The Complete Sri Lanka Kitesurfing Guide
Sri Lanka, kitesurfing paradise!
Here is what we are going to look at in this article, the Complete Sri Lanka Kitesurfing Guide:
Sri Lanka has become one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Asia! Few kite destinations in the world come with 9 months of wind per year, an infinity of lagoons of flat water, and a paradise-like environment! Thanks to its flat water spots, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination to learn and improve kitesurfing. There are many kite schools in Sri Lanka who can help you start.
Sri Lanka also has a very interesting history, an ancient culture and
one of the most hospitable people on the planet.
We have developed this guide so that you have all the necessary
information for your future kitesurfing trip to Sri Lanka in one place! Still have not heard about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka and its kitesurfing locations? Sri Lanka has become a TOP kitesurfing destination that is worth discovering. In this guide, you will find all the necessary information for a kite trip to Sri Lanka.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when going for a kitesurfing trip to Sri Lanka?
Where do we start? With the good news maybe?
In Sri Lanka, you can enjoy kitesurfing 9 months a year thanks to its great weather statistics. You only have a vacation once a year? Don’t worry, be it winter or summer, you can kite in Sri Lanka practically all year round.
We are going to help you to know a little bit more about the top kitesurfing locations and the more authentic kitesurfing camps and kite schools in Sri Lanka! You will fall in love with this destination.
What is the main kitesurfing season in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has 2 kitesurfing seasons a year. The winter season from December to March and the summer season from May to October. Many kite schools and kitesurfing camps in Sri Lanka are open almost all the year round but some of them are closed in offseason. The main destination in
Sri Lanka for kitesurfing is Kalpitiya, and when there is no wind, there are no kiters and no tourists.
In summer, the wind comes from the southwest and it is windy almost every day. The wind usually blows stronger at the beginning of the season, reaching up to 30 knots during some days in May, but don´t be scared. The average is 20 to 25 knots in the summer season.
In winter, from December to March, it is usually windy in the afternoon. The wind comes from the northeast and is a thermal and constant wind. If it is cool at night and it is sunny the next morning, the wind rises well from around 12-1 pm.
In winter season, it usually gets windy from December 20-25. What better way to celebrate Christmas by pumping your kite in this kitesurfing paradise? January is the best month for kitesurfing during winter season, although in February the wind is also quite constant. By March it drops quite a bit. Once the wind drops completely some of the kite schools start to close. If you plan to kite in Sri Lanka in March, you better contact a kite camp or a kite school before you go to see if they are still open then.
The TOP Kitesurf spots and locations in Sri Lanka
The best kitesurfing spots are located in the Kalpitiya Peninsula which is located north of Colombo capital. Here is the kite spot section of the Sri Lanka Kitesurfing guide:
Kalpitiya Lagoon
Among all the kitesurfing locations in Sri Lanka, the most known is Kalpitiya Lagoon. What is it about this lagoon that makes everyone come to learn to kitesurf here? Well, It is actually the flat and shallow water of the lagoon that makes it one of the best and safest locations in Asia to learn to kitesurf. Most kite schools also have a lifeboat making this spot a very safe spot to learn to kitesurf. Are you a complete beginner? Then Kalpitiya lagoon is perfect for you. Don´t worry about being dragged by the kite between big waves and struggling a lot in deep water! Here you can learn fast and safe in flat and shallow water. Also, it is possible to kite both in the summer season and in the winter season!
The Dream Spot
The Dream spot is one of the best kitesurfing spots in Sri Lanka. Like Kalpitiya lagoon, we´got 9 months of wind a year.
This kite location is located on a long and deserted beach, only 15-20 minutes away from Kalpitiya. What is it about the Dream Spot that makes it such a special kite spot? Quite simply, apart from being located in a virgin and unspoiled environment, it is a super calm water location, very little exploited and with very few kiters around. The Dream spot is the best kite spot closest to Kalpitiya to detach from other kiters. Also, in the summer season, the wind is much more constant and less gusty than in Kalpitiya lagoon.
Vella Island
Imagine a kite spot that has it all: paradise island, flat water and very constant wind with 25 knots on average. It could be a dream, right? Well there is a place in the world called Vella Island and it meets all these requirements. Vella is a kitesurfing paradise and one of the best kitesurfing spots in Sri Lanka.
You will probably find few places in the world with these conditions. If you travel to Vella island, keep in mind that it is usually much windier than in Kalpitiya and that the kiting conditions are completely off-shore (it is not a beginner kite spot).
Isla de Ippantivu
Until last year, there were very few kitesurfers who came to Ippantivu to kitesurf, but recently, this island is becoming a very well known kite spot in Sri Lanka. Also called “Mini-Vella” this kitesurfing island is just 30 minutes away by boat from Kalpitiya. Ippantivu is a small island with many mangroves and where there are only some fishermen’s cabins. As in Vella island, you won´t find infrastructure around, you are in the middle of nature: Just you, with your kite, strong wind and super flat water. Ippantivu is a little bit further than the Dream spot and it is halfway from Vella Island.
Donkey Point
Donkey Point is a cape located in Kandakulya, a small fishermen village just 10 km south from Kalpitiya. You can access the Donkey Point directly by vehicle through a sandy road (20 min approx from Kalpitiya town) and it is located next to a navy camp. While in summer the wind can get a little
bit gusty in Kalpitiya lagoon, here in the Donkey point the wind is very constant and it is the perfect spot if you want to kite in the ocean. On the other hand, Donkey Point is not a spot for completely beginners.
Navy Point
Navy Point is another amazing flat water kitesurfing spot in Sri Lanka! If you organize a kite trip to Sri Lanka in wintertime, you should visit the Navy Point. Located at the end of the “Dutch Bay”, this flatwater spot is amazing. In winter season you can make a downwind through the ocean from the Navy Point to Kalpitiya.
Kappaladi lagoon
Kappaladi is without a doubt one of the best locations to learn kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. This small lagoon is located around 20 Km south of Kalpitiya and you will find nice resorts and kite schools around! From May to September it is very windy in Kappaladi, having a very good and constant wind. In addition, in this lagoon with flat and shallow water, you can walk anywhere, making it a great spot to get started into kitesurfing.
Adam´s Bridge, Mannar
Adam´s Bridge is an amazing set of islets that divide Sri Lanka from the Asian continent. Here it is also windy practically all year round and a perfect destination for kitesurfing. However, at the moment the area is poorly developed and the infrastructure is practically non-existent. Among all the kite spots in Sri Lanka, we can say that Adam´s bridge is the most isolated one. Despite this, if you are a kite lunatic and a true adventurer, Mannar is your perfect destination.
The southern beaches of Sri Lanka
From December to April, the south of Sri Lanka is the perfect destination to enjoy sandy beaches and good weather. The south of Sri Lanka is more touristy and developed than Kalpitiya and you will find more offers of resorts, restaurants, disco bars… Yet, there are not many kitesurfers in the south and you will find hard to find a kite school or kitesurfing camp there. (Almost all kite schools and kite camps in Sri Lanka are located in Kalpitiya) However, during some windy days, it is a good destination to enjoy
kitesurfing among good waves. You just need to be lucky to have enough wind.
Get ready to kitesurf with big kites as the thermals usually range from 12 to 16 knots! If you are lucky tough, you can also find 25 knots on a day! These are some of the beaches where you can kitesurf in the south of Sri Lanka during the months from December to April:
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is located in eastern Sri Lanka and it is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Unfortunately, the wind is not as constant as in Kalpitiya but if you are lucky to find a windy day, prepare to kitesurf among the best waves in Asia! The season in Arugam Bay is from May to
September when there is also more atmosphere for surfers. On windy days, it is usually side-offshore, so study the conditions well before jumping into the water!
The Best Kitesurfing Camps in Sri Lanka
Here you will find a list with some of the best and most famous kitesurfing camps in Sri Lanka! We help you to choose your accommodation! The main kite camps are located around Kalpitiya lagoon and Kappaladi Lagoon. Most of them have a restaurant on-site, and they offer packs with full board, half board or bed&breakfast basis. Some of these kite camps have a kite school inhouse.
Kitesurfing camps in Kalpitiya lagoon
Most of the next kitesurfing camps daily cross by boat to the other side of the lagoon, where they have a “beach hut” in the sandbar where you can rest and get refreshed.
Margarita Kitesurfing camp Sri Lanka
This Kitesurf Camp is located in the Kalpitiya lagoon and is also the main kitesurfing school according to tripadvisor. It is the perfect camp to stay if you want to be right at the kite spot of Kalpitiya lagoon!
They have spacious and conformable waterfront bungalows and a rooftop bar to see the most beautiful sunsets in all Kalpitiya.
Margarita kite camp is managed by 2 Spanish guys and it is also the main IKO center in Sri Lanka. They teach directly in the Kalpitiya lagoon and they also organize kitesurf trips to Vella islands and other kite spots regularly. If you are looking for good vibes and nice ambiance this is your kitesurfing camp!
Kitelantis
Kitelantis is without a doubt the best kitesurfing camp for those who want a kitesurf vacation surrounded by friends and family. They have spacious and comfortable bungalows for those who prefer to have a little bit more luxury around. This resort is located in a natural and unique environment among many coconut trees and a very nice pool with views to the lagoon and to the “Dutch Bay”.
Sun Wind Beach Kalpitiya
This Kitesurfing camp is managed by a very friendly Sri Lankan family. They have rustic wooden bungalows right in Kalpitiya lagoon kite spot. Here you will find the best “Reggae” atmosphere in Kalpitiya and the most authentic local food! Sushantha and his team of local instructors teach in
Kalpitiya lagoon and they have a safety boat all day long. If you are looking for local instructors, Sun wind beach is the best for kite school ran only by locals!
Margarita Village
This kite camp is located in Setthawadi neighborhood, by Kalpitiya lagoon. The Margarita Village, with charm and familiar atmosphere, has nice wooden bungalows with open roof an outdoor shower. You will be able to take a shower under coconut trees. They have some pets like ducks, rabbits and also have free use of bicycles to move around.
The Rascals
The Rascals is one of the oldest and most famous Sri Lankan kite camps. This resort is actually the first Duotone Center in Kalpitiya and it also has spacious and beautiful chalets and a fairly large swimming pool. It is surrounded by a coconut state with wonderful views of Kalpitiya lagoon. Due to its strategic location, it is the best option to go to kite spots like Dream spot or Vella island. The Rascals also has a restaurant with a variety of local and international food, being the “rice and curry” the best!
De Silva wind resort
De Silva win resort is also located in Kalpitiya lagoon and they are also specialized in Windsurfing. DeSilva is the only resort who rents windsurfing equipment in Kalpitiya. They have a restaurant on-site and they do local and international food. This resort is also located in Setthawadi neighborhood among a coconut tree state.
Kite schools located in Kalpitiya:
Here you have a list with the main kite schools you will find in Kalpitiya lagoon:
- Margarita kite school (IKO center)
- Valampuri resort (IKO center)
- Surf point
- Kitesurfing Lanka
- De Silva win resort
Kitesurfing camps in Kappaladi lagoon
Kappaladi is a small lagoon, that´s why you will find less kitesurfing camps & kite schools around this lagoon. However, this kite spot is becoming more and more famous and new kite camps are coming to the stage.
Elements resort
Elements is also one of the largest and most popular kite camps in Sri Lanka and it is located on the seafront and right in Kappaladi lagoon too (literally surrounded by flat water lagoons and the ocean). They have family chalets, round bungalows and tropical bungalows, all of them very comfortable and
spacious too and a very cozy swimming pool by the beach! Elements teach kitesurfing right at the lagoon next to the resort!
Kappaladi kite garden
If you are looking for a romantic guest house in Kalpitiya, don’t miss Kappalady Kitegarden. This resort is located less than 3 min walk from the Kappaladi lagoon. They have rooms with AC, which is difficult to find around here!
Read the kappalady Kite Garden review on Kitesurfersblog here
Kite house
Kite house is the number 1 restaurant in the Kalpitiya peninsula and they do the best food in town! Kite house is also operating as a low budget kite camp. Kite house has tents and wooden bungalows for those who are traveling with little budget.
Kite schools in Kappaladi
Here you have a list with the main kite schools in Kappaladi
- Kitekuda kite school
- Sri Lanka kite centre (Element´resort)
Learning to kitesurf in Kappaladi is so safe and easy that even the kitesurfing schools don´t need any rescue boat! You will be able to walk everywhere in this lagoon!
Kitesurfing conditions by spot
It would not be a complete Sri Lanka Kitesurfing guide without a detailed spot list, would it?
| Flat Water | Waves | Winter season/knots | Summer season/knots | Recommended level | |
| Kalpitiya lagoon | x | 14-18 | 18-25 | Beginner | |
| Dream spot | x | 14-18 | 20-25 | Intermediate | |
| Vella island | x | x | 14-18 | 25-30 | Expert |
| Ippantivu | x | 14-18 | 20-25 | Expert | |
| Donkey Point | x | 20-25 | Intermediate | ||
| Mannar | x | 14-18 | 20-25 | Beginner | |
| Kappaladi | x | 20-25 | Beginner | ||
| Navy Point | x | 14-18 | |||
| Weligama, Tangalle, Hikkaduwa | x | 14-18 | 20-25 | Expert | |
| Arugam Bay | x | 14-25 | Expert |
The most exciting downwind trips in Sri Lanka
Here is something for you crazy people who love to do downwinders. Are you passionate about making a downwinder in a completely wild environment? Then you will be amazed by Sri Lanka! This is a list of
the most exciting downwind trips you can sign up for:
Summer season
From Dream Spot to Ippantivu island (Puttalam Lagoon)
- Duration: approximately one hour
- Level: Intermediate
From Kappaladi Lagoon to Donkey Point and the Kalpitiya Lagoon (ocean)
- Duration: Approximately one and a half hour
- Level: Expert
Winter season
From Navy Point to Dream Spot (Puttalam lagoon and ocean)
- Duration: one hour
- Level: Expert
Vella island hasta Dream spot (Puttalam lagoon and ocean)
- Duration: one hour
- Level: Expert
Important things to consider when organizing a Kite trip to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the safest kitesurfing destinations in the world. Also, Sri Lankans are very hospitable and they are always smiling and ready to help. Obviously, you will always have to be careful
with your belongings, although general crime rates are very low
Depending on the season in which you are travelling to Sri Lanka, you will need one type of kite or another. In summer season, you are going to need rather small kites, from 7 to 10 meters. In winter season you better carry larger kites, from 12 to 14 meters.
You can get a tourist visa online for 30 days with the possibility of extending it to 60 days more. If you want to extend your visa, you don’t need to waste time going to the immigration office; some companies can do the paperwork for you.
What can I do in Sri Lanka apart from Kitesurfing?
The wind statistics in the Kalpitiya Peninsula and the north of Sri Lanka are spectacular, and you will rarely run out of wind. Although during the summer season and especially on full moon days, the wind may be weak for 3-4 days. Apart from kitesurfing, these are the activities that can be carried out near the Kalpitiya area if you run out of wind:
Go on a safari in Wilpattu National Park
The park is located about an hour from Kalpitiya and is one of the largest and wildest national parks in Sri Lanka. You can see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and many more wild animals!
One day visit to the sacred city of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of the most important ancient cities in the world because of its culture and history. Here you will find some of the oldest ruins in the country. From Kalpitiya, you can go and come back from Anuradhapura in a day
Boat trip by Genge Rive
The Genge is the river that crosses Wilpattu National Park and you can enter its jungle by boat. This is an alternative if you want to see wild nature without having to do a full jeep safari. It is possible to enter the Genge River by boat and spend a magnificent day in a virgin and natural environment. You are not going to spot as many animals as you would spot in a jeep, but if you are lucky, yet you will be able to see crocodiles, monkeys, or even elephants!
Dolphin watching
On the coast of Kalpitya, there are a large number of dolphins that can be easily sighted with a boat trip from December to Abril. You will be surprised by the number of dolphins there are!
See more: Things to do in Kalpitya, Sri Lanka (on kitesurfersblog)
If you make your trip longer, you might have time for some Surfing in Sri Lanka too (on kitesurfersblog)
Summary of the complete Sri Lanka Kitesurfing guide
I hope you learned some things, got inspiration, or even started packing for your Sri Lanka kitesurfing trip after reading this long article. We try to keep it up to date and to be the most complete kitesurfing guide to Sri Lanka there is. If you have questions, feel free to drop a comment below!
Thanks to Ruben from Margarita Village Kitesurfing center for all the information to this complete Sri Lanka Kitesurfing guide.
