Everything you need to know about Hiriketiya
For your next Kima Surf Camps trip
Hiriketiya, also known as “Hiri”, is a horseshoe-shaped bay on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is a quiet area surrounded by greenery and has a peaceful vibe, perfect for a surf trip to Sri Lanka. Hiriketiya Beach is a stunning beach lined with palm trees, with crystal blue waters, perfect for spotting turtles. Hiriketiya camp is located ten minutes by tuk tuk away from Hirketiya beach where you will be spending most of your time surfing.
Surf in Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya Beach is a horseshoe-shaped bay that offers waves suitable to all surf levels. A wave breaks over a sandy bottom on the West side of the bay and is ideal for beginners. There are peaks in the middle of the bay that break over deep reef, forming waves that you can ride for about 50-meters. Then we have the fast, more advanced left hander on the East side of the bay, perfect for intermediates and advanced surfers.
Kima Surf offers a 5-day learn to surf course or join our 1-6 star sessions if you’ve surfed before. Our 5-day learn to surf course teaches you the basics of surfing step by step so you have a solid foundation for the rest of your surfing journey. Our 1-6 star sessions are perfect for improving your surf and our expert surf guides will pick the best spots for you.
From December to February, the peak season brings along smaller waves, perfect for learning to surf. Between August and December, the waves are their strongest, offering exciting left hand waves in Hiriketiya Bay for the more intermediate surfers. Beginners can still enjoy calmer waves in the beach break and on smaller days even have the opportunity to surf the reef break.
Staying at our surf camp
Our camp in Hiriketiya is conveniently located ten minutes from some of the best surf spots in the area. The camp is surrounded by forest and lush greenery, creating a peaceful environment to relax in between surf sessions. If you’d like to stay fit and active, there is a beautiful outdoor gym as well as daily yoga sessions.
Wake up each morning to a three-course breakfast, enjoyed around a communal table, to fuel you for your surf sessions. Included in your stay are two daily, guided surf sessions where you can either join the 5-day learn to surf course or one of our 1-6 star sessions.
Back at camp, you can spend time relaxing by the pool or enjoying a massage. You could also get busy and join some yoga sessions, pool sessions, surf theory lessons or video analysis of your daily surf. We also have a variety of social activities for you to join, where you can meet people through creative DIYs, meet and greets or BBQ nights at camp.
With regards to accommodation in camp, you have a wide variety to choose from. Pick from dorms, private cabanas, new deluxe rooms or even a cabana with its own plunge pool! All rooms are a step away from our common areas, restaurant, pools and outdoor gym.
The best times to visit
Sri Lanka has two distinct seasons, being Maha (October to April) and Yala (May to September). The ideal time to visit is in Maha season, which is characterised by less rain and wind bringing ideal surf conditions. In the Yala season, the waves are less consistent. However, it is less crowded, which is great for peaceful surfing.
Looking for some adventure?
For those of you who want to do more in the area and take some time to explore, Kima Surf offers cultural trips. Take a trip with us to Yala or Udawalawe National Parks to see a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards and elephants. If you want to get a closer look at some Elephants, we also offer a trip to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage.
In your free time between surfs you could also take some time to explore the area. Hiriketiya Beach is a beautiful beach that is perfect for tanning or swimming. Some other beaches in the area worth exploring are Talalla Beach, Diwella Beach, Goyambokka Beach and Silent Beach.
Dikwella Town is a five minute tuk tuk from camp and is a great way to spend an afternoon shopping and exploring. It has local markets and sightseeing opportunities like the temple with the notable Buddha statue.
Lastly, did you know you could even whale watch in Sri Lanka? Between the months of November and April you can spot blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins along the coast of Mirissa on a whale watching tour.
Now that you know what to expect in Kima Surf Hiriketiya, you can begin planning your surf trip and have the experience of a lifetime!