Surfing in Sri Lanka: when to go, where and with whom

Sri Lanka is one of the easiest places in the world to learn to surf: 28-degree water all year round, soft waves breaking on sandy bottoms, lessons costing a fraction of European ones. The trick is picking the right coast in the right month.

When to go: two coasts, two seasons

The island has two surf seasons that alternate.

• South and west coast (Weligama, Ahangama, Hikkaduwa, Midigama): from November to April. Clean sea, light morning wind, 1 to 2 metre waves. It is the season we chose for the Sri Lanka surf group trip, in March.
• East coast (Arugam Bay): from May to September, when the monsoon hits the south. Longer waves, village vibe, more experienced surfers.

Off season you can still surf, but with wind, rain and fewer good days. If it is your first time, March in the south is the safest month: warm, dry, gentle waves.

Where: spots for beginners

• Weligama: a bay kilometres long with a sandy bottom and waves breaking slowly. This is where first lessons happen, soft board and instructor in the water with you.
• Ahangama and Midigama: once you can stand, ten minutes away there are spots with more push, on shallow reef. To be done with someone who knows them.
• Hiriketiya: a horseshoe bay near Dikwella, beautiful even just to look at, with a long left for intermediates.

How much it costs

A group lesson with a local instructor costs between 15 and 25 euros, board included. Board rental alone between 5 and 8 euros a day. A surf camp with room, breakfast and lessons sits between 40 and 80 euros a day. The flight from Europe, booked a few months ahead, between 600 and 900 euros.

With whom: alone, in a surf camp or with a group

Alone is doable and safe, but the first week you lose time figuring out where to go and with whom. A surf camp solves the surf, not the trip: you stay on the same beach for days. A group trip puts the two together: surf every morning on the south coast and, for the rest of the trip, the train through the tea plantations, Ella, the temples, a safari.

That is what we do with Jiwa: 8 - 21 March 2027, with Onda Trip. Group of 8 to 15 people, instructors for every level, Giada with you from start to finish.

In the water at 6, breakfast at 9 with someone who was a stranger two days ago. That is how it works.

What to pack

Swimsuit, water-resistant sunscreen (the local one costs twice as much), a long-sleeve rash guard, flip flops, a waterproof pouch for your phone. No wetsuit needed. The board, if you come with us, is included.

Questions about surfing in Sri Lanka, or want to know if the March trip is for you? Write to us, we answer in person.