This is another hit among wave riders and is in many ways the perfect family surfing destination. The nightlife is not hectic, like it is in Hikkaduwa, but the waves are great. The swell on the beach is not always perfect, but just ask the locals for alternatives. If you’re...

Come for the golden sands of this small fishing village, with its eye-catching kraal-fishing structures of reeds and rods driven into the riverbed to trap passing prey. Life is quiet and traditional on this southwest stretch, which is around 80km (50mi) south of Colombo and can be reached on the...

Arugam Bay is on the east coast, and the best season to be here is when it’s too rainy in the south. The weather gods grace Arugam Bay with dry skies while the rest of the island is battered by monsoon rains. It’s best to visit between April and September....

The surfing capital of the Southern Province attracts some serious surfers. With easy access to the waves of Weligama, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Midigama, you’ll find numerous surf camps in this small town, where the shallow reef also attracts keen snorkellers. Surf straight from the long stretch of beach here, and...

Talalla bay is a beautiful, sheltered crescent shaped cove, fringed by palms and about 2 kilometers long. Close by is the town of Tangalle. Beginners can learn on the sand bottomed beach break and there is a small reef rear a cafe. Waves are low power fun but close out...

Situated about 400km from Colombo, poised on the edge of a peninsula, Pottuvil Point is known for its right-hand waves and sand-bottom points, making it ideal for beginners. It’s a somewhat exposed point break, with offshore winds coming in from the west/southwest. The point also receives a mixture of windswells...

Weligama has good waves all year round and is another favourite for beginners and intermediate surfers. The main beach has a row of surfing schools with plenty of boards for rent, but it does sometimes suffer from pollution. The waves are usually easy to learn on and can get a...

Midigama is now the main spot for surf, with a growing number of distractions including a surf shop that turns into a full all night Euro-rave on a Wednesday, and a couple of other places following suite. It has four good reef breaks all within walking distance of each other.

Surfing is somewhat of a speciality in Tangalle. Ideal for beginners, many surf camps have set up in the area due to the beach break that creates gentle waves. Tangalle is well situated between rocks and a hill, meaning the waves are hardly affected by onshore winds that might usually...

Often regarded as one of the best kept surf secrets in Sri Lanka, this town has great waves and a low-key vibe. The best time to catch a wave here is October to April, and its mellow reef breaks over deep water provide a perfect introduction to beginner surfers who...

You’re not likely to find too many surfers on Dickwella Beach itself. That’s not to say this stunning run of golden sand can’t be surfed. Only, it’s not as good or as consistent as some of the other Dickwella surf spots around. Basically, you’ve got a wide, open bay that...

This southwest town is a shrewd stop if you want to do more than just dabble in surfing. In Beruwela itself, you’ll find a number of surf schools on Moragalla Beach catering to beginners and offering board rentals, alongside accommodation directly on the beach, meaning you don’t have to miss...

n along an exposed stretch of the Sri Lankan coast to the south-east of Matara City, SK Town is a little conglomeration of surf shacks and beach hotels that faces the open ocean. Lanky coconut palms sway overhead and a few dirt tracks lead to the shoreline. Welcome to one...

Intermediate and beginner surfers have plenty of space to practise their moves at this south Sri Lankan spot, famous for its fishermen on stilts. The best conditions are in the winter, but continuous breaks are not guaranteed at Koggala itself.

Dewata, south of Galle, has turned into a surfing hotspot over the past five or so years. While not the most scenic of local beaches, with small but reliable waves it attracts those looking to perfect their technique on year-round easy surf. The sand reef and regular (if small- to...

Located close to the city of Matara, Madiha boasts an all year round swell making for perennial boarding heaven – especially Turtle Point where surfers will catch the best waves. Its hidden location ensures that you can surf without jostling in the lineup queue and savour the waves yourself.

There is nothing better than catching some magnificent waves that kiss the Hiriketiya Bay, a quintessential hidden gem in Dickwella. A picture-perfect beach lined with swaying palms await both beginners and the more advanced surfers from around the world.

Decent consistency and power make this a worthwhile trip for those seeking their own spot. Surfers in the know head to the east coast during its dry season (between April and September) while the south gets the rains. With waves of 0.5–1.5m (2–5ft), it’s best for intermediates, although breaks can...

On the southwest coast of the island, about 120km (75m) south of Colombo and just 20km (12mi) from Galle, is the famous party town of Hikkaduwa. Once just a surfing village, it’s now popular with surfers and partygoers alike – there is always something happening here.