Are you thinking of surfing in Ahangama? Wondering what the waves are like, when’s best to visit, if there are any good surf camps, and where to find the secret spots? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers. Welcome to our Ahangama surf guide, we hope to see you out on the breaks!
Everyone has a happy place in this world. A few of my friends have those mountain tops they always talk about, maybe that special walk they take their dogs, Beth’s is under the waves diving in the Maldives, and I’m sure a few of you have a surf spot or somewhere else a little secret.
For me, Ahangama’s surf will always be my happy place.
This town just has a special place in my heart. It was where I really learned to surf, to step up from the funboards, dial down those turns, and start hitting the bigger waves. Now I come back every year to spend the winter hitting those clean morning peelers and enjoy the good vibes.
You see, Ahangama is one of the best surf towns in Sri Lanka and will definitely start featuring on the world’s top lists over the next few years.
The area has more surf breaks than anywhere else on the South Coast – there are at least 10 known spots on this short stretch of shoreline and a few secret ones too.
Whether you’re pro or a complete beginner there’s something for everyone in Ahangama. The town is home to one of Sri Lanka’s world-class waves, The Rock, but it also has endless reef breaks, some nice longboard waves, and a good beach break for beginners.
Beyond the waves Ahangama just has vibes. A few years ago the town only had a couple of nice hotels and a few shacks on the beach. Since then, it’s experienced a local gold rush with many surf schools, bohemian apartments, hipster restaurants, and fun parties being set up by all kinds of people.
If you’re looking for a great place to surf in one of those up-and-coming Bali-type locations without the tourists or the traffic, you can’t get much better than Ahangama!
Ahangama Surf Spot Map
Ahangama is a long town stretching 4km from Sion at the edge of Midigama all the way past Kabalana Beach towards Kogalla. The shoreline is defined by many small coves, beautiful golden sand beaches, and sections of rock and reef.
This diverse coastline and the warm tropical waters have allowed many reefs to grow, and when you combine that with a clear line of sight across the Indian Ocean it makes Ahangama a complete swell magnet. Along this stretch there are so many spots to explore, and here’s a map to help you find them.
10 Ahangama Surf Spots
The Rock
The Rock is one of the top surf spots in Sri Lanka and regarded by many as the best deep-reef A-frame on the island. If you’ve seen pictures of big surf in Sri Lanka on social media, there is a good chance it was taken here.
The Rock catches a lot of swell from many angles that break over a deep reef creating perfect peaking waves and offering both rights and lefts. Typically the left is a long wall offering up to 400-meter rides and maybe the opportunity to duck into a little barrel when the swell is pumping.
The right is a much shorter hollow ride that breaks into the channel making it easy to paddle around to give it another go.
At a glance:
- Wave type: A-frame reef break
- Wave direction: Lefts and rights
- Takeoff: Steep and fast
- Rides: 300 – 400 meters
- Level: Intermediates / Advanced
- Paddle out: Long but easy
- Crowds: Very busy
The Rock is the biggest wave in Ahangama by far holding up to 10ft on the big days, even on small days it tends to be shoulder height and larger than anything else in the town.
The takeoff is fast and the wave has a lot of push so it’s only suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
If you can surf, you don’t want to miss this wave on your trip to Sri Lanka.
Location: Kabalana Beach
Kabalana Beach Break
A short paddle across from The Rock is Kabalana Beach Break, a long stretch of multiple sandy bottom peaks that share the same shoreline.
Kabalana is great for everyone, if you’re intermediate or advanced you’ll be able to find your own space and have fun on the bigger peaks out back. The waves here tend to close out more than most spots in Ahangama but you can still score 50+ meter rides on the good days.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Beach break
- Wave direction: Lefts and rights
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 25 – 75 meters
- Level: All
- Paddle out: Short and easy
- Crowds: Medium
If you’re a beginner, Kabalana Beach Break is one of the best places to learn in the town. There are no rocks under the surface so it’s a great place to practice in the whitewash and then head out back to catch your first green wave. The locals on the beach offer lessons for $10-15 a session, just turn up and you’re ready to roll.
Kabalana Beach has some of the best vibes in the town. There’s a good social buzz with many people sipping beers and chatting on the sand, groups playing volleyball, and local kids playing football. We highly recommend spending a day here if you visit Ahangama.
Location: Kabalana Beach
Sticks
Sticks was the spot I fell in love with when I first visited Ahangama. This chest-deep semi-reef break is the perfect spot for intermediates looking to step up and find a wave with more power and a better shape.
The left has a nice fun wall that can offer up to 100-meter fast rides. Just watch out if you ride to the end because it gets super shallow on top of a sharp reef and it’s easy to get stuck behind the break.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Semi-reef break
- Wave direction: Lefts and rights
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 50 – 200 meters
- Level: Intermediates
- Paddle out: Medium and easy
- Crowds: Busy
The right here is beautiful offering 200-meter rides with multiple sections to get through. When the swell is pumping this is a great spot where you’ll often have the peak all to yourself so you can really dial in those turns.
Sticks is named after the famous stilt fisherman who often uses this reef to catch their dinner. But don’t mistake where they currently are for this spot, the stilts move every 3-6 months and there are a couple of reefs they use that you definitely don’t want to surf – just head to Sticks Point Cafe and you’ll find it, they have a great cheap lunch too!
Location: Sticks Point Cafe
Marshmallow
Ahh Marshmallow, this nice mellow rolling deep-reef break is one of the best beginner step-up spots on the South Coast. Named after its soft takeoff and forgiving cushy nature it’s the perfect wave for newbies to try a reef break with a better shape than the starter beach breaks.
Marshmallow is also great for longboarders and intermediates who want nice long rides, it’s easy to catch 250-meter casual waves from the peak close to the shore. Just to warn you, it’s a long paddle back!
At a glance:
- Wave type: Reef break
- Wave direction: Lefts and right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 50 – 250 meters
- Level: Beginner / Intermediates
- Paddle out: Long and easy
- Crowds: Very Busy
Marshmallow has become a very popular spot in recent years so expect crowds if you visit. If you need a board then the locals rent good quality foamies and epoxies on the beach next to Popeye’s Bar.
When the swell picks up the wave at Marshmallow changes quickly and it can hold some decent size. We’ve surfed a good few overheads here and we love it when we can give it a new temporary name – Smashmallows! If The Rock or Sticks is too big for you then this is a good spot to try out.
Location: Popeye’s Bar
Animals
A few years ago Animals was one of those quiet undiscovered spots that no one knew about. A perfect big deep-reef A-frame where you could have the peak almost all to yourself and catch awesome 300-meter rides on a fun left-hand wall or a few fast snappy right-handers.
These days, the development at Ahangama Beach and the growth of the town have meant this spot is a little more well-known, but it’s still a great break to avoid the busy crowds and hit one of Ahangama’s biggest waves.
To work, this spot needs swell so the wave can break on the outer reef, if it’s small it’s best to head to another break.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Reef break
- Wave direction: Lefts and rights
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 100 – 300 meters
- Level: Intermediates / Advanced
- Paddle out: Long and easy
- Crowds: Medium
The peak at Animals is a long 300-meter paddle from Ahangama Beach through the channel and round to the right. The reef on the right-hand side is very shallow so it’s important to always get in from the middle of the beach outside Elita’s – and make sure to get out the same way!
Location: Ahangama Beach
Ahangama Beach Break
On your paddle out to Animals, you’ll pass the newest named surf spot in town – Ahangama Beach Break.
This fickle wave was often overlooked but as the bars turned up at the beach so did the surfboard racks and now this is one of the newest beginner breaks in town.
The wave here is inconsistent but with a nice sandy bottom and a mellow getup, it is an ok place to take a first lesson and to play around on a foamy.
Ceylon Sliders run lessons from their beach bar which costs between $30-50, which is quite expensive but the teaching quality is high.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Beach break
- Wave direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow but sometimes fast
- Rides: 25 – 50 meters
- Level: All
- Paddle out: Easy
- Crowds: Quiet
When a big South Easterly swell hits and the tide is low the beach break can fire up and become one of the best waves in Ahangama. A huge fast left rolls off the nearby reef giving 150+ meter rides and the chance to tuck into a little barrel. It only works 2 or 3 times a season so you need to head here if the conditions are right.
Location: Ahangama Beach
Dreamsea Left
On the left side of Ahangama Beach right in front of the famous rope swing is another fickle wave – Dreamsea left.
On a typical day, this break tends to be a nice cruisy soft wave where longboarders love gliding into the channel for an easy paddle back around.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Reef Break
- Wave direction: Left
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 50 – 150 meters
- Level: Intermediates / Advanced
- Paddle out: Easy
- Crowds: Quiet
Again, when a South Easterly swell hits this spot comes alive and is perfect for short boarders looking for a punchy left-hander with a nice shape. It happens more than the beach break but don’t expect it to work if you’re only coming for a short trip, it’s still a rare occasion.
Location: Dreamsea Hotel
The Cove / Gas Stations
Past Ahangama town towards Soul & Surf is a nice stretch of 3-4 peaks known as The Cove or Gas Stations after the beautiful nearby beach and where you can fill up your moped.
Being further away from the town center this spot tends to be less crowded and you can sometimes have it all to yourself.
The waves here can be hit or miss. When it’s small it tends to be mushy and soft so it’s a good place for beginners/intermediates who want to get away from the crowds. But when some swell rolls in this spot can get really punchy with a fun lip and some big drops on the takeoff.
When the conditions hit a sweet spot The Cove has a stunning peel and can sometimes barrel, it’s a beautiful site to see.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Reef break
- Wave direction: Lefts and rights
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 50 – 200 meters
- Level: Intermediates
- Paddle out: Medium but easy
- Crowds: Quiet
This area of Ahangama is stunning and the beach is a must-visit. Expect beautiful turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, tall cliffs covered in palm trees, and nice quiet vibes. After you surf, Kaffi and Soul and Surf Cafe are great places to grab lunch or a beer and soak in some sunshine.
Location: The cove
Sion / Devils Rock
Almost in Midigama, Sion is one of the furthest spots away from the town center and is a great wave for intermediates. The break here can hold up to 5-6ft waves with a nice medium-speed takeoff over a deep reef.
Typically this wave is surfed by the travellers staying in the nice stretch of up-market beachfront hotels and jungle hideaways near this area. If you’re staying in Ahangama town there isn’t much point venturing to this spot.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Reef Break
- Wave direction: Lefts and right
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 50 – 200 meters
- Level: Intermediates / Advanced
- Paddle out: Medium and easy
- Crowds: Medium
If we hit this spot we’ll often come in the evening when Devils Rock offers a little more shelter from the wind and the waves might be less blown out. Sion also has a great view down the coast to watch sunset and some good bars for a few casual drinks.
If there are no waves you can actually swim out to Devil’s Rock and climb it, it’s a unique experience and we highly recommend it.
Location: Devils Rock
South Beach
Right at the opposite end of town you’ll find a perfect wave for longboarding – South Beach. The wave is nice and slow offering 400-meter lefts and rights that rarely closeout giving you lots of time to practice walking or hanging five.
At a glance:
- Wave type: Semi-reef break
- Wave direction: Lefts and rights
- Takeoff: Melow
- Rides: 200 – 450 meters
- Level: Any
- Paddle out: Long but easy
- Crowds: Quiet
Being so far away from Ahangama town, South Beach tends to be a quiet spot and a great place to get away from the crowds. There is a nearby SUP camp so expect to share the waves with a few paddle boarders.
Location: South Beach
Ahangama Surf Season
The best time to visit Ahangama is between November and April when the southwest monsoon has finished and the coastline has consistent weather.
Throughout these months the conditions work like clockwork with Ahangama experiencing offshore winds in the mornings that provide beautiful glassy waves. The wind tends to pick up by lunchtime when the spots blow out before settling in the afternoon giving you the chance to double up your sessions.
The peak months are January and February when there is the least chance of rain and the most amount of sunshine hours. The shoulder months will still have nice weather and consistent waves but there is a higher chance of rain. We still love coming in December or April when it’s often a little quieter and the surf is still great – there are plenty of bars to hideaway when it rains!
Typical Conditions:
| Month | Swell | Wind | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Medium | Offshore | Sunny | Busy |
| Mar – Apr | Medium to big | Offshore | Mixed | Medium |
| May – Oct | Big | Onshore | Monsoon | Quiet |
| Nov – Dec | Medium to big | Offshore | Mixed | Medium |
Sri Lanka’s surf seasons are a tale of two halves and from May the South West monsoon brings strong onshore winds and frequent storms.
Although Ahangama stays open all summer and you can have the odd surf session it’s worth skipping these months and heading to Arugam Bay and the East Coast instead.
Surf Shops, Rentals & Lessons
Although Ahangama has been known by die-hard surfers for several years it has only just started to get popular with travelers and tourists.
Recently there has been a big influx of surf shops and instructors but it’s still relatively undeveloped vs towns like Midigama or Hiriketyia. Here’s how to navigate rentals and lessons.
Surf shops and rentals
There are not a lot of dedicated surf shops in Ahangama and often people rent boards directly from Ahangama or Kabalana Beach.
If you want to get the best prices or good quality boards these are the best places in town:
- R.D.S Surf School – a locally run surf shop and school located at Sticks Surf Spot that offers a number of foamies, funboards, and performance boards. Typically they offer slightly older boards at a cheap price.
- Marshmallow Surf School – a locally run rental business on the beach at Marshmallow Surf Spot. They offer new epoxy funboards at reasonable prices.
- Kabalana Beach – there are many locals renting a whole range of boards for all different prices typically per session or for the day. It’s best to walk around and negotiate here.
- Ceylon Sliders – a foreign-owned business renting brand new but expensive boards on Ahangama Beach.
Prices can change wildly depending on where you get them and for how long.
Typical prices:
| Board | Short Term | Long Term |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Top | $3 – 6 per hour | $4 – 5 per day |
| Epoxy Funboard | $3 – 6 per hour | $4 – 8 per day |
| Performance / Longboard | $5 – 10 per hour | $5 – 15 per day |
Our personal recommendation for rentals is to head out of town and go to Midigama where there are more options and better prices. We have used Indika Surf Shop many times, they’re the best!
Where to fix a surfboard
There are no surf shops in Ahangama that fix boards. If you have a little run-in with the rocks or you pick up a ding you should head to Indika Surf Shop in Midigama, they are one of the best at fixing boards on the South Coast.
Beginners and lessons
Ahangama is one of the best places to learn to surf on the South Coast because of its forgiving beach breaks, great step-up waves, and many options for lessons.
It’s so easy to find good instructors in the town and you have the option of self-organising, joining a school, or staying at a dedicated surf camp.
If you want a private lesson it’s best to find you own instructor where you’ll get cheaper prices or you can find a specialist instructor.
The easiest and cheapest way to do this is to head to Kabalana Beach or RDS Surf School and negotiate with whoever you vibe with best. Prices will typically be between $15-20 per session and include all the equipment.
If you’re looking for a really high-quality instructor and you don’t mind paying a bit more we highly recommend Firdow at Pro Surf School.
He taught Beth for months and really helped her builder her confidence. He charges $35 per session and you can expect to level up big time. You can contact him directly on WhatsApp to organise a lesson: +0779747576
There are also several more established foreign-run surf schools in Ahangama where you can join group classes or have private lessons with some very experienced surf instructors. Some of the best are:
- Ceylon Sliders – great coaching offered at Ahangama Beach for $50 per person
- Ohana – coaching and video analysis near Ahangama Town for $50 per person
- Good Story Surf School – coaching on Kabalana Beach for $120 per person
- Ticket to ride – very experienced coaches and video analysis for $100 per person
If you ask us, we recommend going directly with the locals or joining a dedicated surf camp.
Ahangama surf camps
If you’re interested in a surf camp in Sri Lanka then you won’t find a better location than Ahangama.
The town is home to more camps than anywhere else on the island including budget options, famous global brands, and a few specialist camps for advanced surfers.
Every camp has a unique style and bundles different room options, activities, food choices, and surf packages. Here are the top ones to check out.
Don’t want a surf camp: check out the top places to stay
Lapoint
Lapoint are the OGs of surf camps, they’ve been teaching people to surf in Bali, Costa Rica, the Maldives, and many other locations across the world since 2008. In Ahangama, they have a huge hotel right on Kabalana Beach with a pool, bar, co-working space, and enough rooms to fit 50 people.
At a glance:
- Best for – the complete package
- Duration – 7 / 14 day monday to monday
- Food – breakfast and dinner included
- Accommodation – dorm, double, or twin
- Includes – surf skate lesson
- Price – From $900 per week (dorm room)
Everything at Lapoint is a top standard, the instructors are good, the vibes are good, the food is good, and the accommodation is good – that’s why they are one of the best in the business. But with the quality comes the cost and it is the most expensive option in the town.
Best place to book: Lapoint website
Global Surf
Global Surf has been perfecting beginner popups and teaching stylish cutbacks on Ahangama’s waves for many years. What sets these guys apart is the quality and level of the instructors, they really are the best in town.
For beginners, Global Surf will get you hitting those waves in no time with their structured daily lessons and evening video analysis. For intermediates and advanced surfers, the instructors are the best for pushing you and tweaking your style – expect to level up big time at this camp.
At a glance:
- Best for – the best surf instructors
- Duration – 7 / 14 / 21 day saturday to saturday
- Food – breakfast and dinner included
- Accommodation – dorm, double, or twin
- Includes – yoga, video analysis, photos
- Price – From $900 per week (dorm room), $1300 (private)
Global Surf has a lodge near Kabalana Beach with 10 rooms, a pool, a yoga studio, a restaurant, and many chill-out areas. Expect high quality and a nice vibe – they’re our top recommendation if you can afford it. There are not many rooms so book early to avoid disappointment.
Best place to book: booksurfcamps.com
Ticket To Ride
Ticket To Ride is another great surf camp offering top-level instructors and good vibes. These guys have a well-put-together and colourful villa close to Ahangama Town making it the most convenient surf camp to enjoy the parties, nightlife, and hustle and bustle.
At a glance:
- Best for – social vibes
- Duration – 7 / 14 day saturday to saturday
- Food – breakfast and dinner included
- Accommodation – twin, double
- Price – From $800 per week (shared room), $1100 (private)
The coaching here is great quality, they even have extended packages to become a qualified surf instructors. Ticket To Rides surf camps run from saturday to saturday.
Best place to book: Ticket To Ride
Gota Dagua
Gota Dagua Surf Camp is all about the vibes and good times. These guys are just awesome and make sure you’re always busy with BBQs, night outs, karaoke, snorkelling, and much much more. If you want to learn to surf, see Sri Lanka, and have a lot of fun these are the guys to go to.
This surf camp is definitely the best value for money in Ahangama with Gota Dagua providing extra lessons, more food, more activities, and great accommodation, but for much less. If you want a private room as a couple you can get a week for $650 each – very reasonable.
At a glance:
- Best for – value and cheaper prices
- Duration – 7 / 14 day sunday to sunday
- Food – breakfast and dinner included
- Accommodation – dorm, twin, double
- Includes – extra lesson, BBQ, video analysis
- Price – From $650 per week (shared room), $950 (private)
Gota Dagua’s camp is located in the jungle area near Kabalana Beach where you’ll often be joined by monkeys at breakfast before your morning session. These guys sell out fast in the peak season so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Best place to book: booksurfcamps.com
Ohana Surf House
If you’re looking for an option with flexible start days and durations then Ohana is the best place in town. This surf house and school offers big rooms, super comfy beds, private balconies, a shaded pool, a beautiful rooftop, and a great breakfast.
Paula and Rodolfo are great hosts and they are very funny. They’ve been running surf schools in Madeira for years and Rodolfo is a great instructor who knows all the spots in Ahangama. We’ve stayed here many times and always love coming back.
At a glance:
- Best for – good value and flexible stays
- Duration – whatever you like
- Food – breakfast included
- Accommodation – double or twin
- Includes – photos
- Price – $70 per night for room – $100-$120 with surfing
Ohana is a flexible option, we suggest using booking.com for the room and you can add on as many lessons as you want directly over message or when you get there. It’s great for those who want less structure and the opportunity to explore Ahangama or be spontaneous.
Best place to book: booking.com
FAQs
What else can you do in Ahangama?
Beyond the waves, Ahangama is the perfect town to experience the surf culture and explore the South Coast. Every day you can find something different to do and we’ll sure you’ll leave with great memories.
Here’s a little flavour of what you can get up to:
- Party until sunrise – Lamana, Trax, La Bella, Ahangama have some of the best parties on the South Coast.
- Explore the beaches and coves – Ahangama Beach, Kabalana, Secret Beach, and The Cove, there are 6 must-see beaches in Ahangama all with a different vibe to explore.
- Safari at Udawalwe – fancy seeing some Elephants? Ahangama is only 2 hours away from one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka.
- Swim with giant turtles – close to the town you can snorkel with some of the biggest turtles you can find in the world, you don’t want to miss it!
- Climb Devils Rock – fancy a bit of adventure? You can swim out to Devil’s Rock and see why it got its name!
Read more: 12 Amazing Things To Do In Ahangama, An Insider’s Guide
Where should I stay?
Ahangama stretches 4km along the main road with many hotels claiming they are based in the town when really they are quite far out – so take care when booking. There are 3 distinct regions to stay in Ahangama:
- Kabalana Beach – the beach and jungle part of the town – best for chilled vibes, beach life, and being close to The Rock.
- Ahangama Town – where the hustle and bustle happens – best for the hipster cafes, parties, and being close to the shops.
- Sion – a quieter stretch of hotels on the east side of town – best for luxury hotels and peaceful vacations.
In all of these areas you have the choice to stay beachfront, roadside, or in the jungle. The beachfront is amazing being able to wave check daily and get in the action, but it comes with a higher cost. The roadside is cheaper but still close to the beach, and the jungle is where you get the cheapest stays or unique accommodation.
Read more: where to stay in Ahangama and the top hotels
How crowded does Ahangama get?
Ahangama is becoming a must-visit location and every season it draws more and more people to its waves. As the town has become popular the breaks have become busier and the hotels are getting booked earlier and earlier.
But crowds are all relative. If you compare Ahangama to Arugam Bay, Bali, San Diego, or the Canary Islands the waves are still relatively empty. There are some periods like Christmas or January and February when the crowds peak but you can always find a quieter wave and there is space in the restaurants and hotels.
We think Ahangama has still got a few more years before it starts to get labeled as crowded.
What is the food like?
Ahangama is a foodie’s heaven with more restaurant options than anywhere else on the South Coast. Here you can find everything from Local curries, Asian fusion, pizza, Moroccan, Israeli, and much much more.
There is a great mix of cheap local places where you can eat for under $2 and fancy hipster surf cafes that charge around $8 -15 per meal. We think the quality of chefs in the town is high so expect to eat some good food!
Read more: 15 Best Restaurants in Ahangama
How do I get to Ahangama from the airport?
Landing in Colombo, you’ve got a few options to get to Ahangama, which is 150km south of the airport.
The easiest and most convenient way is to pre-book a private taxi that can whip you down the coast in less than 3 hours. A private car typically costs between $60-70 and we always book with Kiwi Taxi who have the best service – if you’re bringing a surfboard just message them before. Book here
The cheapest option is to use the local buses which cost between $5-10 and take between 8-10 hours. This involves getting a bus into the center of Colombo and then changing to another that goes down south, there are several changes along the way. There is a lack of information on this route which does make it a difficult trip and we don’t recommend it if you have big bags or it’s your first time in Sri Lanka.
Another option is to get a bus or taxi into Colombo and then take a train down the South Coast. The train to Ahangama costs between $3-5 and a taxi into Colombo is about $20-25. The trains only run in the morning so if you land in the afternoon it’s better to take a taxi direct from the airport or you often need to spend the night in Colombo.
