Sri Lanka is a magical tear drop shaped island known for luscious landscapes, fascinating Buddhist sights and culture, a tropical climate and unspoilt beaches. The island is fast becoming popular as one of the best yoga and surf destinations in the world and, whether you’re an absolute beginner or looking to improve your skills there are some really great surf camps in Sri Lanka to choose from. Many also combine yoga for the ultimate fun and healthy retreat experience.
As well as surfing and yoga you can also enjoy hiking, safaris and other interesting activities while visiting Sri Lanka. Ride a train through the lush countryside of rolling green tea carpets, spot wild elephants in one of Sri Lanka’s national parks, visit Buddhist temples and explore a colonial fort.
For me, Sri Lanka is kinda like a combination of the best bits of India, Thailand and Bali yet it’s still not overrun by tourism! Since Sri Lanka packs a lot in to a small island it’s often possible to do all these things as a day trip from the surf camps in Sri Lanka.
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There are so many great surf hotspots and surf camps in Sri Lanka and the tropical waters are warm so you shouldn’t need a wetsuit. Destinations like Hikkaduwa, Dickwella, Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa are popular from October to April. Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka’s biggest surf hotspot and is best from June-October, when the rest of the island is in monsoon.
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Sri Lanka has a huge variation in breaks and facilities so you’ll want to do some research before choosing the right surf camp for you. I use www.booksurfcamps.com to find surf schools and check real reviews from people who’ve already been there. It’s like the Booking.com for surf camps! To help you in your search for the perfect experiences here’s my pick of the 5 best surf camps in Sri Lanka.
Covid Update: Sri Lanka is now open again for tourism. Fully Vaccinated travellers no longer need to quarantine or do any tests on arrival. Check the Sri Lanka Tourism website for the latest information. Also check the re-entry requirements from your home country and ensure your travel insurance covers Covid. Mine is with SafetyWing. All these surf camps have implemented enhanced hygiene and distancing measures but some of the photos were taken before Covid.
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Table of Contents
Here is my pick of the 5 Best Surf Camps in Sri Lanka
The Surfer Weligama, Weligama
The Surfer Weligama hosts some of the most popular surf camps in Sri Lanka. The camp is located in Weligama, right near beautiful, uncrowded beaches and breaks for all levels. From there you’ll also have the possibility of exploring secret surf spots only accessible by boat. You’ll stay in accommodation with private balconies and bathrooms and access to wifi. There’s also has an outdoor swimming pool and a rooftop restaurant where the included breakfast and dinner are served.
This exciting surf camp offers 6 days of surf instruction for all levels, with two lessons a day taught by experienced instructors. Groups are kept to a maximum of 5 so you’ll receive plenty of personalised instruction and enjoy an intimate atmosphere while embracing the fun, relaxed vibe of this highly rated surf camp. The surf package includes 2 included yoga lessons that will compliment the skills needed for surfing, or you can also opt for a full yoga and surf retreat package with daily yoga sessions.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!
Surf & Yoga Mirissa, Mirissa
Head to Mirissa for this special yoga and surf camp experience designed especially for women! This surf camp for women is ISA certified and welcomes beginner and intermediate surfers. The bohemian vibe of this camp creates a sense of relaxation, as you balance 5 surf sessions, 4 yoga sessions (mat and ariel yoga are both available) and relaxation in a garden surrounded by roaming peacocks, monkeys, and mongoose.
This surf camp’s location in the south offers ideal conditions for new surfers, with consistent, inviting waves to ride all day. You’ll learn from certified instructors in a small group setting, relax in a comfortable hostel atmosphere with air conditioning and hot showers, and enjoy complimentary breakfast with vegetarian and vegan options, and plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars and beaches nearby to explore.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!
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Arugam Bay Surf Camp, Arugam Bay
Head to the Arugam Bay, one of the top surf destinations in the world, for a relaxing 8 day surf camp. Arugam Bay Surf Camp offers surf lessons for all experience levels, a complimentary daily breakfast with amazing smoothie bowls, and a complimentary massage that customers rave about. You’ll stay in cute and comfortable accommodation equipped with air conditioning or ceiling fan, hammocks, access to a yoga deck, and a restaurant.
Ride the surf all day with certified instructors in small groups of the same ability, and head in to enjoy a delicious smoothie bowl afterwards, soaking up Arugam Bay’s one of a kind vibe. You’ll also get footage of your surfing footage for you to keep or share with friends. There’s also the option to join several excursions (for an additional cost) to visit the national parks, tea plantations, waterfalls, temples and ancient sites that make this area truly special and make the most of your time on this beautiful island.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!
The Nuga House, Kabalana
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Kabalana offers some of the best surf conditions in the country making the area a great choice for surf camps in Sri Lanka and Nuga House is located only 100 meters from the best surf spot. The team at Nuga House have created a magical and relaxing surf and yoga experience offering a balance of yoga and surf for all levels, peaceful natural surroundings, and an outdoor pool for relaxing dips after a day of fun in the sun.
You’ll enjoy daily surf and yoga lessons from certified instructors, have your lessons recorded, and analyze them with your instructor to make improvements throughout your stay. Choose to stay in The Nuga House, a unique boutique hotel, or Venus Resort, a jungle inspired villa. Whichever you choose you’ll have complimentary breakfast with Ayurvedic and vegetarian options. access to the pool and spa, and communal areas including the restaurant, library, and yoga shala.
The yoga shala is built around a Nuga tree, where the camp gets its name and reputation as a natural oasis. You can also arrange massages, cooking classes and excursions to nearby tea plantations, Kogalla lake, and surfing at the Blue Lagoon.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!
The Salty Pelican, Hiriketiya
If your ideal surf camp in Sri Lanka has you daydreaming of sunny days surfing before winding down with a relaxing yoga session, surrounded by unspoilt, tropical paradise and magical vibes, then The Salty Pelican may be just what you are looking for. This popular surf camp and yoga retreat is located on a headland right between two pristine beaches. The multi-cultural instructors offer great surfing instruction, diverse yoga classes and rejuvenating meditation sessions for all levels.
This retreat is recently built and only 200 meters from the beach. It features modern, clean, and comfortable amenities including a gorgeous infinity swimming pool, yoga deck and yoga shala surrounded by jungle greenery. Enjoy meals at the poolside restaurant featuring delicious local ingredients, seafood, smoothie bowls, Sri Lankan coffee, and vegetarian and vegan dishes.
There are a variety of packages available. The 8 day surf, mediation and yoga holiday includes unlimited surf board hire and 5 surf lessons as well as daily mediations, unlimited daily yoga classes in Hatha and Yin styles, accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 group dinners and a massage. You also have the option to join evening events, national park visits, exploring temples, markets and more beaches nearby.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!
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Learn to Kite Surf in Kalpitiya
While in Sri Lanka you could also try kite surfing! Kalpitiya is one of the best places in the world for kiting and also one of the best places to spot dolphins! I lost count of how many dolphins I saw here frolicking and jumping when on a boat trip. Kalpitiya is only just starting to be discovered so it’s still very authentic.
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It takes a while to get the hang of kite surfing so if you’re interested in trying it out check out this 8 day learn to kite surf package at Sun Wind Beach Kalpitiya, the only wholly local family run kite resort here with natural, hand built cabanas and delicious home cooking. The package includes 9 hours of tuition over 4 days and you can also add on option excursions around this part of Sri Lanka so far undiscovered by tourists.
Click here for more details and to book!
Have you been to any amazing surf camps in Sri Lanka?
Leave your recommendations in the comments below the post and help out other surfers and travellers! 😊
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