re aiming to travel to Sri Lanka. From November to May, you’ll find the best conditions in the south. From April to October, you should head to the east coast – you don’t want to get caught in the monsoon season!
There are many hostels and hotels aimed at the surfer crowd, close to the main beaches and breaks depending on where you are on the island. The surf camps also generally provide accommodation or know the best places to stay if not.
As for traveling around the island, most people hire a tuk-tuk or car to take them from A to B. There’s also the option to take a train between major areas. If you’re looking to save some money, opt for buses – they go all over the island on the cheap. Once you decide on a timeframe and destination, it’s good to line up a surf camp. Let’s take a look at the top 10 surf camps in Sri Lanka.
The Surfer Beach Camp, Weligama
The Surfer Beach Camp, located in Weligama on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a fantastic camp for beginner surfers and experienced alike. Situated a short ten-minute drive from the city of Mirissa, Surfer Beach Weligama is right on the coast, giving you access to the beach at all times during your stay. From October to April, the conditions are perfect with head-high glassy waves and warm water – no need for a wetsuit.
They offer two locations to sleep: the beach location, which is self-explanatory, and the TS2 location – a five-minute drive away from the beach spot. The only difference is the price and where you sleep at night – most of your time will probably be spent on the beach or out on your board anyways!
The Surfer Beach has instructors from all over the world, who speak fluent English. They only take 6 people per lesson, so bring some friends and catch some waves at The Surfer Beach Weligama.
The Surfer Beach Camp website: thesurferweligama.com
Lapoint Surf Camp, Ahangama
Next up on the list is Lapoint Surf Camp, located in Ahangama. You might recognize the name Lapoint, as they are world-famous for providing camps in many of the most popular surfing destinations.
Lapoint Sri Lanka is located minutes from Ahangama Beach, between the bustling tourist city of Galle and the laid-back town of Mirissa. Due to the close distance to the equator, the water in Ahangama is warm – around 27 degrees all year. At Lapoint Surf Camp, it is best to come from December to March for the ideal weather.
Lapoint offers a great surf package, including accommodation, surf lessons for any level of surfer, and two meals per day. When booking, you can choose from three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. They also provide transport to and from the various surf spots and ‘secret spots’ whenever needed! Lapoint is very committed to sustainability and protecting the ocean, stating they are a ‘sustainable surf camp’. There are tons of positives! Check out Lapoint Surf Camp Ahangama today.
Lapoint Surf Camp website: www.lapointcamps.com
Global Surf Lodge Kabalana
Global Surf Lodge Kabalana is another worldwide surf camp with a perfect location in Sri Lanka, steps from Kabalana Beach. Kabalana is right next to Ahangama along the south coast of the island, so ideal conditions are found from October or November through March or April, during the dry season.
Global Surf offers a wide range of instructor-led courses, from Foamies and Rollers to Riders and the highest-tier, Freestylers. Another way to look at it is from beginner surfers to experts just looking for a board and great waves. Signing up for any package gives you the ability to paddle out on a guided surf lesson for two hours a day, five days a week, along with meals, yoga, 1-on-1 feedback on your technique, and some photos and videos of your sessions. Don’t miss the chance to hit Global Surf Lodge in Kabalana.
Global Surf website: www.globalsurf.com
Surf & Yoga, Arugam Bay
Surf & Yoga Surf Camp in Arugam Bay is the first east coast camp on the list, and it’s a great one. Surf & Yoga is located in Arugam Bay, or ‘A-Bay’, as the locals call it. A-Bay is home to international surf competitions like the So Sri Lanka Pro, and the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro, so you know it’s an excellent place to ride.
As the name suggests, Surf & Yoga allows you to shred and relax in the same location, offering wellness and meditation practice alongside killer waves. Arugam Bay also provides an amazing backdrop for your surf camp experience, with the best conditions from April to October. The absolute best time to visit is from July to September when you can catch consistent waves from the morning through to the evening.
If you’d like to see the local culture, it’s only a short ride to Pottuvil, a small town nearby Arugam Bay. The bay itself features tons of incredible spots, amazing wildlife, and many restaurants dotted along the road to fuel up for your next set. With 15 rooms and situated only steps from the beach, Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay is the perfect place to stay and learn to surf on the east coast of Sri Lanka.
Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay website: surfnyogaarugambay.com
Surf & Yoga, Mirissa
Surf & Yoga Mirissa is another surf camp from the Surf & Yoga group, although this one is located in the quiet third bay of Mirissa, a popular surf town along the south coast of the island. Because it’s on the south coast, Surf & Yoga Mirissa has its high season from November to March, with consistent big waves in November, and more beginner-friendly waves and ankle-biters around January. Essentially any week from November through to March will be good conditions though, so don’t worry!
With its crescent-shaped beach, Mirissa offers both left and right-hander waves for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. It’s a great place to build confidence, because the shape of the bay offers protection from onshore wind, giving surfers consistent smaller waves.
Surf & Yoga Mirissa offers many different packages to choose from, including a “Build Your Own” Package, which is unlike any other surf camp we’ve seen in Sri Lanka. Choose how many sessions you want, along with extra activities like paddle boarding or yoga, and start shredding at Surf & Yoga Mirissa.
Surf & Yoga Mirissa website: surfnyogasrilanka.com
Kima Surf Camp, Weligama
The next surf camp in Sri Lanka is Kima Surf Camp, situated in the ideal Weligama Bay. Weligama translates to ‘sandy village’, which is exactly what you want to hear when booking a surf camp. Kima Surf Camp is only two minutes away on foot from the closest beach, offering beach breaks for beginners, as well as complimentary tuk-tuk rides to get to reef breaks and semi-reef breaks for intermediate to advanced surf enthusiasts.
Seven days a week, two times per day, surfers have access to guided sessions, along with surf theory classes and video analysis of individual surf sessions. Kima is a surf camp centered around learning and improving your skills daily.
Because of the location along the south coast, ideal conditions are usually from October or November until March. Board rentals are included of course, and the options range from shortboards to mini-malibus and soft-tops. Each day at Kima Surf Camp is focused on finding good waves, getting to know Weligama Bay, and relaxing in their tropical garden neighborhood when not on a wave.
Kima Surf Camp website: kimasurfsrilanka.com
Safa Surf Camp, Arugam Bay
Safa Surf Camp is the second surf camp in this list located in Arugam Bay, and for good reason. Arugam Bay is one of the most pristine spots to surf, and Safa Surf Camp is known for its chilled surfer vibe and beachfront villas. They boast a relaxed, family-style stay, whether you attend the surf camp for one day or the full two weeks.
Just a short walk away is the town of Arugam Bay, with its many surf shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, but you don’t have to go far if all you’re after is a good set. Safa stands for Surfing Access For All, which is one of their core tenets – a perfect place to learn to paddle, stand, and catch wave after wave. Safa Surf Camp is based at Kauri Beach House, right on the beachfront in the middle of Arugam Bay.
Once you sign up for a surf camp, you have the choice of nine locations to choose from for each day, depending on conditions and experience level, so there will always be a set for you at Safa.
Safa Surf Camp website: www.safaarugambay.com
Dream Sea Surf Camp, Ahangama
Dream Sea Surf Camp is another camp located in the tropical south of Ahangama. Dream Sea offers a beautiful beachfront location, with accommodation, beach or reef break surfing, and a unique ambiance to accompany your surf camp experience.
Since it’s located in Ahangama, the best time of the year to hit Dream Sea Surf Camp is from October until April. With private suites and shared twin rooms available, you’ll find a great place to sleep after each day of catching consistent waves.
There are multiple surf options to choose from, ranging from beginner packages for those just breaking into the sport, to ‘free surf’ packages, where you can grab a board, mix in with the locals and find your favorite spots to shred. Dream Sea Surf Camp has multiple locations worldwide, and their Sri Lanka location is not one to miss.
Dream Sea Surf Camp website: dreamseasurfcamp.com
Shaka Surf Camp, Ahangama
Shaka Surf Camp, also situated in the beautiful Ahangama Beach area in the south of Sri Lanka, offers a variety of surf camps and packages in the heart of Ahangama. Shaka is a base camp in a prime location with access and transport all over the southern coast of the island.
Surfers can choose to stay in the nearby Samaraana Hotel for a more upscale surf camp experience, or the Shaka Surf Camp villa, with each room offering a private bathroom and all the amenities needed for the perfect surf trip.
Shaka Surf Camp offers lessons and access to surfing in a huge variety of locations, including more advanced spots like Sticks, a powerful, sometimes barreling reef break extremely close to the camp itself. With long, instructor-led lessons and many different options and packages to choose from, Shaka Surf Camp is a great spot for beginners and experts alike.
Shaka Surf Camp website: shakasurfcamps.com
Solid Surf Camp, Weligama
Solid Surf Camp is a surf camp located in the ideal, lush area of Cape Weligama in Weligama Bay. It is near one of the most pristine surf beaches in the area, Jungle Beach, and is centrally located on the south coast between most other popular spots in Sri Lanka.
The surf camp villa itself is tucked away on the ocean side, newly built, and close to the beach. Once you arrive, it’s only a short walk to Jungle Beach and Turtle Bay, as well as only 500 meters away from the popular beginner’s longboard beach break at Weligama Bay.
Transportation is included in the camp, and that’s good news for advanced surfers because famous spots like Rams and Lazy Left are just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away from the villa. Offering surf packages with ‘dawn til dusk’ surfing lessons and meals included, Solid Surf Camp is an excellent choice for anyone looking to catch a few waves and relax afterward.
Solid Surf Camp website: solidsurfhouse.com
Things to note before heading to Sri Lanka
Before heading to the amazing island of Sri Lanka, it’s important to note a few things while planning your surf adventure.
Arguably the most important point is that you are guaranteed warm or hot weather most of the time. Due to the short distance from the equator, Sri Lanka averages around 28 degrees celsius – year round! Pack sunscreen and bug spray, you will need both.
Another important thing to note, especially for surfers, is the monsoon season and how it impacts the surf.
Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons, the Yala and the Maha.
The Yala hits the south and southwest coasts from April to September, so if you are traveling to Weligama, Ahangama, or any other south coast beaches, the ideal dry season is from November to March. The opposite is true for the east coast, with the Maha bringing less severe but still wet rainfall from November to March, thus making April to September ideal times for east coast spots like Arugam Bay. Plan accordingly!
The final note is about visas: prepare before you go. Only three nationalities don’t require visas, so chances are you will need to apply for one beforehand. Make sure to check out the regulations for your country and get it sorted so all you have to worry about is surfing once you’re on the island.
Why you would love surfing in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a little something for every level of surfer. The great thing is that conditions are good year-round, it’s just a matter of choosing the right location for the time of year you plan to go. With such a high number of quality surf camps, you really cannot go wrong surfing in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful country, with exceptional surfing and next-level friendliness from the locals. There are times when you’re out on your board, and you notice it’s just you and the sea. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but if you go there once, chances are you will want to go back.