In the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of ending one year and starting the next in Sri Lanka. This country had been on my list for a while. I’ll never forget my friends returning from their honeymoon years ago, raving about the beaches, kind locals, lush nature, incredible food, and tea. Their stories stuck with me, so it was only a matter of time before I finally visited this island paradise.
I kicked things off with a surf camp and rang in the New Year here with Rachel. Then, as my year in Asia entered its final quarter (😭😭😭), I took stock of my priorities (warm weather, surf, good food & vibes)—so, naturally, I extended my visa. After two months of exploring, I’ve got the insider scoop on surfing Sri Lanka’s South Coast.
Keep in mind, this insider scoop is based on my own experiences. These are the surf towns I visited and fell for—each lured me in for one reason or another. There are plenty of other magical spots along this coast.
Surf season on Sri Lanka’s South Coast runs from November–April. Head to the East Coast for the best waves if you’re visiting between May–September. But if you’re chasing the dry season on the South Coast, here are my top five picks, starting in the north: Dewata, Ahangama, Midigama, Weligama, and Hiriketiya.
Let’s drop in! 🤙🏾
Dewata
• What to Expect – Just outside Galle, Dewata is an excellent surf cove for beginners. It’s got a fun, welcoming energy and is a great place to ease into Sri Lanka’s waves before heading further south. The beach is set in a cove lined with surf shops and restaurants. What’s unique about Dewata is its contrast—serene, protected beach vibes on one side, and then, step onto the street, and you’re hit with city energy and all its offerings. We stayed in Galle for a little culture fix and took the 10-minute bus ride here daily.
• Surf Scene – A beach break ideal for first-timers and longboarders—you can look forward to a friendly lineup. I surfed here with a friend new to surfing, and he loved it. A solid swell meant overhead waves, and I had an absolute blast too! Don’t rule out this beach for fun rides, no matter your level.
• Favorite Find – Surf Gang. We stumbled upon this place among the sea of surf shops and kept returning. The locals running the joint were so welcoming and friendly. Their boards were in good shape, prices fair, and they even offered to hold our luggage as we ran errands. It’s an absolute gem.
• Favorite Eatery – Milano Restaurant. Across the street from Surf Gang, don’t miss this no-frills local restaurant. They serve hearty, delicious Sri Lankan food sure to fill you up for just a few bucks. Think roti, rice & curry, kottu, hoppers, papadam, paratha and sambal.
Ahangama
• What to Expect – A standout on the South Coast, Ahangama blends surf culture with stylish cafés and boutique stays. It has more of a happening scene than its neighbors but still keeps that easygoing beach vibe. I love how locals and traveling surfers coexist here so seamlessly. You can grab a roadside roti or a beautifully plated avocado toast steps from each other.
• Surf Scene – Home to solid reef breaks, Ahangama is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. My favorites are Marshmallow and Gas Station. You can rent a board in front of Marshmallow, making it an easy go-to. Get there early (6 a.m. for sunrise won’t disappoint)—this break is no secret! If you’re not an early riser, you can find windows to surf with fewer people.
• Favorite Find – Maria Bonita Cafe & Casa. Just across the street from Marshmallow, this little gem has sleek, contemporary guesthouses and a thoughtfully designed café. Cris has done a fantastic job making it stand out with her impeccable style in a stretch of look-alikes.
• Favorite Eatery – Townhouse. Tucked into a side street off one of the main roads, everything about this spot is exceptional—the architecture, the atmosphere, and the incredible brothers running the show. But the food? Next level. Their curries and mango chutney are unforgettable, with a secret sauce fueled by love and old family recipes. You’re gonna want to eat here—likely more than once.
Midigama
• What to Expect – While surfing Sri Lanka’s South Coast, don’t skip Midigama. More low-key than its northern neighbor, Ahangama, this little gem is for those who want great waves with slightly fewer crowds. It’s simple—blink, and you might not realize you drove through it. No ATM, no ice baths, just a pure, simple surf town.
• Surf Scene – Known for its reef breaks like Lazy Lefts and Rams, Midigama is ideal for confident surfers chasing fast, clean waves. My favorite? Lazy Right. There’s much to discover, so rent a moto and cruise the coast to find your ideal break. Many accommodations and board rentals are scattered along the main stretch, so logistics are a breeze. I enjoyed a week at Hot Tuna Guesthouse across from my favorite wave—jackpot!
• Favorite Find – Paradise Cove. A surprising discovery in this humble town, this beach club is a little different. Snag a sunbed or a shady bean bag for a minimum spend off the menu, or enjoy the restaurant with no commitment. The real highlight? A private cove-like lagoon right out front—exceptional for cooling off between tropical naps. Prices are higher, so expect more travelers than locals, but it’s a refreshing switch-up when you need it.
• Favorite Eatery – G. G. Francis Restaurant at Rams. Now, this is an unforgettable local spot. It has some of the best food and prices around, the kind of place you keep returning to. Bonus? Your real-time sundowner entertainment is watching fearless surfers take on Rams. The owner is just lovely. Spots like this are what make Sri Lanka special.
Weligama
• What to Expect – Weligama is beginner surf-central, a buzzing beach town with a long, sandy coastline. It’s the perfect mix of relaxed and energetic, with plenty of spots to eat, stay, and surf. I gave my friend an impromptu surf lesson here, and it made me realize just how well this beach supports beginners. Weli is the town with the most surf camps on my list—something to consider if you want a more structured surf experience. If you’re not a beginner, don’t fret—surf camps cater to all levels. Depending on your level, they will split you into groups and take you to the proper breaks. Also, the coaches have local priority in the water, which is passed on to their students. This makes the experience first-class and aids in you catching more waves. Rachel and I spent a week at The Surfer during the winter holiday, and it delivered.
• Surf Scene – A novice beach break with soft waves rolling in all day. This is a great spot to get your feet wet if you’re learning. Although crowded, Weli’s long stretch of coast means you can always find a nook to practice your pop-ups. Feeling frisky? Head to the northern end and hire a local fisherman to drop you off at Fisherman, a right-hand reef break suited for intermediate to advanced riders.
• Favorite Find – Kai Beach Club. Whether you’re here for a post-surf feast, a refreshing dip in the pool, or a sunset cocktail, this spot has it all. There are a few restaurants to choose from, offering everything from fresh seafood, Italian-inspired pizza, vibrant salads, imported wine, and indulgent ice cream. The cozy oceanside loungers make it hard not to linger. Regular live music keeps the energy high.
• Favorite Eatery – Mr. Taco. Get ready for wild, fresh food with a heavy hand of veggies and huge portions. The two locals running this food truck are full of smiles and love. This down-to-earth spot is busy, and they are a two-man show, so have patience as your memorable food is made to order.
Hiriketiya
• What to Expect – While surfing Sri Lanka’s South Coast, this dreamy horseshoe-shaped bay with jungle-backed waves is a must-mention. Hiriketiya (Hiri for short), just outside Dickwella, is a little slice of paradise. What I loved about Hiri is that no busy main road runs through it like the towns mentioned above. It’s a village built around a bay, making it walkable and easy to get to know locals. As you know, places like this don’t stay a secret, but the crowds are manageable. I stayed at Muthu Hiriketiya & would absolutely go back!
• Surf Scene – With a beginner-friendly beach break on one side of the bay and a shallow reef break on the other, there’s something for the entire crew. The reef break is a cruisy longboard-style wave, although some shortboards were out there. The line-up gets packed, but the setting makes up for it. Surf at different times of the day to find your window of peace.
• Favorite Find – O’key. This was my favorite bayside café because of the owner, Ronald. He is as kind as they come, serving top-notch food and renting quality boards just steps from the reef break. He made me feel welcome—like family—something I never take for granted. I loved hearing about his life as a chef and seaman. Sunsets here hit just right, too—something about O’key’s angle is spot on.
• Favorite Eatery – Kingsley Hot Kitchen. Here’s a touted spot you will regret missing. A traditional menu with that extra love we’ve been talking about—each bite is a YES. The catch? You must stop by during the day and make a reservation for one of their two nightly dinner services. Yep, it’s dinner-only and has a following. You’re welcome.
Surfing Sri Lanka’s South Coast
The thing about surfing Sri Lanka’s mesmerizing South Coast is that no two people will experience it the same way. That’s the magic. You might post up in Weligama for weeks, dialing in your pop-up and making friends over coconuts. Maybe you’ll wake up in Hiri, roll out of bed, and paddle into the bay before your first sip of coffee. Or you’ll find yourself in Midigama, where the days slip by in a golden haze of motorbike rides, challenging reef breaks, and post-surf roti.
These five towns pulled me in, held me, and left their mark. But your journey will be your own. Maybe you’ll find a different stretch of sand that feels like home. Maybe your favorite meal won’t be on this list but tucked away somewhere unassuming, served with a knowing wink and a side of fiery sambal because you said, I like it Sri Lanka spicy.
However you explore it, Sri Lanka’s South Coast will leave its mark. The waves, the warmth, the food, and the people might just make this your new favorite destination.
Go chase it.
xoxo, Bekah
PS – For an inland mountain adventure, check out our Ella recs. Want to dive deeper into Sri Lanka’s culture before you arrive? Here’s what has fascinated us.
