Top 5 Surf Beaches in Sri Lanka

Dangling like a teardrop into the swells of the Indian Ocean, the island is becoming a magnet for beginner, intermediate and expert surfers alike, offering up beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks around its southern sweep. November to April brings morning offshore winds to the south and west, centred around Hikkadua, where beach and reefs dominate. May to October brings the same conditions to the east, where you’ll find Sri Lanka’s surfing capital, Arugam Bay. Crowds can be a problem at both of these hubs, so head south and southwest for a clearer line-up. Here are five of the island’s more clandestine surfy highlights.

Turtle Point

Located in the southern village of Madiha, Turtle Point is considered to be one of the best hidden surf points on the island, ideal for intermediates and above, sitting directly in front of the reclusive Stella Beach Resort. Through the palm trees, you can see the consistent peeling A-frame as it breaks over the reef. There’s also a left and a deep left that’s an immediate favourite of any advanced goofie who tackles it. If you’re fortunate enough to be staying at the luxurious Stella Beach Villa, the concierge at Dynamic Lives can organise lessons and board hire on your behalf.

Talalla Bay

A beautiful, palm-fringed, crescent-shaped cove that stretches for 2km, with a luxury surf camp and a sandy-bottomed, low-powered beach break that’s perfect for beginners. More advanced surfers will prefer the reef breaks at the far ends of the bay, where you can eek out a more powerful white-water ride. You’ll have this stretch of sand practically to yourself – there is little development here. Nearby is the small village of Aranwella, where you’ll find Dynamic Lives’ luxury Villa Maya.

Tangalle

The fishing village of Tangalle is known for its luxury private Sri Lanka villas and resorts and nearby nature reserves and temples, but less well known as a surf spot. The locals know about it’s right-hand point break, though: when the wind and tide are working in sync, it’s a great spot for intermediates, with a reef underneath and rocks to the side. Not for the faint-hearted. For those who like to kick back in luxury, the award-winning Kadju House villa is located in a cashew grove not far away.

Mirissa

Mirissa is a beautiful and popular sweep of sand surrounded by palm trees. It can get more crowded than some of the other southern spots mentioned here, but intermediates who want to practice their reef surfing should tackle the low-powered right near the rocks. There’s also left-hander near the harbour. The swell can rise to 6ft, however check the tides as the reef can get perilously close to the surface when the water’s low.

Midigama

This village on the south coast has become a local favourite for its long lazy left – another goofy-footer’s paradise offering barrels, easy entry and peaks up to 6 feet high during most of the season. There’s a also a healthy right, known as Rams Right. Beware of the rocks and sea urchins –  and look out for the parrot fish swimming alongside your board when the water is crystal clear. Well worth bringing a mask and snorkel if you fancy a change of pace.