Surfing & water activities
Surf lessons in Weligama, point breaks in Arugam Bay, snorkelling at Pigeon Island and whale watching off Mirissa.
Beginners learn to surf in the gentle waves of Weligama, while experienced surfers head to Arugam Bay in summer. Snorkelling and diving are good around Pigeon Island and parts of the south coast in season.
Between roughly November and April, boats from Mirissa head out to look for blue whales and dolphins.
Who it suits
Surf lessons suit confident swimmers from about 8–10 years old, depending on the school. Snorkelling suits most swimmers.
Good to know
Where to experience it
South CoastMirissa
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
South CoastWeligama
Learn to surf in a sheltered bay
A wide sandy bay with gentle waves, popular with beginner surfers, and a working fishing town.
2–4 nights
South CoastUnawatuna
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
Colombo & West CoastBentota
Long beaches and river life
Wide golden beaches, resort hotels and a calm river lagoon for boat trips, close to Colombo and the airport.
2–4 nights
East CoastTrincomalee
Clear water on the east coast
A natural harbour town with the clifftop Koneswaram temple, white beaches at Nilaveli and snorkelling at Pigeon Island.
2–4 nights
East CoastPasikuda
The calm shallow bay
A long, very shallow bay protected by a reef, where the water stays calm and clear far out from the shore.
2–4 nights
East CoastArugam Bay
Surf town on the east coast
A laid-back surf village with famous point breaks, lagoons full of birdlife and a relaxed, international atmosphere.
2–4 nights