Weligama

The bay where Sri Lanka learned to surf.

Weligama is a wide, flat bay with a wave that breaks gently across its entire width, making it the finest beginner surf location in Sri Lanka. The stilt fishermen who once lined the bay on their poles have become one of the iconic photographs of Sri Lanka.

Experiences at this stop

• Surf lesson --- the beginner wave

The Weligama wave is consistent, not too fast, and breaks on sand rather than reef. Two hours with a local instructor will have most first-time surfers standing by the end of the session.

• Stilt fishermen at dawn

The original stilt fishermen work the eastern end of the bay before 6am. Arrive early. The photographs taken in that hour are not the staged versions.

• Taprobane Island

A private island 100 metres from the beach --- a 1920s villa that has hosted Pablo Neruda and Arthur C. Clarke. The view of Weligama Bay from its summit garden is one of the finer south coast perspectives.