Kitesurf in Sri Lanka : all you need to know
Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for kitesurfing. The wind blows regularly and offers two seasons during the year: from mid-December to February, then from June to September with different conditions.
The best spot is clearly Kalpitiya for its large lagoon, its downwind possibilities, and its waterfront kitecamps.
High Season
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Why kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is a good choice ?
Kite Trip to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an Asian kite destination that has developed well in recent years. Some riders go there specifically for training.
Although it is a far-off destination (located south of India), Sri Lanka is worth a visit! There are beautiful landscapes and many things to do.
The kite spots are not so numerous (unless you decide to go on a solo adventure and explore), but they are worth the trip. The main ones are Arugam Bay (in the southeast of the island, a well-known wave spot) and Kalpitiya (on the northwest side, flat).
The best season for kiting: June to September (and additionally December/January for Kalpitiya).
Even if the wind is not present, there are always things to do, like SUP trips, or excursions. There is indeed a wide variety of tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best period and spots to kite in Sri Lanka
There are two kitesurfing areas in Sri Lanka.
For those in search of waves, Arugam Bay on the country’s east coast is the place to be. I would not recommend this area for beginners.
On the other hand, the region of Kalpitiya is the main area for kite stays in Sri Lanka, with large lagoons and islands to discover during day trips. In this region, beginners will find excellent conditions for learning, with relatively stable winds and flat water in the lagoon. Experienced kitesurfers, on the other hand, will love the opportunity to explore the spots in the region.
Discover the kite spots in Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya
Arugam Bay
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Cheap destination
- Wild and exotic
- Good waves
- Faraway destination
- Political instability at times
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: 10 hours for direct flights (Sri Lankan). From 12 hours for flights with a stopover.
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC+5:30
Airlines: Sri Lankan – Jet Airways – Emirates – Saudia – Etihad – Qatar Airways – Air France
Main airports: Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB)
Flight price: 600 / 1100€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended.
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before traveling to Sri Lanka. The cost is $35 for Americans and £30 for Britons.
- Need for electrical adapter: Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G electrical outlets, so travelers from the US and UK will need a plug adapter.
- Official language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, but English is widely spoken and understood.
- Currency: The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
Additional tips
The roads are extremely bad in Sri Lanka and the distances are quite long. Don’t hesitate to hire a local driver to get around.
To get to the Kalpitiya spot from Colombo airport, the driving time is about 3 hours for a cost of 80€. It’s worth sharing the transportation with other kite surfers.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Around the Kalpitiya spot, there are a few tourist excursions to do, between nature and historical centers.
If you go on a kite trip to Sri Lanka, I advise you to reserve some time to discover the richness of the rest of the country.