For years, we’ve been on the hunt for that perfect surf and beach, and when we came across Hiriketiya, we realized this place has a vibe like no other.
Located in southern Sri Lanka, Hiriketiya is this charming little beach town where the mix of locals and expats creates an amazingly interesting atmosphere. You’ve got cool restaurants, chic boutique hotels, co-working spaces, and, crucially, epic waves alongside some top-notch surf camps.
Hiriketiya is the kind of spot where you easily lose track of time because everything just… slows down, in the best way possible. That’s exactly what happened to us; what was supposed to be a 5-day visit turned into nearly two months of bliss.
With our extended experience, we’re here to break down what makes Hiriketiya the talk of the town, especially focusing on the best Hiriketiya surf camp.
- Why choose Hiriketiya for surfing?
- What is the best Hiriketiya surf camp?
- The Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp for Beginners and Pros: Kima Surf Camp
- The Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp for a Surf & Yoga Holiday: The Salty Pelican
- Beyond the Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp
Why choose Hiriketiya for surfing?
Hiriketiya is just perfect in so many senses when it comes to surfing. The actual surfing here is an experience on its own, but what makes Hiriketiya stand out from other surf spots in Sri Lanka?
- The waves: Hiriketiya is the go-to spot for its reliable waves that are great for surfers at any skill level. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re pretty decent on the board, you’ll find waves that suit you perfectly.
- The beach break: What sets Hiriketiya apart from other Sri Lankan surf spots are its sandy bottoms, making wipeouts more forgiving, and the paddle out to the lineup obstacle-free.
- One bay, two breaks: At Hiriketiya’s main beach, you get the best of both worlds with both a left and right break. The right is ideal for beginners and those into longboarding, while the left offers more of a challenge, suited for the experienced surfers on shortboards.
- Warm water: Enjoy the luxury of warm waters year-round in Hiriketiya, allowing you to surf comfortably without a wetsuit.
- The local vibe: Despite its growing popularity, Hiriketiya has kept its authentic charm. The locals are friendly and welcoming, often seen riding the waves with visitors.
- The stunning scenery: Beyond the surf, Hiriketiya dazzles with its beautiful beach and dramatic cliffs, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxation after surfing.
What is the best Hiriketiya surf camp?
Just to give you a heads up if I haven’t mentioned it before, Hiriketiya is pretty small. And by small, I really mean it’s tiny. It feels like the town is just starting to wake up, with just a handful of roads leading down to the beach. And, with that in mind, you’ve really only got two main contenders for the best Hiriketiya surf camp – Kima Surf Camp and Salty Pelican Surf Camp.
Both spots are incredible, offering stunning accommodations and top-notch instructors. Besides catching waves, you’ll get to enjoy yoga classes, enjoy delicious meals, and soak up a genuinely communal atmosphere.
Kima Surf Camp has been around for ages and has a great reputation as one of the best surf camps in south Sri Lanka. This Hiriketiya surf camp offers customized packages for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers. Their instructors are highly qualified and they have a 1:4 instructor to surfer ratio, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
Salty Pelican Surf Camp is relatively new but has quickly gained popularity among travelers. Some of you might know this surf camp from its sister property in Portugal. They offer a great variety of packages, including surf and yoga retreats, as well as flexible options for solo travelers.
The Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp for Beginners and Pros: Kima Surf Camp
Kima Surf Camp might ring a bell, especially if you’ve caught waves in Bali before. With four spots across Bali and two in Sri Lanka, including the chill vibes of Hiriketiya, this Hiriketiya surf camp is a go-to for all types of surfers. Most camps, including Kima, offer the all-inclusive package – with surf sessions and lessons, yoga classes, amazing accommodation, and super tasty meals included. It’s the perfect setup for a laid-back escape, especially given the serene, off-the-beaten-path locales they’re located in.
Click here for more information & bookings
Surfing
Kima Surf Camp is an amazing spot that’s well-prepared; they offer surf packages for all surfing levels. You might think surf camps are just for newbies eager to catch their first wave, but that’s far from true. You’ll meet plenty of intermediate surfers and advanced surfers at the camp, all looking to level up their skills while having a good time.
Every day at Kima, they organize surf trips, not just around Hiriketiya but to various beaches and breaks, tailored to the weather, waves, and your surfing skill level. It’s an awesome experience that feels very exclusive!
The surf coaches are local legends who’ve been hitting these waves for years. They’re super knowledgeable about all the surf spots and will ensure you’re catching the right waves. They’re there to offer pro tips, help you improve, or just cheer you on from the sidelines.
Yoga
One of my personal favorite things about Kima Surf Camp is that all yoga is included for free! Yep, you heard it right, yoga is included. In my opinion, yoga is the perfect complement to surfing; it helps build strength and flexibility, which are essential for improving your surfing skills.
At Kima Surf Yoga, they offer yoga classes every morning from Monday to Saturday and trust me when I say that starting your day with a sunrise yoga session is just amazing. They offer multiple types of yoga, such as Hatha, Yin Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga. All classes are suitable for beginners and intermediate yogis, but it’s also a great opportunity to try out different styles if you’re a more experienced yogi.
If you want to find out more about Yoga in Hiriketiya, click here for our full guide
Accommodation
Kima Surf Hiriketiya has some amazing rooms for you to book on their grounds. If you’re traveling solo or keeping an eye on your budget, they’ve got shared rooms with bunk beds available. It might sound a bit basic, but trust me, these rooms are super cool! They’re decked out with stylish decor and privacy curtains for each bed, so it definitely doesn’t feel like a hostel.
Beyond that, they’ve got a bunch of private rooms on offer, with some even equipped with their own private plunge pool – perfect for couples looking to chill out after hitting the waves.
And here’s the cherry on top: all room rates come with breakfast every day, free daily yoga sessions, surf lessons, concierge service, tuk-tuk rides, and a whole lot more, giving you the ultimate surf package experience.
Food & Drink
The restaurant at Kima truly raises the culinary bar. Daily, they serve an exquisite 3-course breakfast featuring freshly baked bread, homemade spreads, local fruits, and more. Impressively, with over 140 fruit trees on their property, all fruits and juices are directly sourced from their own backyard!
For dinner, they offer a buffet 5 nights a week, alongside a grand BBQ on Fridays. The buffet-style dinner allows guests to choose from Sri Lankan and Western cuisines. Given the vegetarian-friendly nature of Sri Lankan cuisine, they provide plenty of excellent options for vegetarians and vegans!
Throughout the day, you can also enjoy free coffee, tea, and drinking water.
The Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp for a Surf & Yoga Holiday: The Salty Pelican
Next up is the Salty Pelican, a spot some of you might already be familiar with from various locations across Portugal, where they’re predominantly based. But hey, they’ve just opened a new Hiriketiya surf camp that’s absolutely perfect for your next Sri Lanka surf trip.
Now, the Salty Pelican has a bit of a different vibe compared to Kima Surf Camp. At the Salty Pelican, you’ll have the choice between many packages tailored to what you’re looking for. Whether you’re all about hitting the waves and want a surf camp package focused on surf lessons, or you’re leaning towards some chill vibes with yoga and spa treatments – they’ve got it all, which I think is pretty awesome!
Click here for more information & bookings
Surfing
The surfing here is of course amazing as the conditions in Hirketiya are perfect for all surfing levels. But don’t worry, even if you’re a complete beginner they’ve got your back! The surf instructors at the Salty Pelican are top-notch and will make sure you have an unforgettable time in the water.
Depending on what time of package you book you’ll have either 3, 5, or 7 lessons included alongside of course your accommodation and breakfast and also unlimited surf board rental. And if you’re already an experienced surfer, don’t worry they also offer advanced surf guiding sessions.
Yoga & Spa
As mentioned before, the Salty Pelican also offers packages catered towards yoga and spa treatments. This way, the Salty Pelican almost feels like a full-on yoga retreat rather than just a surf vacation.
You can choose from different types of yoga such as restorative yin yoga or energetic vinyasa flow, and they also offer special classes like sunrise beach yoga and sunset meditation.
The yoga teacher at Salty Pelican is one of my favorites; she’s super knowledgeable and has a very calming presence, which makes for an amazing yoga session.
After a long day of surfing or yoga, you can also treat yourself to some spa treatments at the on-site spa. From massages to facials, there’s something for everyone to relax and rejuvenate.
Accommodation
The accommodation at Salty Pelican is definitely one of our favorites in Hiriketiya because it’s SO CUTE! The rooms are spacious, clean, and have a modern bohemian vibe. Plus, each room has its own private balcony where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Hiriketiya.
Of course, they also offer dorm rooms for those who like to travel on a budget and want to meet fellow surfers and travelers. The dorms are also clean and have comfortable beds, so you can get a good night’s rest after a day of surfing.
The property overall offers a super relaxing atmosphere, featuring a large pool in the courtyard, yoga shala, pool bar, and its own restaurant, creating the feel of a tropical lifestyle retreat.
It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, cafes, and many cosy beach bars at Hiriketiya Beach.
Food & Drink
Salty Pelican has an onsite restaurant called the Backyard, which is a Mexican-inspired restaurant. The food here is delicious, with a variety of options including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
They also have a great selection of drinks, including local beers and tropical cocktails that are perfect for enjoying by the pool or after a day at the beach.
In addition to the restaurant, they also offer daily breakfast included in your stay, featuring healthy and fresh options like fruit bowls.
The cool thing is that even if you’re not staying here, you can just pop in and enjoy some of their amazing breakfast!
Beyond the Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp
I get it, you’re on the hunt for a Hiriketiya surf camp, where everything from your stay to your meals and even some of your free time activities are sorted. But let me tell you, Hiriketiya Beach is so magical that it goes beyond the typical surf camp experience.
The town itself has an incredible atmosphere with top-notch hotels and guesthouses, amazing restaurants, bars, cafes, and loads of fun activities in and around Hiriketiya.
My advice definitely is to start things off with one of the surf camp packages and once you’ve got the basics covered, make sure to venture out and explore all that Hiriketiya has to offer. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Where to stay in Hiriketiya
If you are not staying at a Hiriketiya Surf Camp but you’re still taking part in their lessons, then don’t worry, there are many other great places to stay. Hiriketiya has some amazing accommodation options, catering to all budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, you can find it all here.
Salt House
Salt House is your go-to spot if you’re after a blend of comfort, style, and that laid-back beach vibe. The little boutique hotel, just a few steps away from the beach, has a swimming pool, and a little café, and offers some fantastic yoga as well!
Dots Bay House
If you’re backpacking or on a budget, Dots Bay House is the perfect spot for you. With dorms and private rooms available, this eco-friendly hostel has a café, bar, and pool, and offers surfboard rentals and lessons as well.
Verse Collective
For digital nomads or anyone looking for a bit of peace and quiet, Verse Collective is the ideal place to stay. This co-working space and guesthouse offers private rooms with balconies overlooking the lush greenery of Hiriketiya. They offer dorm rooms but also apartment-style accommodation, which is perfect if you want to stay for a longer period of time.
Click here to read our full guide on where to stay in Hiriketiya
What to do in Hiriketiya
This might seem a little too obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: with Hiriketiya being one of the most stunning surf beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast, surfing is the main activity here.
However, there is, of course, more to do than just surfing. Yoga is hugely popular in Hiriketiya, with several places offering yoga classes. Outside of the Hiriketiya surf camps, my favorite yoga spots in Hiriketiya are Salt House and Dots Bay House. They have morning classes every day, and it’s perfect to start the day.
From Hiriketiya, you can also do some great day trips and explore the remote south coast of Sri Lanka. There are plenty of other little towns dotted around, including Matara and Dikwella. You can visit historic temples, go on safaris to Yala National Park, or simply enjoy the beautiful beaches and local cuisine.
Where to eat in Hiriketiya
As I’ve pointed out earlier, Hiriketiya might be a tiny town in Sri Lanka, but the surprising array of delicious food you stumble upon is quite astonishing given its size. You’ve got everything you could wish for, from cozy cafes serving up your morning avocado toast and flat white to world-class dinner spots and fantastic local eateries as well.
Mond
Our favorite spot in Hiriketiya for coffee is definitely Mond. Mond is a little boutique hotel situated on a small cliff right on the ocean. The cafe is located on the rooftop, giving you a stunning view over the beach and the perfect spot for sunset.
They serve up a delicious breakfast and lunch menu, with plenty of vegetarian options. Their smoothie bowls are our favorite, and their iced coffee is perfect on a hot day.
Smoke & Bitters
Potentially the best restaurant in Hiriketiya, Smoke & Bitters offers a fine dining experience unlike any other in the area. Their menu is packed with some of the most amazing smoked meats you could imagine. The bar at Smoke & Bitters serves up some amazing cocktails, but that shouldn’t surprise you as it is listed as one of the top 50 bars in Asia.
Bacuzzi
The best pizza in town can be found at Bacuzzi, a beachfront restaurant that’s popular among both locals and tourists. You’ll find all your classic pizza options, as well as some great burrata and other little snacks that change depending on what’s available.
The Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp – Final Words
To wrap it all up, I think that Hiriketiya is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka for surfing. It’s a small but wonderful beach town, with some of the most beautiful views and incredibly delicious food. If you’re looking to stay for a while and really improve your surfing skills, we highly recommend checking out one of the surf camps listed above.
We loved Hiriketiya a lot and we hope that our guide on ‘The Best Hiriketiya Surf Camp’ will help you plan your trip and make the most out of it! Happy travels!
