The Best Surf Breaks in Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka
Surfing has become a global sport, with trendy spots worldwide welcoming eager surfers. However, finding the best family-friendly places to surf can be difficult. There are many variables: weather, waves, tide, currents, waves direction, and shoreline accessibility. What works for one destination may not work for another.
This article will explore some of the best surf destinations in Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Indonesia
Puncak Mandala, Bali
Located on the island of Bali, Puncak Mandala is one of the top surfing spots in the world. While there are other top-shelf spots in the country, Puncak Mandala is the only one with world-class surfing.
Located on the island of Bali, Puncak Mandala is one of the top surfing spots in the world. While there are other top-shelf spots in the country, Puncak Mandala is the only one with world-class surfing. Puncak Mandala is the perfect place for people who want to start surfing but don’t know-how.
The waves here are small but ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers, and the water temperature is perfect for all kinds of surfing. Plus, there’s no need to travel far to experience some of the best waves in the world!
Rawadi Tiga, Pangkai
Located in northern Sumatra, Rawadi Tiga is one of the top surfing spots in the world. This is a great spot for those looking for a long-term vacation. You won’t be short-handed here, as several hotels and resorts are available for guests to choose from.
Desa National Park, Sumatra
Located on Sumatra island in Indonesia, Desa National Park is one of the top surfing spots in the world. This is a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers, as there are plenty of waves, and the water is warm enough for all but the coldest of winters. And, it’s only a short flight from Bali.
Padang Bai, Bali
Located on the island of Bali, Padang Bai is one of the top surfing spots in the world. It’s not just the waves that are world-class at this spot – the water is also perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, among other water sports. Plus, it’s only a short flight from Bali.
South Coast, Surabaya
The South Coast of Indonesia is one of the top surfing spots in the world. This is a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers, as there are plenty of waves, and the water is warm enough for all but the coldest of winters. And, it’s only a short flight from Bali.
Pura Udon, Udon
Pura Udon, also known as Pearl Beach, is one of the top surfing spots in the world. This is a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers, as there are plenty of waves, and the water is warm enough for all but the coldest of winters. And, it’s only a short flight from Bali.
Fisherman’s Village, Lombok
Located on the island of Lombok, Fisherman’s Village is one of the top surfing spots in the world. This is a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers, as there are plenty of waves, and the water is warm enough for all but the coldest of winters. And, it’s only a short flight from Bali.
Nusa Dua, Nusa Penida
Nusa Dua is one of the top surfing spots in the world. This is a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers, as there are plenty of waves, and the water is warm enough for all but the coldest of winters. And, it’s only a short flight from Bali.
Maldives
Pascale Island
The perfect place for the beginner, Pascale is a small island consisting of just one main beach with South-West facing breaks. It is close to the powdery white sand beaches of Malé and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The ideal weather in the Maldives is good enough to ensure that most surfing breaks on this island are decent. You can expect to enjoy some of the best waves here if you are a complete beginner.
Hulhumalavu, Malé
Hulhumalavu is a small island in the far southern reaches of the Maldives. It is not part of the Maldives but is considered a part of the Indian Ocean. While many of the Maldives’ waves are known for being good, Hulhumalavu is one of the most famous for being dangerous. It is perfect for the intermediate surfer.
The South End of Addu Atoll
If you are looking for some of the best surfing in the Maldives, look no further. The south end of Addu Atoll is the place to be. Just a short walk down the beach, and you are right in the thick of things.
You’ll experience some of the best waves in the world here. It is a known surfing spot with great waves that can become crowded with experienced surfers. But, as a beginner, you won’t have a problem surviving here!
Odaeya
Not to be confused with the famous Oceanside in California, Odaeya is a small wave break in the far south of the Maldives. It offers a variety of rides from left barrel to barrel and back again.
Odaeya is very close to the Indian Ocean and is, therefore, a safe place to surf all year round.
Namakkaduwa
The capital of the Maldives, the stunning and charming old city of Malé, is just a short walk from the Indian Ocean. This one is perfect for the advanced surfer looking for some of the best waves in the world.
There are a couple of really good long left barrels and good right barrels. If you like to ride the barrels, Namakkaduwa is your place.
Gokarna, Maldives
If you are looking for some of the best surfing in the Maldives but are a bit of a beginner, Gokarna is a good option. Gokarna is the surfing capital of the Maldives. However, the best waves here are found in the mangrove swamps. Gokarna is also a good place to go if you are looking for a quiet relaxing break from the bustling life of Malé.
Sri Lanka
Dehiwala Beach
Dehiwala is a small beach south of Batticaloa, the nearest town with a surfboard rental shop. The beach is also home to a beautiful monastery with a beautiful sunset view. Looking for some of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, then Dehiwala is the place to go.
Colombo Beaches
The bustling city of Colombo has some of the best surfing beaches in the country, and this is one of them. The beaches are located in Chooruwela, a western suburb of the city, and you can rent a surfboard at the local surf shop.
There are also a few Chaladoda beaches, a few blocks away, and good surfing beaches. The area around Chooruwela beach is also home to some of Colombo’s best food and nightlife.
Sabaragamuwa Beaches
Sabaragamuwa is another of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, located on the eastern coast. For the best experience, visit Sabaragamuwa between December and February, when the weather is at its most pleasant and the waves are the most consistent.
You can either rent a surfboard at the nearby surf shop or walk to the beach, where you can find some of the best food and nightlife in Sri Lanka.
Dewdrop Island
This is arguably one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka. Its name might sound odd, but it’s a result of the unique way waves crash against the shoreline here. The waves crash at the beach’s edge, forming drop-like waves that cascade into the Bay of Bengal.
You can either take the short (15-minute) boat ride from the harbour or opt for an easy stroll along the beach. When it comes to surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, Dewdrop Island is in its class.
Pigeon Island
This is another of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, and it’s located in the south of the country. You can either take a scuba diving tour around the nearby coral reefs or opt for a scuba boarding experience to get close to the fishes, the coral reefs, and the fishes themselves.
Galle Face Watch
Galle Face Watch is another of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, and it’s located some 60km south of Negombo, where the capital city of the Southern province is located. The waves here are pretty powerful, so you need to be aware of that and have your game on (or be ready to walk) when you’re out on the water.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can paddle out to the point where the famous Galle Face is spotted, from where you can view the city from a different perspective before paddling back to shore. Galle Face Watch is the place to be.
Peradeniya Beach
This is another of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, and it’s located about 80km west of the capital city of Colombo. Like the other beaches on our list, Peradeniya is not very crowded, making it perfect for a private getaway. The best time to visit Peradeniya is between May and July when the weather is at its most favourable.
Galraiguwa Forest
The waves here are very consistent and powerful, so you need to be aware of that and have your game on (or be ready to walk) when you’re out on the water. You can either take a scuba diving tour around the nearby coral reefs or opt for a scuba boarding experience to get close to the fishes, the coral reefs, and the fishes themselves.
Galraiguwa is home to some of the best wildlife in Sri Lanka, including elephants, tigers, and many other animals you might come across while snorkelling or scuba diving.
Moratuwa Beach
This is another of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, located at the island’s southern tip. Moratuwa is the perfect place to relax after a busy day of surfing. There are several surfing spots in Moratuwa, but the one you need to see is the Moratuwa Beach. The best time to go to Moratuwa is between May and July when the weather is at its most favourable.
Rupandehi
Rupandehi is the best surfing spot in all of Sri Lanka, and it’s located in the north of the country. This beach is the best surfing spot in Sri Lanka because it has the best surfing conditions year-round. Visit here between March and May when the weather is most favourable, and the sea is crystal clear.
You can either take a scuba diving tour around the nearby coral reefs or opt for a scuba boarding experience to get close to the fishes, the coral reefs, and the fishes themselves. The beach is home to beautiful beaches and a great range of activities, not the least of which is relaxing on the beach.
Now that you know the best surf destinations in Indonesia, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, you should be able to find some of the best waves in the world. The waves here are small but ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers, and the water temperature is perfect for all kinds of surfing. Plus, there’s no need to travel far to experience some of the best waves in the world!
