Wide sandy bay with gentle waves and traditional stilt fishermen in the distance

Weligama Beach

Weligama Beach: Free, half day. Worth it?

Weligama Beach is a wide, gently curving bay about 7 kilometres west of Mirissa, famous for two things: beginner-friendly surfing and the iconic stilt fishermen. The bay's consistent, gentle waves make it the go-to spot for first-time surfers on the south coast, with numerous surf schools lining the sand.

What It Is

A large, sandy bay with gentle rolling waves sheltered by headlands on either side. The beach is lined with surf schools, guesthouses, and restaurants. At the western end, traditional stilt fishermen perch on poles driven into the seabed.

Why Visit

This is where you come to learn to surf on Sri Lanka's south coast. The gentle waves are consistent and forgiving. The stilt fishermen, while partly touristified, remain a unique cultural sight.

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