Beaches & the Ocean

Our favourites beaches

There are no private beaches in Sri Lanka, so whilst empty by European standards there are always other people around.

Unawatuna – Buzzing back packer scene, good for nightlife

Wijaya – Reef protected lagoon, sea turtles, good bar

Devata – The Shack café, super kid friendly, good for beginner surfing

Habaraduwa – Great for walking, KK Beach Club

Ahangama – Lovely beach, Café Ceylon and Pickled Pelican good bars

Weligama – Beginner surf, lots of teachers, W15 & Locale

Beach walks

Taking a walk on the beach is the most beautiful way to start or end your day. Our favorite is:

Habaraduwa Beach – soft sand, palm fringed, about 2 km long – for a good long walk and ocean swim. Take a 15 minute tuk tuk ride to KK Beach Club which is a good landmark. You get to the beach freely either side, or use KK, leaving your bag there and getting a King Coconut or coffee on your return.

Hiriketiya – 1 hour away (60km) we highly recommend the Horseshoe Bay with its first class restaurant ‘Smoke & Bitters’ which you must book and won’t be disappointed. A lovely day or evening out.

Surfing

Sri Lanka is amongst many other things, a surfer’s paradise.

Kabalana, Ahangama and Midigama are great for more advanced surfers.

If you are a learner the nearest beginner breaks are at:

Devata – approx. 10 mins by Tuk Tuk

Ahangama – approx. 20 mins by tuk tuk

Lovely Kabalana Beach opposite the charming Café Ceylon.

Weligama – approx. 20 mins by car

The vast Weligama bay is probably the best known and popular beginner surf break. There are lots of surf instructors and places to hire a board.

Sailing, snorkeling and Diving

You can hire snorkels at most beaches and the fish and turtles are not shy!

Diving is seasonal but recommended if you enjoy it. Pearl Divers PADI resort at the Dive Centre in Unawatuna is the most reputable.

Sailing and Yacht charter – Mirissa

Available October – May

Discover the joy of sailing and/or have a lesson or two on a Minibee 6.5, a Dragon, a Dhoni or a Hobie Cat 18.

Rent a catamaran – it comes with crew – for a 3 hour, day or sunset cruise

Rent a RIB with a skipper