Consistent swells from the south Indian Ocean hit Sri Lanka, producing good fun waves all year round. The water is warm and the surf is not too powerful, so it’s a great place for a relaxed and affordable surfing holiday. Sri Lanka has different surf seasons on its east and west coasts, so there’s always something working whenever your holiday. During the southwest monsoon, from May to October, the east coast gets the prevailing wind offshore. The northeast monsoon, from October to March, brings offshore winds to the southwest coast. Generally, the conditions are best in the morning.

East Coast: Sri Lanka’s east coast gets swell from the southern Indian Ocean, and is best from May to September when the prevailing wind is offshore every morning. The coastline around Arugam Bay is well known for its consistent, fun waves: The Point: The main break at Arugam Bay is a longish right-hand point break, usually a couple of feet bigger than other breaks in the area. Tends to close out over 6ft.

Pottuvil Point: A short tuk tuk ride north of Arugam Bay, this is a right hand point break that can give long rides and works on 2ft to 6ft.

Crocodile Rock: A ½ hour tuk tuk ride south of Arugam Bay, and a 20 minute walk, Crocodile Rock needs a biggish swell to break at 3-4ft. On its day, it’s a wally right hander. Peanut Farm: right hander. Whisky Point: another mellow right.

Southwest Coast: The Hikkaduwa-Ahangama-Midigama coast has plenty of mellow breaks from October to March. The Rock: the best A-Frame reef break around; a good left-right peak that can handle swells up to 7ft. Midigama Point: enjoyable left hander that works up to 6 ft. Start early for clean conditions. Ram’s: Short right breaking over shallow reef. Talpe reef break. Unawatuna, reef breaks. Lazy Left, a good fun wave that can barrel on a bigger swell. Plantation Peak: at Midigama, easy left and right. Weligama Bay: with nice beach breaks for beginners. Mirissa: has a couple of short, sweet right handers – can get crowded but the beach is brilliant.

We have access to a handful of hotel options according to budget and preference in both Arugam Bay and the Hikkudawa to Welligama areas.
Arugam Bay is a 6hr drive from Colombo through some majestic countryside. If you seek tranquillity, the Stardust Beach Hotel is the best choice in Arugam Bay. Situated right on a big private beach garden, they cherish no loud music, no TV, no noisy swimming pool, but the fresh sea breeze and the calming sound of the waves on the beach. A large lagoon is to one side, where wild elephants congregate for an evening ‘shower’. On the other, the gardens in front of the restaurant open directly on to the broad sweep of Arugam Bay and the Indian Ocean – many miles of pristine tropical beaches deserted but for the clusters of fishermen’s boats dotted here and there, and little thatched villages huddled just above the waterline. Rooms are fan cooled and villa style in either stand alone villas or in a hotel room style set up.

There are other options closer in town where there is the hustle and excitement of a small surf town littered with restaurants and bars set back just off the beach.

Over on the West Coast- a 2hr drive from Colombo, the seaside town of Hikkudawa offers more resort and hotel style accommodation, also right on the beach.
Further to th
e South lays Welligama where there are more accommodation options all within close distance to a handful of beach, point and reef breaks.

Sri Lanka I describe as a poor country but very rich in culture. Exploring the small towns and their local markets is a real treat. The culture, history and wildlife is also an overlooked part of the country. The heartland is simply stunning with massive highland peaks, lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife roaming gently throughout. Lanka is also home to some of the best wildlife sanctuary’s and National parks you’ll come across- such as Yala National Park.

DISCLAIMER

All prices are a guide only, departures ex Auckland and are per person, based on twin share and subject to change, availability and currency fluctuations. Surcharges may apply. Contact us for the latest specials and a quote for the dates you wish to travel.