Best Weligama Beaches: Where to Swim, Surf & Slow Down
I will be honest; when I first arrived in Weligama, I was not impressed. I started wondering if I had made a mistake booking an entire week here. But I was wrong. Weligama is a great place to base yourself, especially if you are a novice surfer eager to learn how to ride some waves. It sits between beautiful beaches like Mirissa, Ahangama, and Jungle Beach, and offers a wide range of restaurants, from western-style smoothie bowl spots to authentic local gems.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned surfer, this guide will help you find the best beaches in Weligama, along with where to eat, stay, and tips to make the most of your time on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
In this post, I’ll share the best beaches to visit, what makes each special, plus my favorite local spots to eat and stay, so you can plan the perfect Weligama getaway.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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Discover Weligama's Best Beaches: Swim, Surf, and Relax
A popular surf shack along Weligama Beach in Sri Lanka.
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#1: The Weligama Beach Scene Overview
Weligama Beach sits in a massive bay also known as Weligama Bay that offers wide open, gentle waves perfect for beginners (depending on tides and wind, of course). The waves can sometimes get larger and be better for intermediate surfers. But that is what makes this spot so great for surfing; you can start small and gentle and slowly build to larger waves as you gain your confidence. Plenty of surf schools and board rentals are available on the beach. So it is easy to swap from a foam board to a longer board or a shorter one.
You might also spot traditional stilt fishermen casting their nets along the nearby shores around Koggala, a unique sight just a short trip from Weligama. The vibe here is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for beginners and travelers wanting to unwind. The water stays warm year-round, but the best surfing conditions usually come between November and April. While the waves are mostly gentle, it is always wise to follow local advice and swim near surf schools or lifeguard stations.
Aside from surfing, Weligama Beach has something for everyone. There are sandy areas for laying out your towel, followed by surf shacks with lounge beds and chairs, and even some beach volleyball areas available.
Right outside of Weligama Beach are even more beautiful beaches like Midigama (7 minutes), Mirissa (15 minutes), Ahangama (17 minutes), Koggala (20 minutes), etc. These are easy to venture to either by tuk-tuk or the easy-to-navigate public buses. I recommend just asking your accommodation or anyone in town for the best bus to reach whichever destination you are heading for—the locals are experts. It is also highly likely that you can just go to the bus stop and jump on a bus heading in the right direction. Once on, you just click the stop button when you want to get off. The bus drivers are often good at guiding you as well.
The Best Weligama Beaches
#1: Weligama Beach
A view of the less busy section of Weligama Beach in Sri Lanka.
First on the list of the best beaches in Weligama, Sri Lanka, is, of course, Weligama Beach itself. Picture a long stretch of soft sand, with gentle surf waves rolling in, perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers looking to longboard. While the water may not be the most crystal-clear and most picturesque, it is the perfect spot for surfing, meeting backpackers, and enjoying laid-back vibes.
What it‘s known for: Weligama Beach has a long sandy shoreline renowned for its beginner-friendly surf waves. It is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn how to surf, with loads of surf schools dotting the shoreline.
Crowd Level: It can be quite crowded, especially on a sunny day. However, the shoreline is over one mile long, so there is usually plenty of space to spread out.
Food or shade options: Many food options and shady areas line Weligama Beach. Many of the surf schools offer the use of their lounge beds and chairs as long as you purchase food, beverages, or a coconut. Some will have minimums, so be sure to ask before you sit. There are many restaurants, small shacks, and beverage stands available along the beach, especially right around Kurumba Bay - Weligama.
How to get there from Weligama: Walking, of course!
Pros:
Everything you need for a day at the beach without having to leave— food, lounge chairs, beverages, waves, surf schools, volleyball nets, etc.
Long shoreline offering plenty of spots to lie out with or without shade.
Budget-friendly beach area for accommodation and food.
Easily accessible from Weligama.
The best spot for beginner surfers.
Cons:
Often, there are too many people in the water for swimming.
So many surfers, it can be quite dangerous if people are unaware of themselves or surf principles.
It is not the prettiest beach in Weligama, especially after rainfall, when the water can become murky. If you want a pretty beach, try Mirissa or Jungle Beach (see below).
It can be quite crowded.
Many people are trying to sell things on this beach.
#2: Jungle Beach
A view of Jungle Beach in Weligama Sri Lanka. The view facing the other direction can be seen in the first article photo above.
The next beach in Weligama is Jungle Beach, a slightly less busy and more picturesque beach just west of Weligama Beach. There are no surfers here, so it is ideal for swimming and sunbathing peacefully. Envision yourself lying on soft, golden-brown sand, gentle waves crashing in the background, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs decorated with lush greenery, swaying palm trees, and orange-roofed homes.
What it‘s known for: Peaceful, seclusion, with a beautiful landscape surrounding it.
Crowd Level: Minimal— I was here end of January/February.
Food or shade options: Minimal compared to Weligama. It is best to pack the things you need with you.
How to get there: Walking (I walked) - 45-60 minutes | 15-20 minute tuk-tuk ride | Bus 350 for a quick 5 minutes ride, followed by a 10 minute walk
Pros:
Absolutely breathtaking scenery, atmosphere, and water.
Perfect for swimming since there are no surfers around.
More secluded than other beaches. This beach has two sandy coves.
Cons:
Further out from the Weligama downtown area, a walk or tuk-tuk ride is required to reach it.
Fewer amenities are available, so packing food, beverages, and a towel is essential. I found one stand selling food, beverages, and minimal lounge chairs. You will likely have to walk to a nearby business for amenities.
Minimal shade— pack an umbrella, sunscreen, hat, etc.
#3: Coconut Beach
A small section of Coconut Beach where stilt fishermen can be seen in early mornings and late evenings.
Slightly further out from Jungle Beach in Weligama is Coconut Beach— a great spot for surfers chasing bigger waves, for swimming (depending on the tides), and for enjoying long stretches of soft sand with fewer amenities. It is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the iconic stilt fishermen and a sunset!
What it‘s known for: Consistent intermediate-advanced surf waves, stilt fishermen, minimal tourism infrastructure.
Crowd Level: It is much quieter, with less infrastructure, which usually means fewer people around.
Food or shade options: Not much shade is available, and food is limited to a few small, locally owned shops nearby.
How to get there: Walking— over an hour | Tuk-tuk— similar to Jungle Beach, 20 minutes-ish | Bus 350— 30 minutes
Pros:
A more consistent swell compared to other beaches. I am unsure if it is so beginner-friendly, from what I saw. I would say more intermediate, heading towards advanced.
It has a more untouched beach feel due to the lack of amenities and housing on the beach, and proximity to the main road.
Good for swimming— depending on tides and swell.
Cons:
This beach has limited amenities. A few small cafés are nearby, but do not expect sunbeds, restrooms, etc. Definitely bring what you need with you: water, snacks, shade, especially if you plan to hang out here for the day.
A little tricky to get to: Since the beach is further away from downtown Weligama, you will probably need to take a tuk-tuk and walk a short path down to reach Coconut Beach.
The water conditions can vary depending on the season; the water can be crystal clear or a little murky, especially after storms or rain. Not always ideal for snorkeling (I am not sure what there is to see tbh), but usually great for a swim or a surf.
#4: Mirissa Beaches
A view from Parrot rock over Mirissa Beach near Weligama. This is one of my favorite beaches.
Heading in the opposite direction from Jungle Beach and Coconut Beach, you will find the iconic Mirissa beaches: Mirissa Beach, Secret Beach, and Niyana Wella Beach. Each of these is an easy ride from Weligama and offers a different vibe from the previously mentioned beaches.
Mirissa Beach, although more crowded, is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, enjoying views from Parrot Rock, and even snorkeling. The water is some of the clearest I have seen near Weligama, ranging in shades from green to blue to crystal clear. The sand is a soft yellow, with shops, hotels, and food spots offering lounge chairs, and the beach itself offers the perfect cushion for your towel. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, I recommend heading to the far west end (opposite Parrot Rock) for a cozy cove, lined with palm trees. The entire beach is lined with tall, flourishing green palms gently blowing in the breeze.
Pro Tip: Parrot Rock offers an amazing view (see the photo above) of Mirissa Beach’s incredible beauty, and the popular Coconut Tree Hill can be seen in the opposite direction.
Mirissa’s Secret Beach
Mirissa’s Secret Beach is really no secret. It is a small cove surrounded by rocks, offering a calm, shallow pool of water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Lounge chairs line the sandy cove, available from a small restaurant tucked back in the jungle. Soft house music plays here (sometimes a bit loud), so this is not your secluded secret beach but more of a place to lounge and vibe.
Pro Tip: Chairs fill up fast— be sure to get here early!
Niyana Wella Beach in Mirissa, near Weligama.
Niyana Wella, on the other hand, offers that secluded, untouched beach vibe you might be looking for. When I visited, there were only two people on the entire beach. It looks similar to Jungle Beach, but with a much taller cliff covered in palm trees and minimal infrastructure. You do need to walk through the jungle a bit to reach this beach, but nothing too intense— just bring mosquito spray. Aside from yellow sand, a few rocky outcrops loaded with crabs, and some clear water to swim in, you will not find much else here.
Pro Tip: Watch for sea urchins in the rocks!
What it‘s known for:
Mirissa Beach: picturesque, swimmable waters, Parrot Rock viewpoint, Coconut Tree Hill, soft yellow sand, and a laid-back vibe with beachfront cafés and snorkeling spots.
Secret Beach: laid back house vibes, more of a jungle club vibe.
Niyana Wella: secluded paradise.
Crowd Level:
Mirissa Beach: Can get quite crowded, especially on sunny days.
Secret Beach: Crowded.
Niyana Wella: Minimal people.
Food or shade options:
Mirissa Beach: Many options, lounge chairs, umbrellas, cafes, etc.
Secret Beach: The palm trees offer plenty of shade over the lounge chairs.
Niyana Wella: Minimal, aside from a few bushes and palm trees.
How to get there from Weligama:
Mirissa Beach: Walking—over 1.5 hours | 10-minute drive | Bus 350— 27 minutes
Secret Beach: Walking—probably too far | 15-minute drive | Bus 350 to Mirissa Beach, followed by a 20-minute walk
Niyana Wella: Similar to Secret Beach, they are near one another.
Pros of Mirissa Beaches:
The views from Parrot Rock over Mirissa Beach are unparalleled.
Mirissa Beach, Secret Beach, and Niyana Wella Beach each offer a different vibe based on your beach preferences. They cover swimming, amenities, seclusion, beauty, snorkeling, etc.
Cons of Mirissa Beaches:
Less surfing is available here.
A little further out from Weligama (but not too far).
It can feel more commercialized compared to the Weligama Beaches.
Mirissa’s beaches were some of my favorites, even with the crowds. They are just beautiful and have such a good energy. If you feel like heading a bit further out from Weligama, you can also check out Polhena for calm water and turtles, or Matara for better waves and more local vibes.
#5: Midigama & ahangama Beaches
A beach in Ahangama.
Heading west from Weligama Beach, you will find Midigama, Ahangama, and Koggala beaches. These spots are ideal for surfers and travelers looking for less commercialized stretches of coast, though Ahangama is definitely becoming more developed. This area offers a variety of beaches to explore, from surf-heavy Midigama Beach to quieter spots like Wild Beach and the sandy stretch across from Devil’s Rock. You will also find stilt fishermen along Koggala Beach, adding to the local atmosphere. Head further inland from Ahangama, you will find rice fields and AnimalSOS— an organization trying to save the strays of Sri Lanka.
What it‘s known for:
Midigama: Surfing, laid-back vibes, and uncrowded stretches of sand.
Ahangama: Digital nomads, AnimalSOS, surf culture, boutique stays, and wellness scene. Some beautiful rice fields nearby!
Koggala: A long stretch of sand perfect for beach walks and seeing stilt fishermen.
Crowd Level:
Midigama: Fewer crowds, more surfers and locals.
Ahangama: Chill spot for digital nomads, surfers, and stray dog activists. This spot is growing in popularity, especially for surfers.
Koggala: Few!
Food or shade options:
Midigama: Limited options. Mostly small local cafes and surf shacks serving simple meals, snacks, and drinks. Fewer seating areas with shade, depending on the exact beach spot, but most are from nature.
Ahangama: Many more food options than Midigama, from local to Western; however, they are mostly in the downtown Ahangama area rather than on the beaches. There are more shade options from beachfront accommodations and cafes.
Koggala: Minimal food on the beach and shaded areas aside from those created naturally.
How to get there from Weligama:
Midigama: 7-minute drive | Bus 350— 12 minutes
Ahangama: 10-minute drive | Bus 350 (30 minutes), with an additional walk depending on which beach spot you head to in town.
Koggala: 21-minute drive | Bus 350 (45 minutes), with an additional 5-minute walk.
Pros:
Consistent surf breaks for mid to upper-level surfers.
Excellent spot for more laid-back surfer vibes with fewer tourist crowds than the other places.
This is starting to change, but the area is still less commercialized vs. Mirissa and offers a more authentic Sri Lankan experience. You will find natural beauty, soft sandy beaches, and lush rice fields further inland.
Cons:
Not as many shops or proper restaurants, especially around Midigama and Koggala. Ahangama is better for this.
Shade is limited unless you are near a beach cafe or bring your own.
These spots need a tuk-tuk ride or a public bus ride to reach from Weligama.
Water can be rough or rocky for swimming, depending on the season (especially in Midigama).
Ahangama is getting more popular, so it is not quite as quiet as it used to be. Not really the place for nightlife—these beaches are more chill and laid-back.
Bonus Beaches: A Few West of Weligama You Should Not Miss
Dalawella Beach
Thalpe Natural Pools.
Frog Rock, Mihiripenna Beach/Dalawella Beach intersection.
Further out from Weligama (about 30 minutes by car or an hour by public transport), you can find a few quieter beaches worth checking out:
Dalawella Beach – A peaceful stretch of golden sand with hardly anyone around. The water can be rocky getting in, but it is perfect for lounging with your towel. Not much shade or food nearby, so come prepared. (Not to be confused with the more popular rope swing area—this is further down and much quieter.)
Thalpe Beach & the Natural Pools – A unique spot with natural rock pools that fill with the tide, perfect for cooling off in, without getting tossed around by waves. Best visited at mid or low tide, and not great for swimming in the open water. These natural pools get busy!
Mihiripenna Beach – Another quiet beach with soft golden sand, ideal for sunbathing and a calm vibe. Less rocky than Dalawella, so easier for a swim. Still very chill and peaceful.
Which Weligama Beach Is Right for You?
Best Beach in Weligama for Beginner Surfers: Weligama Beach!
Best Beach for swimming in Weligama: Mirissa Beach
Most Peaceful / Least Crowded Beach: Jungle Beach or Niyana Wella Beach in Mirrisa.
Best Beach for Watching the Sunset: Coconut Tree Hill (Mirissa), Ahangama Beach, or Koggala Beach—really, any south-facing beach was beautiful.
Where to Relax Without Surfboards Flying at You: Almost anywhere except Weligama Beach…
Weligama Beach Tips
Hit the beach early or late to avoid crowds and beat the heat. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to rent the perfect lounge chair.
Bring cash (Sri Lankan Rupee) for coconuts, beach chairs, surfboards, etc. The best ATM is the Bank of Ceylon.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses — the sun gets strong here.
Carry an umbrella or rain jacket—Don’t let the weather app fool you, it did rain a lot when I was in Sri Lanka in January/February.
Stay hydrated—grab a fresh coconut or carry water with you. DO NOT drink the tap water.
Be cool with the locals and other surfers — give everyone plenty of space in the water.
Check the tides before swimming or surfing—some spots change a lot.
Rent boards and gear from the beach — surf schools make it easy.
Swim safely. There are not always lifeguards, so stick close to others and watch for currents.
Explore nearby beaches like Mirissa or Jungle Beach when you want a change.
Download an eSIM to help navigate the buses. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Pack mosquito repellent to protect yourself from Dengue. Mosquitos are everywhere in Sri Lanka— I constantly had so many bites every day.
Be careful with the street dogs. Most are kind and well-fed in touristy areas, but rabies does exist in the country (in more animals than just dogs). I highly recommend getting the rabies vaccination before traveling. The disease is fatal.
Mistakes can happen, especially when surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 119 | Ambulance: 110
You can find a complete list of Sri Lanka’s Emergency #’s by location here.
Thinking about adding Galle to your route? My Galle Itinerary has everything you need to know.
Best Places to Stay in Weligama
If you want to stay close to the downtown area and have easy access to a variety of restaurants, I recommend booking accommodation along the coast near Weligama Beach. If you do not mind a short walk, you can stay along the river like I did, or head toward Jungle Beach for a more peaceful and secluded experience.
Best Accommodation Options in Weligama For Every Traveler…
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Happy Hammocks (dorm) or Wake Up Weligama (private room)
Best Low-Budget: Villa Don Williams Weligama (I stayed here— keep in mind it is slightly further from the coast, but it is walkable)
Best Mid-Budget: Weligama Watergate
Best High-End Budget: Boutique Villa Bougainvillea
Best Luxury Budget: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links at no additional cost to you!
Where to Eat in Weligama
While in Weligama, I did cook a lot of my food in my room since I had a kitchen, and the owner of the accommodation served us a delicious breakfast daily. The nearest supermarket I went to was Cargills Food. However, when I did eat out, these were my go-to spots!
Hey Mama (Mirissa—vegan & gluten-free options)
Shady Lane (Mirissa—vegan & gluten-free options
Maru (Weligama—vegan & gluten-free options)
Dulnetha (Weligama—Sri Lanka Food)
The Natural Earth (Weligama—vegan options)
How to Get Around Weligama
I found the best way to get around Weligama was by walking and using the public buses. I tried ordering an Uber once while in Sri Lanka, but it was too expensive and no faster— drivers move slowly, and traffic can be unpredictable. PickMe is another popular local app, but my experience was frustrating. Drivers would accept the ride, drive toward me, and then try to negotiate a higher fare (no, thank you).
The train is also an option, but in many cases, it is cheaper and easier to just take the bus. Keep in mind that buses can be chaotic and crowded, especially during peak hours.
Renting a tuk-tuk is another possibility, but it is more expensive (typically 15 USD or more per day), requires a valid international driving permit, and can be less convenient than simply hopping on a public bus or walking, depending on how far you are going.
Bus Route Tips:
Weligama to Mirissa: Bus 350 | Under 0.50 USD
Weligama to Matara: Bus 350, 32, or 26-3 | Under 0.50 USD
Weligama to Ahangama: Bus 350 or 371 | Under 0.15 USD
Weligama to Unawatuna: Bus 350 | Around 0.50+ USD
Always check with your accommodation for the most up-to-date routes and prices.
Trying to figure out how to reach Weligama? This guide covers it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weligama Beach safe for swimming, and is it good for beginners or families?
Weligama Beach is safe for swimming, especially in the shallow waters where there are gentle waves. It is an ideal spot for beginner surfers and families with children. Like any beach, be mindful of tides, currents, designated swim areas, etc. Lifeguards are not always present.
Can you surf in Weligama year-round?
Yes! Weligama has surfable waves year-round, but the best conditions depend on the season. The peak surfing season runs from November to April, when the southwest monsoon brings consistent, gentle waves perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. But that does not mean the swell will always be ideal every day, so always watch the surf forecast before heading out.
What is the best time to visit Weligama for the beach and surfing?
This is a tough question because this year, the rain was worse across the country than it was in the past. But historically, the best time to visit Weligama for beach days and surfing is from November to April. During these months, the weather is sunnier with less rain, making it ideal for relaxing on the beach. The waves are more consistent and gentle, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.
From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings heavier rains and rougher seas, making surfing conditions more challenging and beach time less predictable. However, there are fewer crowds.
Are there any hidden or quiet beaches near Weligama?
In Weligama, the only secluded or quieter beaches are Jungle Beach and Secret Jungle Beach. Coconut Beach was a longer stretch of beach and was quite secluded as well. However, I was here end of January into February, so I am not sure that was a factor in the popularity of the beaches.
How long should you stay in Weligama, and is it worth visiting?
If you plan to explore only Weligama during your stay, 2 to 3 days is enough. If you want to learn to surf, I recommend spending at least one week. And if you plan to use Weligama as a base to visit all the beaches mentioned above and explore the nearby areas, staying for over a week is a great idea.
There Are So Many Stray Dogs In Sri Lanka, How Can I Help?
The easiest thing you can do is feed them. You can give them plain white rice and boneless chicken or any other boneless meat, as well as dog food. Many grocery stores sell dog food, but keep in mind that some dogs are picky eaters—do not take it personally if they do not eat what you offer. Of course, a starving dog will eat just about anything. Leaving out some water in a plastic bowl or even an empty coconut can also be helpful. Coconut water is highly hydrating and can benefit dogs as well.
Many dogs, especially those further from tourist areas, are afraid of human interaction. If a dog seems hesitant, simply place the food and water nearby and step away to give them space. I promise they will eat once you leave!
If you come across an injured or sick dog, you can notify Animal SOS, a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes stray animals in need. They currently have over 2000 dogs!! WECare is another incredible group providing veterinary care and sterilization programs to improve the lives of street dogs.
If you notice a dog with fleas or ticks and plan to stay in the area for a while, you can reach out to either organization for help in getting medication to distribute.
If you have more time, consider volunteering with one of these organizations to make an even bigger impact. I volunteered with Animal SOS, and it was a truly amazing day that left my heart even fuller.
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