Written by Josh Band
Posted, 7th March 2024
Ready to find some fun things to do in Weligama, Sri Lanka?
Then look no further! We’re Sri Lankan travel experts who run group tours in Sri Lanka, so we know all of the best spots to explore and things to do in Weligama.
Weligama is largely seen as a surf haven, but there is so much more to the town than catching a few waves. It’s a cliche, but there’s truly something for everyone here.
Read on to find the best things to do in Weligama to make sure you have an amazing trip packed with fun-filled activities…
Things to Do in Weligama 🇱🇰
There are lots of great things to see and do in Weligama that will appeal to all sorts of travellers. Many people assume that the town is mainly for pro-surfers but that is not true! There is so much more to the town than the waves. Here are some of our favourite things to do in the “sandy village“
1. Take the Plunge with the Team From Weligama Bay Dive Centre 🤿
Weligama is a popular scuba diving location for many reasons, some include that it is extremely cheap compared to other locations; it has some rare species of animals to spot and the water is crystal clear and free from pollution – which if you’ve been to Sri Lanka before, you’ll know is a big feat.
Weligama is a great location to get your PADI qualifications and there’s no better accredited company to help train you than Weligama Bay Dive Centre.
The team are very experienced in teaching everything you need to know about scuba diving and offers lots of different training courses to all levels of divers, including beginners. Trust us, once you dive here, you’ll be addicted!
2. Go Surfing 🏄
While we did say there is more to Weligama than surfing…this list wouldn’t be complete without suggesting that you try surfing at Weligama. The most popular surf spot is of course Weligama Beach which is suitable for all levels of surfers.
Complete beginners can take advantage of the many surf schools providing lessons and equipment on the shore and advanced surfers can paddle out towards the larger breaks to test their skills.
Weligama has an incredible surf culture with plenty of accommodation options right on the beach, great bars and cafes and lots of shops and surf stops to pick up some great souvenirs.
It’s true that Weligama is the definition of a surfer’s paradise. In fact, as part of our Sri Lankan group tours, we include a surf lesson in Weligama. That’s how highly we rate it.
3. Relax at Good Spa 🧖
Having spa treatments is a very popular way of spending the day in southern Sri Lanka, particularly if you’ve had an exhausting trip full of active activities. One of the most popular spa treatment locations in Weligama is Good Spa.
Good Spa offers some of the best health and beauty treatments on the south coast, with experienced staff ready to welcome you for a range of spa options. Ayurveda massages are the top treatments at the spa, but the main selling point is the location.
Good Spa is located on the banks of the Pottawa River, on the outskirts of the jungle and the natural environment adds to your relaxation.
4. Visit Kushta Raja Gala 🪨
Kushta Raja Gala is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the south coast of Sri Lanka, and it’s easy to see the appeal. The statue which has been carved into the rockface is believed to date back to the 9th century and is surprisingly detailed.
It reminds us of Easter Island in Turkey to an extent. It’s Sri Lanka’s equivalent!
The meaning behind the statue has long been debated but many believe the carving is of a prince who cured many of skin diseases. For this reason, you’ll see many locals coming from all over the region to pray and ask the statue for cures. It’s quite touching to see.
It’s also completely free to visit, which is an added bonus if you’re backpacking in Sri Lanka.
5. Sample Tea at Handunugoda Tea Estate ☕️
Handunugoda Tea Estate is the only one of its kind on the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, making it a great stop if you’re not intending to head inland to the likes of Ella or Kandy.
The tea estate offers a guided tour of the factory, giving a great insight into how traditional teas are made and guests are free to try the fresh leaves and flavours.
You’ll also get the opportunity to walk the luscious fields where the leaves are grown and harvested, watching the workers delicately tending to the plants.
If you’re British, how can you visit Weligama without enjoying a cuppa?
6. Go Whale Watching 🐋
Whale watching is an incredibly popular activity that many tourists love to do when they visit Weligama. Taking a sunset whale-watching tour is particularly magical, how can you beat a combination that good?
The experience is unique in that you’re searching for some of the largest whales in the world – including blue whales, and the likelihood of seeing them is surprisingly high!
There are lots of whale-watching tour options across the bay, with many different price packages available. The best time of year to book a whale-watching tour is between November and April.
7. Visit Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa 🥥
Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa is a spot that has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years thanks to social media influencers. It is a private coconut estate that offers some incredible views across the Indian Ocean and is a postcard-worthy attraction.
Taking the trek from the base of Coconut Tree Hill up to the top of the cliff only takes around 10 minutes and is one of the best spots to go for a great sunset, but it is open at all times of the day.
As Mirissa glistens in the background, you can take in the orange and pink sky as the sun disappears over the horizon.
You’ll have to get there in good time though to beat all the other like-minded travellers to the spots with the best photo angles. There’s nothing worse than people getting in the way of your photos, right? So if you hate crowds, you might prefer sunrise to sunset.
8. Take a Day Safari to Udawalawe 🐘
If you’re travelling in Sri Lanka, it would be impossible not to take a safari. While it may look quite far away on a map, Udawalawe National Park is a very popular place to visit when you’re staying in Weligama and it can be reached by car or guided tour vehicles. There are plenty of tour options running between Weligama and Udawalawe.
The park is famous for its thriving elephant population along with other amazing creatures such as buffalo, crocodiles and deer. Most people do go in hopes of seeing the elephants though!
Taking a safari allows you the best chance to spot the animals in their natural habitat and is an animal-conscious way of viewing them.
You have quite a high chance of spotting elephants in Udawalawe as not only are your guides experienced in finding them but there are over 500 of them living in the park!
9. Enjoy Secret Beach ⛱
There are lots of beaches in Weligama, and they’re some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, but make sure you look past simply going to Weligama Beach.
Secret Beach may not be so much of a secret anymore, as many tourists have started flocking to the spot, but it is a lot quieter than many other locations along the coast and is the perfect place for relaxing in the sun, having a swim or enjoying a picnic on the sand.
Secret Beach used to be a local spot, but when more and more travellers found it, and thanks to social media’s “hidden gems” craze, it evolved into a more popular spot where you may struggle for peace during the busiest months.
But as we said, it’s still a lot less busy than other beaches and it is worth the 15-minute drive or 90-minute walk to reach it.
10. Snorkel with Giant Sea Turtles at Wijaya Beach 🐢
Ethical animal experiences can be hard to find in Sri Lanka, unfortunately many (even though they are advertised to be animal-friendly) are more focused on money and do not care appropriately for the animals that they are displaying.
The best way to see animals in Sri Lanka is to visit them in their natural habitat. Snorkelling with Giant Sea Turtles at Wijaya Beach is a popular activity and allows the turtles to swim freely – escaping when they feel threatened.
Turtles love to explore the coral reefs laid along the shores of Wijaya Beach, particularly during the early morning and as dusk approaches. The reefs form a natural pool which makes it a safe and sheltered place for swimming, but make sure not to damage them with your feet or hands as you swim.
Wijaya Beach is a popular location, not far from Weligama, for sunbathing and swimming too, so you can easily make a day of your trip to spot the turtles.
11. Enjoy Brunch at One of the Best Cafes on the South Coast 🫖
There are lots of amazing cafes along the south coast of Sri Lanka and plenty of them are located just a short distance from Weligama. NOMAD Cafe and Moochies are two of the town’s most popular cafes with great coffees, authentic teas and plenty of vegan dishes to savour.
If you’re off on an adventure along the coast, then you will likely come across many other cafes. Shady Lane in Mirissa is particularly popular, with smoothie bowls being one of their most popular menu items.
No matter where you choose to go, spending a morning having a delicious brunch or sampling some coffee is a great way to fuel up with energy for the busy day ahead.
12. Snorkel at Devil Rock 🐠
Devil Rock is a popular spot in Weligama for snorkelling, as there is a huge population and exotic and tropical fish swarming the area. If you don’t have your snorkel in your backpack then not to worry as there are plenty of shops along Weligama’s shorefront where you can hire or buy equipment.
Devil Rock is also a great spot to do some people-watching. Many tourists and locals come to the spot to relax and watch the stilt fisherman at work in the evenings.
If you’re unfamiliar, it’s what it means quite literally – fishing while on stilts. Stilt fishing is no easy task and takes years to learn the skill; it’s very impressive to watch.
13. Enjoy the Nightlife 🕺
Weligama has a very vibrant nightlife scene with beach parties being very popular in the bay. If you’re travelling with friends or are trying to make some new ones then you should definitely head to a beach party in the evening to enjoy the music, drinks and vibes.
Not only are there often parties on the beaches but there are some great restaurants and bars down by the ocean. You’re sure to find a spot to enjoy yourself and let loose for the evening.
You’ll find it difficult to find a nightlife more colourful than in Sri Lanka, and Weligama is a great spot in particular.
One of the most popular spots for an evening of eating and drinking is The Doctor’s House, located in Mantara, just a few steps from Madiha Beach. The terrace and restaurant are the perfect location to spend an evening as the sun sets, and there is even accommodation available if you want to make the most of the night!
Is Weligama Worth Visiting?
Weligama is definitely a town worth visiting! There are plenty of fun things to see and do in Weligama and it is a great destination for testing out some of Sri Lanka’s best ocean spots on the south coast.
If you’ve got a love for water then you have to add Weligama to your itinerary. There are too many great watersport activities at the bay to miss out on! And don’t worry if you’re only a beginner.
Plenty of people come to Weligama to learn to snorkel, dive and surf as the ocean is so crystal clear, full of wildlife and safer for weaker swimmers.
The town has plenty of cultural stops to seek out and you can get some great insights into traditional trades and customs while in Weligama. Many of the attractions are a lot less crowded than other options along the coast such as the Handunugoda Tea Estate, as many travellers prefer to visit the ones in Ella.
Overall, Weligama is definitely a stop worth adding to your list if you are travelling to Sri Lanka.
How Many Days in Weligama?
We recommend staying in Weligama for 3-4 days to ensure you can make the most of the amazing beaches and explore all of our favourite things to do.
Weligama is also a great base for exploring towns further down the coast, especially if you have your heart set on surfing, as many of the best spots for advanced surfers are located outside of Weligama Bay itself.
You can definitely explore Weligama in less time, but taking a few days to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the cultural and laid-back town is a great escape for the busier areas inland.
And on the other hand, it would be very easy to spend a lifetime here – it’s paradise!
Best Time to Visit Weligama
The best time to visit Weligama is during the dry season between September and April. During these months, you’ll have a lot more luck with watersports such as surfing due to more reliable waves and the surf shacks along the beach will be open to assist with any snorkelling or surfing needs.
As whale watching and diving are popular in Weligama, visiting later in the time frame, perhaps between November and April, will improve your chances of seeing the most wildlife.
No one wants to be at the beach or trekking the jungle in the pouring rain and boiling heat. Visiting in the dry season limits your chances of getting caught in the downpours and makes for a more enjoyable experience in the town.
FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions relating to things to do in Weligama along with our expert answers to each question.
Weligama is most famous for its surf spots, with people coming from all over the world to try out the waves and make the most of the reef breaks. But there are lots of other great things to do in Weligama such as visiting cultural sites or making the most of spa resorts.
Both Weligama and Mirissa are great destinations to visit, particularly if you like surfing. If you’re more serious about the sport then you’d maybe be better heading to Mirissa whereas Weligama has a range of different things to do to keep you entertained alongside watersports.
The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami severely affected Weligama Bay with lots of damage to buildings and land occurring. Sadly, many people lost their lives and were injured. The town has since been rebuilt and is very much back to business as usual.
You can surf all year round in Weligama but the best time is between September and April when the waves are most reliable and the waves are best for reef breaks.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, all of the best things to do in Weligama in Sri Lanka.
Whether you love the ocean and want to explore it more or prefer to immerse yourself in local cultures on land, there is something for everyone in Weligama.
If you’re planning a visit you’re sure to find something you’ll love and we recommend you try as many new things as possible to make your time in Weligama unforgettable and magical.
And if you like what we think about Weligama, why not join us on our Best of Sri Lanka Tour, which includes Weligama, Ella, Unawatuna, Udawalawe and more?!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
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