Hikkaduwa Surf Camps & Surf Stays: 4 Great Picks for 2027
Hikkaduwa is one of the original surf towns of Sri Lanka.
Closer to Colombo and Galle than many of the reefs and beaches that span the south coast, it was an obvious place for traveling surfers to hit in the 80s and 90s as the country was gaining traction as one of South Asia’s finest wave destinations.
Fast forward all the way to the heady days of the 2026/27 peak season and the reputation of Hikkaduwa has been somewhat diluted. It’s now probably known as much for its blonde beachfronts and oceanside curry house bars as it is its surfing but the quality of the breaks is undeniable.
Plus, there’s something for everyone. Easy reefs peel off the points. There are some heavy harbor walls that might work if the swell’s right. And you can hit multiple beaches for learning, the main one being the long stretch of Narigama Beach – that’s where you’ll find most of the places listed below.
We’re constantly surprised how few surf camps there are on offer here actually. There are many, many more choices to be had in places like Ahangama and Weligama. The good news is that means there tends to be smaller crowds on learner breaks in Hikkaduwa, and the camps that are here get to do things their own way…
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
>>This is just one part of our complete overall guide to surfing in Sri Lanka and the best surf camps in Sri Lanka
Quick-book the best Hikkaduwa surf camp…
- Hippy Surf Camp & Yoga Shala – The only proper surf camp in Hikkaduwa!
- Riff Hikkaduwa – Luxury beside one of the island’s classic surf beaches
- Steffi’s Mandala – Vibey hostel right on the beach
- Sea Salt Society – Modern-chic hotel literally steps from Hikka’s main beginner spot (Narigama)
>>Prefer a surf hotel? We’ve picked the top hotel stays for surfers in Sri Lanka too. And the best surf hostels on the island.
Hippy Surf Camp
The only proper surf camp in Hikkaduwa!
Hippy Surf Camp (love the name!) is one of the few proper dedicated surf camps in Hikkaduwa – they just don’t have the overload of options here that you get in, say, Ahangama, or especially Weligama.
We think there’s really something to be said for their unique brand of laid-back, uber-welcoming surf camping.
Yep, it’s all about the good vibes at the Hippy Surf Camp.
The founders, Mia and Romy, actually met on the waves here a few years back – Mia had a long-established surf school on the beaches of Hikka and Romy was his student. One thing led to another, there was a marriage along the way, and then bingo: They created Hippy Surf Camp.
The origin story is kinda’ helpful because it shows how the guys running this place really understand what’s required from a surf camp. They make surfing accessible, bite-sized, and, above all, fun!
You’ll be staying in lovely beach cabanas that are probably just what you’ve been dreaming of when it comes to a tropical escape. Think driftwood porches and half al-fresco shower spaces. It’s also got a restaurant that serves lovely breakos come the morning – think dals and hoppers and spicy sambol.
One thing to note: This is an accommodation-only booking but don’t worry, you can easily sign onto their surf courses, which run all the time and include daily lessons with guides in the Hikkaduwa area and around the town’s main beginner bay of Narigama (which is literally just over the road from the camp itself!)
Check prices and availability at the Hippy Surf Camp & Yoga Shala
Riff Hikkaduwa
Luxury beside one of the island’s classic surf beaches
Fricking hell this one looks da bomb. So, yea, it might set you back a hefty amount but it’s the proverbial doggy’s balls of hotels on the Hikkaduwa beachfront. We mention it not because it’s a classic surf camp. We mention it precisely because it’s not.
Where to start? Oh, of course, the design…
Riff itself is one part Bauhaus masterwork, one part Le Corbusier homage, all framed by touches of Sri Lankan tropicality. Palms brush up against whitewashed walls. Rooms are angled perfectly to offer framed visions of the Indian Ocean waves.
AKA – this is a lux hotel with pizzazz that anyone with a discerning sense of style is likely to adore.
Of course, that means you will need to book surf lessons yourself on the side but the good news is that is easy-peasy in Hikka (there are way more surf schools here than surf camps!).
The upshot is that once you’re done with your surf for the day you can return to an uber-slick poolside, grab yourself a platter of artisan sushi at the restaurant, laze beside the infinity pool, or kick back with a cocktail on the rooftop.
Steffi’s Mandala
Vibey hostel right on the beach
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want all the joys of a beachfront location that’s literally steps from the surf of beginner-friendly Narigama Beach, then Steffi’s Mandala could just be the perfect choice.
It’s a classic tropical-island style hangout for surfers and yogis located right there on the sand. The aesthetic is hippy chic from top to toe, so expect minimalist, whitewashed rooms adorned with handmade dreamcatchers and driftwood hangers and things like that.
Then there’s the thatch-roof restaurant on the shoreline, where you’ll probs do most of your post-surf hanging. You can savor healthy Buddha bowls, fresh salads, or their renowned avocado toast there, all while lounging on beanbags or in cabana chill-out spots with the ocean rolling in only meters away.
Since it’s not a full-on surf camp but a nomad hostel, surfboard rentals and lessons can be had from the shacks on the beach. The good news is that there are plenty of those literally steps away and the people at reception can help organize surf classes if need be.
Sea Salt Society
Modern-chic hotel literally steps from Hikka’s main beginner spot (Narigama)
Sea Salt Society is kinda’ like someone went and grabbed a Balinese beach bar and whacked it on the side of Sri Lanka, only it comes with the added bonus of that chilled air that only this particular tropical isle can manage.
It’s yet another seafront spot that spills right out onto Narigama Beach. If you’re willing to pay a little extra for one of the ocean-view rooms, that means you’ll be able to check how the beach break is working just by peeking out the window.
Talking of the rooms…these look pretty dang sweeeeet. Whitewashed walls, vaulted timber roofs, four-poster beds, and polished concrete is the MO. Very cool; very comfy.
Downstairs, the restaurant slash bar slash uber-nice hangout area rolls out onto the sand. You can grab beanbags there and just go into not-doing-F-all mode, or dine on the menu of Mediterranean-meets-Sri Lankan treats.
They also pride themselves on some pretty special cocktails, so evenings are covered.
In my experience, this sort of hotel lends itself to the surfer who doesn’t want the tight schedule of a real surf camp, but does want great proximity to a break, and the creature comforts of a real hotel. Crucially, it’s best for beginner surfers too, since the beach break is the main spot right out front and simply going from bed to wave is a huge selling point of Sea Salt.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
