The Surf Window

Okanda

Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Point breakAdvanced

In Sri Lanka's remote Yala region on the east coast, Okanda is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site where the dry zone jungle meets the Indian Ocean, and consistent east coast swells deliver uncrowded surf in one of Sri Lanka's most extraordinary wildlife settings.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–NE 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

May–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef and beach break

Bottom

Sand and rock

Shape

Rights off the reef, beach peaks in the bay

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Remote location and reef require self-sufficiency

Hazards

  • •Elephants and leopards in the surrounding Yala National Park
  • •Very remote, Yala jungle roads
  • •Hindu pilgrimage season (July–August) brings large crowds

Local Tips

  • •Yala National Park adjacent has Sri Lanka's highest leopard density, game drives are extraordinary
  • •The Kataragama pilgrimage that ends at Okanda is one of the great spiritual journeys in Asia
  • •Arugam Bay (50km north) is the main surf hub for the east coast season

Location

Map showing the location of Okanda in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

6.5333, 81.8333