Bathed in warm Indian Ocean current, and with nearly 1600 kilometres of palm-fringed coastline, Sri Lanka is an incredible surf destination. Positioned just south of India in the Indian Ocean you’ll find a land of magnificent landscapes featuring lagoons, fertile wetlands, mysterious forests, mountains, rivers and cascading waterfalls. Sri Lanka has an array of wildlife found in no other ecosystem, inspiring historical and religious sites, and a culture rich in tradition. With the west and east coast catching different swells, Sri Lanka is also a year-round surf trip destination.  

Quick Facts

Two opposite coastlines providing waves year-round 

Great for beginner and intermediate surfers 

Friendly locals and rich culture add to experience 

Incredible wildlife both terrestrial and marine

Sri Lanka Surf Season

Sri Lanka can be divided into two seasons, November to April and May to October. During the months of November to April, the best area of the country to be surfing is the south-west coastline with Hikkaduwa being the main surf area at this time of year. During the months of May to October the best part of the country is the east coast, with Arugam Bay being the main surf area at this time of year. While the monsoon is lashing the west coast, the endless beaches on the opposite side of the island stretch out under the blazing sun. Simply choose your coast and your season and you won’t be disappointed.

Attractions

For those who can't tear themselves away from the sea, try whale and dolphin watching tours or laying beachside on any of the untouched beaches around the island. Inland, check out Yala National Park, home of the densest population of spotted leopards in the world. You can also spot elephants, tropical birds, lizards, and a variety of lovely flora and fauna. There are also plenty of trekking trails, including Adam's Peak at 2,243m above sea level. For a cultural treat tour the Ceylon tea plantations in the central highlands, or visit some of the nation's oldest cities, such as Colombo, Kataragama, Kandy, and Galle.

The Country

Sri Lanka, meaning “Resplendent Island” in Sanskrit, is nestled off the Southeast corner of India, just 5° North of the equator in the temperate Indian Ocean. As early as the days of the Silk Road, the island has been at the centre of the shipping and trading routes across the region, lending to a wonderful multicultural community encompassing several religions, ethnicities and languages. Today, Sinhala and Tamil are Sri Lanka’s two official languages, though English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. The nearly 1,600km of coastline boasts palm-fringed beaches, which have remained surprisingly undeveloped despite the rise in tourism to the island. The interior of the island offers a variety of landscapes ranging from wildlife-rich jungles, home to elephants, leopards and countless bird species, 51 natural waterfalls, Ceylon tea plantations and mountain peaks reaching over 7,000ft (2,100m). Despite its small size it has the highest biodiversity density in all of Asia. Average yearly temperatures range from 82°F (28°C) to 88°F (31°C). 

Getting There

Sri Lanka’s main airport is the Colombo-Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB). There are many non-stop options from Europe, Australia and Asia.  

Travel Information

Time Zone

UTC+05:30 

Currency

LKR

Calling code

+94 

Electric

230 V