Surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and warm waters, Sri Lanka boasts nearly 1,600 kilometres of surfable coastline. Thanks to swells hitting both the west and east shores, this teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean offers waves year-round for surfers of all levels.
The surf culture in Sri Lanka is laid-back and welcoming, with the rise in eco-friendly resorts meaning you can embrace a sustainable stay.
Read on to discover five of the best eco-friendly surf camps in Sri Lanka, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned surfer seeking fast, barrelling waves.
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At The Jungalows, you can guiltlessly indulge in sustainable luxury while making a positive impact on the environment and local community. This eco-friendly surf camp in Sri Lanka 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 (imagine starting your day practicing surf-specific stretches in the breezy open-air training centre).
Accommodations range from private luxury cabanas with all the amenities 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 while also 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)
Best eco-friendly surf camps in Sri Lanka
The communal dining space at The Jungalows - an eco-friendly surf resort in Sri Lanka (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Tucked away on Sri Lanka's southern coastline lies Ocean Tribe, a surf and yoga retreat that is a veritable 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, an oasis of chill vibes and good company. Guests from across the globe come together here, united by a shared love of the sea and a thirst for adventure.
Mornings start with yoga sessions on an open-air platform overlooking the waves, 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 fragrant 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)
Eco-friendly surf resorts in Sri Lanka
Talalla Retreat offers the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation, adventure or spiritual rejuvenation on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Upon arriving at this sustainably-run beachfront hotel, you’ll be immediately transported into a world of tranquility, with the panoramic vistas hard to beat. In our opinion, Tallala Retreat is a great choice for wave seekers travelling with non-surfing family members, who will find plenty to entertain themselves.
Tallala’s 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) while the incredible staff can arrange excursions to natural and cultural attractions. To top things off, guests can choose from an array of eco-friendly accommodation options, including spacious sea-view villas, open-air deluxe rooms and glamping bamboo huts.
"Beautiful beachside paradise.” - Gillian (read more reviews here)
A bird's eye view of Talalla Retreat - an eco-friendly surf resort in Sri Lanka (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Overlooking one of Arugam Bay’s main surf breaks, this eco-friendly surf resort in Sri Lanka caters to wave-riding wanderers seeking serenity and sustainability. Upali Beach is a one-of-a-kind glamping getaway that allows guests to check the wave conditions just steps from their accommodation, without breaking the bank.
While catering primarily to surfing enthusiasts of all levels, Upali welcomes all travelers pursuing a simple beachfront camping experience. Free of televisions and air conditioning, the resort’s canvas-walled cabins range from thrifty to luxurious, meaning travellers on all budgets will find a home here. The resort's restaurant serves up hearty breakfasts from 7 am to noon and a range of delicious dishes 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)
Eco-friendly surf camps in Sri Lanka
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, before wandering 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 here. With attentive service and flexibility to alternate surfing and yoga as you please, Sunshine Stories is an ideal base for an active Sri Lankan getaway.
"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)