5 best surf camps in Sri Lanka for a sustainable stay
Looking for sustainable surf camps in Sri Lanka? Discover 5 inspiring places to stay in this teardrop-shaped nation that are taking strides to reduce their environmental footprint.
Surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and warm waters, Sri Lanka boasts nearly 1,600 kilometres of coastline. Thanks to swells hitting both the west and east shores, this teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean offers waves year-round. Honestly, there’s something for surfers of all levels.
We love Sri Lanka! The people, the scenery, the FOOD! And the surf here is really accessible, no matter where you are in your wave-riding journey.
Added to that, the surf culture in Sri Lanka is laid-back and welcoming – there’s little agro in the water here. And with the rise in eco-friendly resorts dotting the coastline, it’s easy to embrace a sustainable stay.
In this article, discover 5 of the best eco-friendly surf camps in Sri Lanka, whether you’re just starting out or an experienced surfer seeking barrelling waves.
For more info about surfing in Sri Lanka, including the best surf spots, check out our detailed article here.
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The Jungalows
By staying at The Jungalows, you can guiltlessly indulge in sustainable luxury while making a positive impact on the environment and local community.
This eco-friendly Hiriketiya surf camp nestles within an acre of jungle, just 200 metres from a gorgeous beach.
It combines incredible surf adventures with tailored fitness programs to enhance your wave-riding abilities. Most days start with surf-specific stretches in the breezy open-air training centre before hitting the water.
Accommodations range from luxury cabanas to breezy, communal dorms for those travelling Sri Lanka on a budget.
From the locally sourced, repurposed building materials to the solar-heated swimming pool, the resort is a model of sustainable design.
At The Jungalows, you can indulge in an escape from daily life. All while supporting environmental sustainability and giving back to the local Sri Lankan community.
“Beautiful accommodation, incredible food and the nicest staff! I loved the Jungalows so much that I extended my stay and am already planning a return.” (read more reviews here)
Ocean Tribe Surf & Yoga Retreat
Tucked away on Sri Lanka’s southern coastline lies Ocean Tribe, a surf and yoga retreat that is a paradise for beach lovers.
Though just a stone’s throw from the beaches of Weligama, this eco-friendly surf camp manages to feel like a secluded hideaway. Guests from across the globe come together here, united by a shared love of the sea.
Mornings start with yoga sessions on an open-air platform overlooking the waves. This is followed by a surf session at a break that suits your level.
After an active day under the Sri Lankan sun, the “tribe” reunites for dinner beneath strings of lights while feasting on local delicacies and fresh catches from the sea.
If you’re looking for a beachside community with a sustainable stamp, then Ocean Tribe might be your calling.
“Ocean Tribe is a hidden gem!” – Matt (read more reviews here)
Talalla Retreat
Talalla Retreat offers the perfect escape for those seeking adventure or spiritual rejuvenation on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
When you arrive at this sustainable Sri Lankan hotel, the panoramic views are hard to beat. Guests can choose from an array of eco-friendly accommodation options, including sea-view villas, deluxe rooms and glamping bamboo huts.
In our opinion, Tallala Retreat is a great choice for surfers travelling with non-surfing family members. They will find plenty to entertain themselves.
Its extensive amenities cater to all interests, with the resort boasting yoga classes, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa.
The on-site restaurant utilises fresh, local and seasonal produce to craft traditional Sri Lankan specialties and international favourites. There’s something for all tastes.
Additionally, the incredible staff can arrange excursions to natural and cultural attractions in the surrounding area.
“Beautiful beachside paradise.” – Gillian (read more reviews here)
Upali Beach Surf Resort
Overlooking one of Arugam Bay’s main surf breaks, this eco-friendly Sri Lankan surf resort caters to wave-riding wanderers seeking serenity and sustainability.
Upali Beach is a one-of-a-kind glamping getaway. You can check the wave conditions just steps from your accommodation, without breaking the bank.
While catering primarily to surfing enthusiasts (of all levels), Upali welcomes all travellers pursuing a beachfront camping experience.
Free of televisions and air conditioning, the resort’s canvas-walled cabins range from thrifty to luxurious. Travellers on all budgets will find a home here.
Upali Beach Surf Resort’s restaurant serves up hearty breakfasts from 7 am to noon. Plus, a range of delicious dishes are available throughout the day for a post-surf feed.
“Probably the best place to stay in Arugam. It’s on the main-point surf spot, relaxed vibes, beautiful garden beach front, quite at nights and can see the stars.” – Ben (read more reviews here)
Sunshine Stories
Occupying an 85-year-old Dutch colonial-style villa is Sunshine Stories, a Sri Lankan retreat for surfers and yogis alike.
This eco-friendly surf camp lies within the traditional fishing village of Ahangama (less than a five-minute stroll from the water) and receives rave reviews from its returning guests.
Start your day with sunrise yoga stretches on the veranda. Then, wander down to the beach to experience the day’s best breaks. With over 20 options nearby, there’s a wave for every level.
Return to the villa to relax on a hammock under the swaying palms or enjoy a mid-afternoon nap in your breezy room.
This solar-powered camp draws on cross-ventilation to keep guests cool, with no energy-intensive air-conditioning. The attentive service really adds to the experience, as does the flexibility to alternate surfing and yoga as you please.
“I had an incredible time at Sunshine Stories! The combination of surfing, video analysis, and theory really helped improve my surfing across the week, and the yoga complemented it perfectly. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it.” – Natalie (read more reviews here)
Planning a sustainable surf trip to Sri Lanka
The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka has long been a surfer’s paradise. It boasts nearly 1,600 kilometres of coastline exposed to consistent swells. In our opinion, it’s one of the world’s best surf destinations for a laid-back tropical vibe.
Blessed with a warm tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches, this island nation offers an abundance of surf spots catering to wave riders of all skill levels.
Aside from gentle breaks that are ideal for beginners, there are powerful, barrelling waves that will appeal to seasoned surfers.
Beyond the fantastic surf conditions, the country has also seen a rise in eco-conscious resorts and surf camps. These allow you to keep your environmental impact to a minimum during your Sri Lanka surf trip.
From off-grid surf camps to luxurious retreats, these eco-friendly havens offer easy access to some of the Indian Ocean’s most legendary waves.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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