Kalpitiya
Remote and wild in the best sense, Kalpitiya sits on a long peninsula on the northwest coast, surrounded by lagoons, sandbanks, and open ocean. It is a premier destination for kitesurfing, and the waters between Kalpitiya and the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary offer some of Sri Lanka’s most reliable dolphin watching, with spinner dolphin pods […]
Hiriketiya
A horseshoe-shaped bay with an increasingly sophisticated but still intimate feel, Hiriketiya sits near Dickwella on the southern coast. It has become one of the more sought-after surf destinations in the south, attracting experienced surfers alongside a community of yoga practitioners and boutique travellers. The selection of small cafés and stays is excellent for its […]
Pasikuda
Pasikuda is known for its unusually shallow, calm lagoon – the sandbar extends so far out to sea that the water stays waist-deep for some distance, making it particularly suitable for families with young children. A small number of luxury resort properties line the bay. Best visited May to October.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee on the northeast coast has some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful natural harbours and beaches – including the long, pine-fringed sweep of Nilaveli and the calmer bay at Uppuveli. The east coast season is distinct from the south and west: Trincomalee is at its best between May and September, when the sea is calm […]
Arugam Bay
On Sri Lanka’s east coast, Arugam Bay is the island’s most celebrated surf destination and one of the top point breaks in Asia. During the surf season the bay comes alive with a bohemian, international energy, though it remains pleasantly unhurried by global standards. The surrounding area includes lagoons, national parks, and small coastal villages […]
Weligama
One of Sri Lanka’s most beginner-friendly surf destinations, Weligama has a wide, gently curving bay that is ideal for learners and intermediate surfers. The town is increasingly well-served with surf schools, boutique accommodation, and good dining – and its position on the southern coast makes it a natural companion to Galle and Mirissa. Best visited […]
Mirissa
A small, crescent-shaped beach with a laid-back character, Mirissa is best known as the departure point for Sri Lanka’s most accessible whale and dolphin watching excursions, particularly for blue whales between November and April. The beach itself is picturesque and calm during the dry season, and the town has a handful of excellent seafood restaurants […]
Galle
Galle is not simply a beach destination – it is Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric coastal town, built around a UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial fort that juts dramatically into the Indian Ocean. The Fort’s cobbled lanes are home to art galleries, boutique cafés, independent shops, and beautifully restored heritage hotels. The beaches nearby at Unawatuna and Jungle […]
Unawatuna
Tucked into a sheltered bay just south of Galle, Unawatuna has a relaxed, walkable atmosphere with calm, clear water and a good selection of guesthouses, restaurants, and bars. The nearby Jungle Beach is a quieter alternative, and the town is close enough to Galle Fort to combine a cultural morning with an afternoon by the […]
Bentota
A well-established coastal resort town about ninety minutes south of Colombo, Bentota is defined by the calm waters of its tidal lagoon as much as its long sandy beach. The Madu River mangrove system is accessible from here, and the beach itself is ideal for swimming outside of the monsoon season. Bentota works well as […]