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Colourful fishing boats in the bay at Weligama

South Coast

Weligama

Learn to surf in a sheltered bay

© Annelicious i · CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

A wide sandy bay with gentle waves, popular with beginner surfers, and a working fishing town.

Weligama's long bay has soft, forgiving waves in season, which makes it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to take a first surf lesson. Surf schools line the beach.

Away from the surf, colourful fishing boats, a small island temple and local life give the town its character.

Highlights

  • Beginner surf lessons in gentle waves
  • Fishing boats on the bay at sunrise
  • Easy access to Mirissa and Galle

Practical travel notes

  • Choose a surf school with insured, qualified instructors and proper equipment.
  • The main road runs close to the beach; quieter hotels are found at the ends of the bay.

Season

Surf and beach season is roughly November to April.

Content reviewed 21 October 2026. Practical details change — we confirm them when planning your trip.

Nearby destinations

  • Turquoise sea, rocks and a leaning palm on the coast at MirissaSouth Coast

    Mirissa

    Palm-lined beach and whale watching

    A crescent beach with relaxed restaurants, palm-topped rocks and boat trips to look for whales and dolphins.

    2–4 nights

  • A traveller sitting on the ramparts of Galle Fort, looking out over the oceanSouth Coast

    Galle Fort

    A walled town by the ocean

    A UNESCO-listed fortified town with ramparts, a lighthouse, cobbled lanes, boutiques and cafés.

    1–2 nights

  • The curved, palm-fringed beach at UnawatunaSouth Coast

    Unawatuna

    A sheltered bay near Galle

    A protected, curved bay with calmer water in season, snorkelling spots and the small Jungle Beach nearby.

    2–4 nights

All destinations