Sri Lanka is quickly becoming one of the best surf towns for digital nomads. Its tropical climate, laid-back vibe, stunning landscapes, and growing infrastructure make it the perfect place to work remotely and enjoy the good life. And for surfers? The south coast is a must-visit.
At the heart of it all is Weligama – a lively beach town packed with surf shacks, cheap eats, and a buzzing digital nomad surf community. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Weligama has you covered.
Though it is an excellent place for your first excursion into the digital nomad scene, we still recommend checking out our surf travel guide for nomads before making your first trip.
Here’s everything you need to know about being a digital nomad surfer in Weligama.
Getting Around
Weligama isn’t the easiest place to navigate without your own transport. To get the most out of your stay, renting your own vehicle is your best bet.
A tuk-tuk is a fun way to get around, but (speaking from experience here) be sure to rent from a reputable dealer. A friend of mine rented from Tuktukrental and experienced no problems. Trying to save a few rupees, I went with a random street rental, and after three breakdowns and a snapped reverse gearstick, I learned my lesson.
A solid alternative is renting a moped. Easier for newbies and much more fun to ride, this is perfect if you’re wary of Sri Lanka’s often chaotic roads. I got mine from Bike Rent Hub Weligama, and though the bike did have a few issues after almost 2 months of driving it, they swapped it for a better one hassle-free.
Public transport exists, but tuk-tuks and mopeds give you the freedom to explore surf spots, cafés, and coworking spaces at your own pace. Also, you can get surfboard racks for either vehicle, so it’s a no-brainer if you want to rent long-term or bring your own board.
Where to Eat
Firstly, traditional Sri Lankan food is some of the best food on the planet. Though kottu and hoppers are both delicious examples of Sri Lankan cuisine, it’s the rice and curry that stands out. Try Duneltha Homestay and Restaurant‘s vegetarian or fish curry for a true taste of Sri Lanka.
Neighbouring towns Mirissa and Ahangama offer some incredible food if you’re up for a short drive. Try Mirrisa’s No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop for the most amazing rice & curry or roti, or Rice & Curry House Ahangama on the other side of Weligama – their vegetable dishes were the best I tried in Sri Lanka.
Though we implore you to eat as much Sri Lankan cuisine as possible while in the country, there are also some excellent restaurants in Weligama serving amazing Western cuisine. Nomad Café offers an awesome breakfast (you have to try the chocolate orange French toast; it’s insane), and Hangtime Hostel does a great burger.
Surfing in Weligama
The surf here is phenomenal- it’s what Weligama is famous for. There are waves for all levels, boards are super cheap to rent, and the views are stunning. Check out Batu or Lucky’s; two well-established surf shacks offering longboard rental and lessons for beginners. For more seasoned surfers, head to Hangtime Hostel and check out their range of quality shortboards. With JS and DHD both available to rent, you’re sure to find a board that suits you.
It must be said, however, that Weligama Beach is often very busy. With so many surf shacks along the coast, the sea is often filled with learners, which may put some people off. If you’re looking for a quieter beach, Mirissa and Ahangama are not far away and are both excellent spots for surfers.
Always exercise caution when leaving your belongings anywhere. Having said that, from personal experience, I felt comfortable leaving my personal items at all three of the aforementioned spots while surfing. They each had a designated area to leave belongings in while in the water which was never unattended.
In general, Weligama feels like a very safe place to be. You’ll probably see many tourists leaving their belongings on the beach unattended. The staff at each location I visited were friendly and seemed trustworthy, but be sure to use your own judgment before catching the waves as there have been claims of stolen belongings from some board rental places. Again, choose a reputable place; don’t risk it for a few cents!
Working
Nomad Café and Hangtime Hostel are also great places to work, though I did experience some slow internet while I tried both places. It’s worth a try, but it may not be ideal if you need to make video calls.
If you’ve got your own transport, I recommend taking the very short drive over to Capybara Café in Mirissa and booking their coworking space. You can grab decent coffee, book a private room if you need it, and stay as long as you need. Many people use this place for work calls and meetings, so if you rely on those for work, you might prefer to pay the day fee here rather than working from one of Weligama’s cafés. I actually bought a monthly pass which proved to be incredibly useful during my stay, and I never experienced any problems with internet connection.
So, pack your board and your laptop – Weligama is waiting!
Need more? Check out these five top places for digital nomads in Sri Lanka. In this article you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s top surf and remote work spots, so that you can choose whether Weligama or Mirissa is better for you, learn whether Weligama is expensive, and where you will find a strong Wi-Fi connection.
