Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Surfers, Hikkaduwa
ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE / GETTY IMAGES ©
BEST SURF SPOTS
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka's best-known wave is at Arugam Bay on the east coast. Surf's up
at this long right point from April to October.
Weligama
On the south coast, Weligama seems custom-made for learning to surf and a
number of surf schools and camps have recently sprung up there.
Hikkaduwa
The reefs here on the west coast are a long-time favourite, although more for
the ease of living than for the quality of the waves.
Midigama
This area is the best spot along the south coast, with a mellow left point, a
nearby consistent beach break and a short and sharp right reef, which offers about the
only frequently hollow wave in Sri Lanka.
White-Water Rafting, Canoeing & Boating
You don't have to be a beach babe to enjoy Sri Lankan water sports. High up in the hills,
rivers tumble down mountains to produce some memorable rafting conditions.
Currently the best-known white-water rafting area is near Kitulgala, where a number of
different operators can take you out on gentle river meanders (around US$30 per person)
or, for experienced rafters, exciting descents of Class 4-5 rapids.
Adventure Sports Lanka
is the biggest player in Sri Lankan rafting and organises rafting expeditions to Kitulgala
and elsewhere from its Colombo base. The Belihul Oya area of the Hill Country is also
gaining a reputation for kayaking and other river-borne sports.
Back on salty water you can organise boat or catamaran trips for sightseeing, birdwatch-
ing and fishing around Negombo, Bentota and most east-coast beach resorts.
