Weligama & Arugam Bay: Private Surf Lessons & All-Inclusive Camps

Learn to Surf in Two Days, or Stay a Week on Sri Lanka's Best Breaks

You get a private 1-on-1 lesson or a full immersive camp at one of Sri Lanka's two premier surf destinations, with an instructor who's known for getting beginners standing up fast. The camp option includes daily lessons, board, meals, accommodation, and transfers. Nothing left to book separately. Choose Weligama for gentle beginner waves or Arugam Bay for more challenging breaks, and pick your length from 3 to 7 days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private surf lesson or surf camp

• Arrive at surf location
• Warm-up on the beach
• Take private 1-on-1 surf lesson
• Practice surfing with instructor
• Use provided surfboard and gear
• Enjoy breakfast and dinner if in camp
• Stay in dorm or private room
• Receive airport or hotel transfers

The experience

The sun hits the water at Weligama and the lineup is already moving: a handful of surfers paddling out, the beach still quiet enough to hear the board wax crackle under your hands. You're standing on the sand with your instructor, Danny, who's about to spend the next hour and a half getting you into the water and, most likely, standing up on a board for the first time. The private lesson format means he's in the water with you the entire time, not calling from the shore. You start with a warm-up on the beach, run through the mechanics once, and then it's straight into the waves. Most beginners stand up on their first try, not because the waves are tiny, but because Danny's coaching cuts through the noise.

If a single lesson feels like a taster, the surf camp is the full commitment. You pick your duration (3, 5, or 7 days), your room (dorm or private), and your location: Weligama on the south coast if you're going November through April and want forgiving beginner waves, or Arugam Bay on the east coast if you're there May to October and ready for something with more shape. Everything else is handled: daily lessons, your board, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport or hotel transfers. You show up with a bag and a willingness to be tired and salty by the end of each day. The camp has 4.9 stars across 200+ reviews, and Danny's name comes up constantly, not as a brand mascot, but as the reason people actually improve fast.

The single lesson runs 1 to 2 hours and includes the board, leash, rash guard, and the instructor's full attention. The camp includes all of that plus meals and a place to sleep, so the only thing you're arranging is getting yourself to Galle or the airport. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, which matters if the swell forecast shifts or your flight gets moved.

What’s included

• Your lesson or camp includes a surfboard, leash, and rash guard.
• The private lesson adds one instructor for the full 1-2 hour session, a beach warm-up, and safety briefing.
• The camp adds daily lessons, accommodation (dorm or private room), breakfast and dinner, airport or hotel transfers, and bottled water and light refreshments throughout the day.
• An optional photography and video package is available at additional cost.

Options for this experience

5 options

Beginners surf lesson of 90 minutesGuide in English · 23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 17:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes: a welcome and gear-up session, then a 30-minute dry session and 60 minutes on the water. Around Weligama: depending on the surf forecast, we will take you to the finest surf spot in Weligama Aria. Tuk-tuk or scooter: which is the better transportation option, a tuk-tuk or a scooter? Try it: you can customize or extend it at any time.

Beginners surf lesson of 2 hoursGuide in English · 23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 17:00Lasts 2 hours

Small group bundle of three lessonsGuide in English · 23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 17:00Lasts 3 days

See 2 more options

Small group bundle of five lessonsGuide in English · 23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 17:00

7-Day Surf Camp-DormGuide in English · 23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 17:00Surf & Stay Hostel Weligama: Accommodation here is in a shared dorm room. Can I customize or upgrade for more days, or switch to a private room? Lasts 7 days

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 17:00

AgesAdult (11 to 60 years) · Under 11: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Surf and stay sri lanka

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn to surf without arranging a guide, board, or logistics. The single lesson is self-contained, and the camp removes every other decision so you can focus on the water. Moderate fitness required. Not suitable for spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

Traveler reviews

4.92★★★★★★★★★★

122 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Do I need surf experience to book a lesson or camp?

No. Both the single lesson and the camp are designed for beginners. Most people stand up on their first lesson.

What's included in the surf camp?

Daily lessons, surfboard, accommodation (dorm or private room), breakfast and dinner, and airport or hotel transfers. You bring yourself and a bag.

Can I choose how long the camp lasts?

Yes. You can book 3, 5, or 7 days. The price and inclusions are the same. Just the duration changes.

Which location should I choose? Weligama or Arugam Bay?

Weligama (south coast) has gentler beginner waves and runs November to April. Arugam Bay (east coast) has more challenging breaks and runs May to October. Pick based on the season you're traveling and your skill level.

How long is a private lesson?

1 to 2 hours, including beach warm-up, safety briefing, and time in the water with your instructor.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your lesson or camp start date.

Are transfers included?

Transfers are included in the camp package. For a single lesson, check with the operator about local transport options.

What fitness level do I need?

Moderate fitness is recommended. The activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.