Kite Surfing in Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya is a coastal town in the Puttalam District, North Western Province, 167 km from Colombo. The Kalpitiya peninsula consists of fourteen islands. It is developing as a tourist destination.

Sri Lanka is famous for SSS, which stands for Sea, Sand, and Sun. This coastal strip is beautiful, and you will see SSS. 

Kalpitiya has become a popular destination for kite surfing enthusiasts worldwide. With its pristine beaches, consistent winds, and warm waters, Kalpitiya offers the perfect conditions for this thrilling water sport.

We have written a separate article about all the water sports that can be done in Sri Lanka for those interested; the link follows immediately.

https://pantheratravels.com/water-sports-in-sr-lanka/

Whether you are a seasoned kite surfer or a beginner looking to learn, Kalpitiya has something to offer everyone!

Rich in natural beauty, Kalpitiya’s history is no less fascinating. Records going far back reveal that the peninsula has been associated with maritime trade and smuggling escapades since ancient times. The Portuguese first colonized it in the early 17th Century.

Kalpitiya Dutch Fort

The arrival of the Dutch eventually resulted in the Portuguese being ousted from here and elsewhere on the island. Historical records show that during the Dutch period of the island’s colonial history, the peninsula’s northern end was used as a strategic base for a military garrison and naval outpost to monopolize trade supplies to the mainland. The Sri Lanka Navy occupied a well-preserved Dutch-era fort (incorporating an earlier Portuguese-era church), and a Dutch church remains today.

Kalpitya Beach

The unique shape of the Kalpitiya peninsula allows plenty of beach areas, which are very easy to reach. Even though we can offer plenty of unique experiences, we understand that our beach is one of the most attractive tourist places, so most of you come here. The peninsula is around 3km wide but more than 50km long, which makes it the perfect beach location.

Alankuda sunset beach

“Our home beach is unique because of its high dune.” You can pass it within less than 5 minutes and enjoy a beautiful empty beach. Most of our visitors appreciate that they are the only people as far as they can see. 

You can also go scuba diving in the ocean right before the beach. In Alankuda, you can quickly enter the Indian Ocean, which has no currents.

The Wind and Weather

One of the main reasons why Kalpitiya is a kite surfer’s paradise is its reliable wind conditions. From May to September, when the southwest monsoon is on, the area experiences strong and consistent winds, known as the “summer winds,” which blow from the southwest. These winds create the perfect kite surfing environment, ranging from 15 to 25 knots.

The weather in Kalpitiya is also ideal for kite surfing. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), providing warm and sunny conditions throughout the kite surfing season. The water temperature is also comfortable, ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), making it a pleasant experience for kite surfers of all levels.

Kite Surfing Spots

Kalpitiya offers a variety of kite surfing spots, each with unique characteristics. The main kite surfing area is in the Kalpitiya Lagoon, a large shallow area with waist-deep water. This lagoon is perfect for beginners and those looking to take kite surfing lessons, as the shallow water provides a safe and controlled environment to learn and practice the sport.

For more experienced kite surfers, the nearby Indian Ocean offers a thrilling experience. The waves and open water provide a more challenging environment, allowing experienced riders to showcase their skills and enjoy the adrenaline rush of riding the waves.

Lonely Planet just rated Sri Lanka as the top destination in 2013. In the Kitesurfing world, all magazines and forums now discuss the hottest new destination that will blow you away.

Sri Lanka is on the Kitesurfing radar. With stable winds during the South-West Monsoon, Kalpitiya offers riders an array of kiting experiences.

After the Kalpitiya lagoon, the next popular spot is Vella Island, a short boat ride from the Kalpitiya (takes 45 minutes on average). One of Vella Island’s beauties is that there are only a few fishermen and a couple of kite schools. This makes Vella Island pretty quiet compared with the Kalpitiya lagoon. The best time to visit Vella Island is usually from May to November when you enjoy butter-flat water within a 2.5 KM radius. This water and wind condition makes it an excellent place for vast downwinders. However, that’s not to say that winter months are unsuitable for Vella Island. You can also kitesurfing during winter and enjoy more freedom as trips are less frequent from December to April.

Donkey Point is also a tremendous kitesurfing spot in the Kalpitiya, only 300 meters from the lagoon. One of the great things about Donkey Point is that it offers riders a mix of flat water and ocean waves. In addition, the entire area is very safe and open for any wind and water sports. Just like the Kalpitiya lagoon, the wind remains consistent throughout the year. However, the mixed water conditions (flat water and waves) make it not recommended for beginners. However, Donkey Point offers the best conditions for intermediate- and advanced-level freestyle kite surfers.

Kite Surfing Schools and Rentals

If you are new to kite surfing or want to improve your skills, several kite surfing schools in Kalpitiya offer lessons for all levels. These schools have experienced instructors who provide personalized training and ensure your safety while you learn and progress in the sport. They also offer all the necessary equipment, including kites, boards, and safety gear.

If you already have kite surfing experience and would prefer to bring your equipment, kite surfing equipment rental shops are also available in Kalpitiya. These shops offer a wide range of kites, boards, and accessories for rent, allowing you to enjoy kite surfing without the hassle of bringing your gear.

Please talk to your tour operator or tour guide to arrange an ideal place for you.

Other Activities in Kalpitiya

While kite surfing is the main attraction in Kalpitiya, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your visit.

You can go Dolphin and Whale watching, as Kalpitiya is known for its abundant marine life. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with several bird sanctuaries and wetlands to explore.

. We have written a separate article about Whale watching for those interested; the link follows immediately.

https://pantheratravels.com/whale-watching-in-sr-lanka/

It’s important to remember that whale watching is a responsible activity. Strict guidelines ensure the safety and well-being of these marine creatures. The boats maintain a safe distance from the whales, allowing them to continue their natural behaviors undisturbed. For more details, you can visit the Sri Lanka Coastal Guards’ official website link immediately.

https://www.coastguard.gov.lk/whale-watching-regulating.html

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can unwind on the beautiful beaches of Kalpitiya and soak up the sun. The beaches are clean and uncrowded, perfect for a stroll or a picnic.

Collecting shells along the beach can be a fun activity for nature lovers. Virgin Beach is home to a variety of shells. You can stroll along the coast, looking for these treasures.

You can even safari to Vilpattu National Park near Puttalam, 48 Km from Kalpitiya. You have to go early in the morning or evening. Vilpattu is full of leopards, Elephants, Sloth bears, Deer, Sambar, and around 149 species of birds.

Nearby at Talawila to the south, a vibrant annual festival keeps alive its Portuguese heritage at the ancient St Anne’s church festival, when thousands of Catholic devotees descend upon the tiny village to celebrate St Anne’s Day on July 26th. You can watch sunsets into the Indian Ocean or walk for around 3km up to Talawila St. Anne’s Shrine, the biggest catholic church in Sri Lanka, which extends to a large area covered by a beautiful garden. 

Savoring a Seafood Feast

No trip to the Kalpitiya is complete without indulging in a delicious seafood feast. Restaurants along the beach serve various fresh seafood dishes. From succulent prawns to mouth-watering crab curry, you can savor the flavors of the ocean while enjoying the scenic views of the beach.

Kalpitiya offers an unforgettable kite surfing experience with its ideal wind and weather conditions, diverse kite surfing spots, and excellent facilities. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kite surfer, Kalpitiya has everything you need to enjoy this thrilling water sport. So, pack your bags, grab your kite, and prepare for an incredible adventure in Kalpitiya!