How Surf Tourism Became a Billion-Dollar Industry and Where Sri Lanka Fits In
Words Luka Tidewell. Photography BT Images.
The Call of the Ocean
On a quiet morning in Arugambay, Sri Lanka, the rising sun casts golden hues over the endless blue horizon. Surfers wax their boards, sip on coconut water, and gaze at the peeling right-handers rolling into the bay. Among them is Daniel, a seasoned surfer from Australia who has spent the past five years chasing waves around the world.
This year, he’s opted for Sri Lanka, a destination once overshadowed by Indonesia and the Maldives but now fast becoming a must-visit for the global surf community.
“The waves here remind me of Bali 20 years ago,” Daniel muses, watching locals paddle out. “It’s raw, it’s beautiful, and it’s still affordable—at least for now.”
His last trip was to the Maldives, where a week-long surf retreat cost him nearly USD 5,000—a stark contrast to Sri Lanka, where he spends less than USD 1,000 per week, including accommodation, food, and transport.
The question arises: Has surf tourism become a sport for the wealthy? And if so, where does Sri Lanka fit in this shifting landscape?
A surfer riding a wave in Arugambay.
Asanka in action.
Arugambay is an ideal surf destination to enjoy incredible waves.
Arugambay is a vibrant hub attracting passionate surfers united by their love for the waves.
Masterfully navigating the crashing waves.
A Billion-Dollar Industry: Surf Tourism by the Numbers
Surf tourism is no longer just a subculture—it’s a USD 65.30 billion global industry (as of 2023) and is expected to grow to USD 95.93 billion by 2030 at a steady 5.8 percent CAGR. What started as a countercultural movement in the 1950s, with surfers hitchhiking along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, has transformed into a luxury travel sector where billionaires book private surf resorts, and corporations invest in artificial wave pools.
Key figures in surf tourism:
The United States, Australia, and Indonesia remain the top surf tourism markets.
Surfing generates USD 8 billion annually in Australia alone.
- The Maldives and Fiji have seen a 30 percent increase in high-end surf tourism over the past five years.
- Surf resorts in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands charge USD 3,000–USD 6,000 per week, catering to high-net-worth individuals.
- Luxury surf travel is rising, with high- end packages in the Maldives, Tahiti, and Costa Rica costing upwards of USD 10,000 per trip.
With such staggering figures, the notion of a “rich man’s game” isn’t far-fetched. But is there still space for budget-conscious surf travelers? Sri Lanka seems to think so.
Each ride is a harmonious dance with the ocean.
Sri Lanka: The Last Affordable Surf Paradise?
Despite the rising commercialization of surf tourism, Sri Lanka offers an alternative. The island, long overshadowed by global surf giants, is now carving out its niche with affordable surf camps, eco-lodges, and year-round waves.
Why Sri Lanka?
- Cost-Effective Surfing: A surf trip to Sri Lanka costs 60-70 percent less than Indonesia or the Maldives.
- Year-Round Waves: The east coast (Arugambay) peaks from April to October, while the south coast (Weligama, Hiriketiya, Hikkaduwa) is best from November to April. nGrowing Surf Infrastructure: More than 100 surf schools have popped up in Weligama alone.
Government Recognition: Sri Lanka
Tourism aims to market the country as a global surf hub, with plans to increase surf-related tourism revenue by 30 percent in the next five years.
Economic Impact
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2022, recovering from COVID-19 setbacks. While official figures on surf tourism are scarce, reports indicate that Arugambay alone contributes over USD 10 million annually through hotels, surf schools, and restaurants.
- In peak season, Arugambay attracts more than 10,000 surfers per month. n Foreign surfers typically spend USD 50–USD 100 per day, significantly boosting local businesses.
- The demand for surf instructors, board rentals, and accommodations has created thousands of jobs in coastal towns.
However, concerns about gentrification and overcrowding linger. “The charm of Sri Lanka is its affordability,” says a local surf camp owner in Weligama. “But with more luxury resorts coming in, we might end up like Bali.”
The Global Divide: Luxury vs. Budget Surf Tourism
The rise of exclusive surf resorts and wave pools has deepened the divide between luxury surf travel and budget- friendly destinations.
The Luxury Boom
- Kandui Villas (Mentawai, Indonesia): USD 3,800 per week.
- Four Seasons Maldives Surf Package: USD 2,500 per night
- Fiji’s Cloudbreak Resorts: USD 5,000 per week, with VIP surf access.
Many of these places limit the number of surfers per day, creating an elitist surf experience. While it preserves wave quality, it shuts out those without deep pockets.
The Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Destinations like Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, and the Philippines are emerging as the last strongholds of affordable surf tourism. In Weligama, a surf lesson costs USD 10–USD 15, while budget accommodations range from USD 20 to USD 50 per night—a stark contrast to USD 500-a-night surf resorts in high-end destinations.
“The essence of surfing is freedom,” says Daniel, reflecting on his journey.
“But with private surf resorts and limited- access waves, we’re losing that.”
The Future: Can Sri Lanka Stay Affordable?
As Sri Lanka’s surf scene grows, the challenge is to balance development with accessibility. The government’s plan to increase tourism revenue will likely attract more luxury investors, but can the country avoid Bali-style over-tourism?
Possible Scenarios
1. Sustainable Growth: Eco-friendly surf camps and mid-range hotels thrive, keeping Sri Lanka accessible to budget travelers.
2. Luxury Takeover: High-end resorts dominate the best surf spots, limiting access for locals and budget surfers.
3. Balanced Approach: Regulations ensure fair access to waves, protecting local businesses while allowing for high-end surf tourism.
As of now, Sri Lanka remains one of the last truly affordable surf destinations, but for how long?
Where Do Surfers Go from Here?
The surf tourism industry is bigger and richer than ever, but Sri Lanka offers a glimpse of the past—a place where waves are still free, surf camps are still affordable, and the stoke of riding a wave hasn’t been overshadowed by luxury price tags.
For now, Daniel paddles out at Arugambay, catching a wave that peels perfectly down the point. “This,” he grins, “is what surfing is all about.”
The question remains: Can Sri Lanka keep the surf dream alive for everyone, or will it become another playground for the rich? Only time will tell.
The local surf culture is vibrant and welcoming, with numerous surf schools available to equip you with everything you need.
Asanka Sanjeewa, Owner, Upali Beach Surf Resort.
As the sun begins to rise, surfers eagerly prepare to embrace the ocean’s powerful waves, ready to seize the thrill of the morning surf.
