Things to do in Weligama

Weligama, on the south coast, has a wide, sandy bay with gentle waves that make it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf. The name means sandy village. Stilt fishermen, a tiny island villa and batik workshops are nearby.

Top things to do in Weligama

Surfing

Soft beach breaks suit beginners, with many schools and board hire along the beach.

Weligama Bay

The long bay is good for walks and, in calm months, swimming.

Diving and snorkelling

Reefs and rocks offshore have turtles and reef fish.

Taprobane Island

A small island in the bay once owned by the Count de Mauny and later by the writer Paul Bowles, now a private villa.

Batik

Workshops show how batik textiles are made with wax and dyes.

Stilt fishermen

Fishermen perch on poles in the shallows between Weligama and Koggala.

Best time to go

The best weather on this coast is from about November to April. The south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas from about May to September. Beginner surf is best from about November to April.

Getting around

Tuk tuks are the easiest way to get around locally; agree the fare first or use a ride app where available. Buses and trains run along the coast road and railway between Colombo, Galle and Matara.

Safety

Sea conditions change with the monsoon. Red flags, strong currents and rip tides are common from about May to September and lifeguards are few, so swim only where locals or hotel staff say it is safe.

Plan your visit

Weligama is about 15 minutes from Mirissa. For history, background and how to get there, see the Weligama travel guide, and for accommodation see hotels in Weligama.