Kayaking at Unawatuna Lagoon offers a serene and immersive experience into Sri Lanka's rich coastal ecosystem. Nestled near the popular Unawatuna Beach, the lagoon is surrounded by lush mangrove forests and tranquil waters, making it an ideal spot for novice and experienced kayakers. As you paddle through the calm waters, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species and aquatic life, all thriving in this biodiverse habitat. Several local operators provide kayaking excursions tailored to different preferences. For instance, Pearl Divers Unawatuna offers kayak rentals at approximately USD 6 per person for an hour-long self-guided tour, allowing for…

Weligama, meaning "sandy village" in Sinhala, is a charming coastal town located along the southern shores of Sri Lanka, about 30 kilometers east of Galle. It offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure, making it a top destination for both local and international travelers. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Taprobane Island—a tiny, palm-covered islet just off the shore that houses a single villa, adding a touch of exotic exclusivity to the beachfront. The golden sandy beaches stretch across the bay, offering a peaceful retreat for sunbathers and the ideal setting for leisurely strolls…

Hikkaduwa, a vibrant coastal city nestled along Sri Lanka’s sun-kissed southern shores, is a haven for beach lovers, marine life enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Located 98 kilometres south of Colombo in the Galle District, Hikkaduwa blends laid-back charm with thrilling ocean adventures. This once-sleepy fishing village has blossomed into one of the island’s most beloved beach destinations, famed for its coral reefs, golden sands, and buzzing surf culture. At the heart of Hikkaduwa lies its renowned coral sanctuary, part of the Hikkaduwa National Park — a protected marine area home to over 60 species of coral and hundreds of…

The Madu River, also known as Madu Ganga, is a tranquil waterway nestled in the lush southern region of Sri Lanka, near the coastal town of Bentota. This enchanting river and its surrounding wetland ecosystem stretch over 915 hectares, comprising a rich network of 64 islands, mangrove forests, and diverse aquatic life. Declared a Ramsar Wetland Site, the Madu River is one of the country's most biodiverse and ecologically essential estuaries, offering a captivating escape for nature lovers, bird watchers, and eco-tourists. A boat safari along the Madu River is the best way to explore this aquatic wonderland. Visitors are…

Mirissa Beach is one of the more protected surf spots on Sri Lanka’s south coast, making it an excellent option for total beginners. Unlike the more exposed beaches, the waves here rarely exceed 5 feet during the dry season, and even that is uncommon. Surfing Conditions at Mirissa Beach Wave Type: Small, soft beach break Best For: Absolute beginners Ideal Boards: Foam boards and longboards Best Swell: Small to moderate southwest (SW) swells Best Wind: Light offshore winds in the morning Best Season: November to April (dry season) Accessibility: Right on the sands of Mirissa Beach Why Surf at Mirissa…

Temple Point sits beside the famous Coconut Tree Hill, a hotspot for Instagram influencers who gather here at sunset. Named after the Bandaramulla Sri Sudarshanarama Temple that overlooks the break, this spot offers some of the rarest down-the-line surf in Sri Lanka. Surfing Conditions at Temple Point Wave Type: Right-hand reef break with a sketchy left option Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers Ideal Boards: Shortboards for speed and manoeuvrability Best Swell: Southwest (SW) swells Best Wind: Offshore; hates crossshore winds Best Time to Surf: Early mornings and evenings for optimal conditions Ride Length: 20-30 seconds of steep, fast waves…

Mirissa Harbour offers a faster, hollower wave compared to the main Mirissa Beach. It is just one bay away from where most visitors relax. Once an overlooked spot, it has gained popularity thanks to its fun, workable waves that cater to intermediate and advanced surfers. Surfing Conditions at Mirissa Harbour Wave Type: Hollow right-hand reef break Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers Ideal Boards: Shortboards for punchy days; longboards for fatter conditions Best Swell: Southwest (SW) swells Best Wind: Offshore winds in the morning Best Season: November to April Accessibility: A short walk from Mirissa Beach, but a long paddle…

Madiha is quickly gaining attention as one of the most overlooked yet promising surf spots on Sri Lanka’s south coast. While it hasn’t reached the A-list status of Weligama, Midigama, or Ahangama, its popularity is steadily rising. With new surf camps emerging along the shoreline, Madiha is becoming a top destination for intermediate surfers looking for less crowded, high-quality waves. Surfing Conditions at Madiha Wave Type: Reef break with both lefts and rights Best For: Intermediate shortboarders Ideal Boards: Shortboards and performance fishes Best Swell: Southwest (SW) swells Best Wind: Offshore winds, typically in the morning Best Season: October to…

SK Town is quickly emerging as one of the best beginner and intermediate surf spots on Sri Lanka’s south coast. As popular bays like Weligama become increasingly crowded with surf schools, more groups discover SK Town as a fantastic alternative. The wave quality here is excellent, making it a great destination for surfers looking to progress in a less hectic environment. Surfing Conditions at SK Town Wave Type: Wally, punchy beach breaks over sand Best For: Beginners and intermediates Ideal Boards: Funboards, longboards, and shortboards Best Swell: Southwest (SW) swells Best Wind: Northerly offshore Best Time to Surf: Early morning…

Matara Beach is a vast and open stretch of coastline located about 30 minutes east of Polhena by tuk-tuk. While not often surfed, it offers unique surf conditions compared to other Sri Lankan breaks. Surfing Conditions at Matara Beach Wave Type: Sandbar peaks with intermittent reef sections Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers Ideal Tide: Mid to low tide for reef sections Best Season: November to April Accessibility: A 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from Polhena Where to Surf at Matara Beach The bay's western end has rare sandbar peaks, offering something different from the typical Sri Lankan reef breaks. These are scattered…

Polhena Beach is a stunning stretch of sand, best known for its calm waters and the chance to swim with turtles rather than its surf. This is the perfect spot if you want to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty. However, for those eager to surf, a few options are worth considering. Surfing Options Near Polhena Beach While Polhena itself doesn’t offer much for surfers, you can find decent waves nearby: Madiha: A 20-minute walk or a short tuk-tuk ride from Polhena, Madiha is a well-known reef break with more consistent waves and better conditions for surfing. Polhena Reefs: There…

At the very western end of Mirissa Beach lies Mirissa Reef, also known as Mirissa Right. This reef break is sandwiched between a large sea boulder and the headland, offering a classic right-hand point break popular with intermediate surfers. Surfing Conditions at Mirissa Reef Wave Type: Right-hand reef break Best For: Intermediate surfers Ideal Boards: Shortboards and fishboards Ride Length: 100 meters on good days Best Swell: S-SE swells Best Season: November to April Accessibility: Short walk from Mirissa Beach What to Expect at Mirissa Reef Mirissa Reef is one of the mellower reef points in Sri Lanka, making it…

Weligama is widely considered the best beginner surf break in Sri Lanka, making it a popular destination for those looking to learn and refine their skills. Many surfers staying in Mirissa make the short trip to Weligama daily to take advantage of its consistent, mellow waves and ideal learning conditions. Why Surf in Weligama? Situated in the middle of a vast bay, Weligama is naturally protected by offshore islands and the headlands of Cape Midigama to the west. This unique geography creates a safe and manageable surfing environment, particularly for beginners. Inside the bay, sand-bottomed beach breaks split the primary…

Baby Point is the inside section of Main Point, Arugam Bay's most iconic barreling right-hander. As the name suggests, Baby Point offers a gentler, more forgiving version of the main break, making it the ideal spot for beginners. The wave loses much of its power as it wraps into the reefs at the south end of the town beach, providing mellow rides perfect for learning and practising. Getting to Baby Point Baby Point is conveniently located just a short walk from Arugam Bay town. Since it shares the same access route as Main Point, you can easily reach it by…

Main Point is arguably the most iconic wave in Arugam Bay. If you’ve ever searched for images of Arugam Bay surf, chances are you’ve seen pictures of this classic regional point break. Offering potentially long rides of 50-150 meters coming off a visible reef shelf just outside of Arugam Bay town, Main Point is a must-visit for surfers looking to experience the heart of the Sri Lankan surf scene. Getting to Main Point One of the best aspects of Main Point is its accessibility. Located just a short walk from Arugam Bay town, it’s visible from many beachfront accommodations and…