Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka

Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka

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About

#1 of 44 hostels in Weligama
Location
4.9
Rooms
5.0
Value
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.8
Kima Surf has worked to create a truly unique and relaxing feeling when developing the surf camp in Weligama, Sri Lanka. Cozy or stylish double and shared bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms, dorms of various unique formats (check out our deluxe pool dorms!) are located within the colonial structure – surrounded by tropical gardens. All rooms in the Sri Lanka surf retreat meet western criteria
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Yoga classes
Pool
Free breakfast
Badminton
Bicycles available
Airport transportation
Wifi
Yoga room
Fitness classes
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Entertainment staff
Board games / puzzles
Shuttle bus service
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Chapel / shrine
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
Laundry service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Seating area
Wardrobe / closet
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Clothes rack
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Russian

Location

637 Matara Road, Matara 81700 Sri Lanka
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 91 out of 100
91
Koggala Airport
Mawella Lagoon Airport
16.8 mi
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Traveler rating
  • 168
  • 3
  • 0
  • 2
  • 0
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Detailed Reviews
Lisa R wrote a review Feb 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed in kima at the beginning of my trip through Sri lanka and returned for the last days since I appreciated the surfguiding, accomodation and the caring Kima Team. This was the perfect choice for me, wanting to meet other people, have an easy start in Sri lanka and make the most out of the short time I had to surf.

Accomodation: I enjoyed the 6 bed dorm the most, having lots of privacy and space. The 8 bed dorm was equally spacious but with less stable beds it was a bit tricky not to wake up your bunk bed neighbor. Rooms were very clean and well equipped, by far above any hostel Standard.
I loved the common area - very easy to connect with others but also always possible to find a calm spot for yourself. There are enough spots to work and I even had some meetings with a fast Internet connection. Just towards mid of the month they seemed to run out of data but if you arrive in Sri lanka just get yourself a prepaid card and you can bridge the few days with a less good connection.

Surf:
Im an intermediate surfer and did not bring my own Boards. Overall, there is no better way exploring the surf spots in the South than staying with kima - good quality guides and surf Transfers that ensure you try different spots in case the one you signed up for is not working. I felt very safe exploring partly tricky spots and enjoyed the freedom to choose twice a day where I want to go. If you get lazy and just want to free surf, kima is located walking distance to the most reliable spot.
Kima has amazing boards to rent, for the small days I was fine not bringing my own boards. If you surf something between 6 and 8 feet you'll be happy with their offer. My only issue was the high volume of the haydenshapes (6'2 or 6'4) - would have loved smaller options towards 35L.

Staff:
Extremely approachable staff that answers any question and my main reason to return to the camp because I knew I have some carefree and fun last days. They organized the Transfers, covid tests and anything else I needed help with and were always around and easy to talk to. Even though its quite a big camp and it was fully booked, I felt like they know everyone and take care of each guests individual needs.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Matthias F wrote a review Sep 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
You come into the Kima and immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere within the camp and at the same time see the very high level of professionalism and organization.
With super friendly and competent surf guides, who also ensure a good atmosphere outside of the lessons, you make great progress very quickly. The small group sizes of a maximum of 6 people to 2 surf guides help with this, as does the video analysis in the evening. Booking the sessions in the morning and in the afternoon, with or without video analysis, on the surf planner via your smartphone is as easy as it is convenient.
The super nearby surf spots always showed sufficiently good conditions, so that I was able to make real progress for the first time and now get significantly more waves!!
And don't forget the social hosts, who do an excellent job, who always create a good atmosphere, but can also help you at any time. They ensure that those who are mostly traveling alone immediately feel at home in the Kima community.
Thank you for this wonderful time!!
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Google
Date of stay: August 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karo wrote a review Dec 2021
Weligama, Sri Lanka
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have stayed at the Kima Surfcamps in Seminyak and Canggu (Bali) before so when I decided to go to Sri Lanka this seemed to be a safe bet. I was not disappointed.

The camp is located in a beautiful colonial building right across Weligama Main Point (one of the most popular surfing beaches in the area). The camp facilities include a spaciuos common area (including a pool) to chill and socialize with the other guests.

Rooms for every budget are available (dorm to luxurious suites). However, all of them are clean and decorated nicely.

2 surf sessions a day (morning and afternoon) are already included in the price. You can choose from a variety of spots for all preferences and ability levels. If the spot is not in walking distance the camp arranges for a tuktuk. All of the surf guides are well-trained and very friendly so you will not only improve your surf skills but also have a lot of fun in the water.

There are no waves or you want to take a break from surfing? No problem. Kima offers so many options: Yoga (included 6 days a week), Beach Volleyball, day trips, massage, party, etc. You will definitely not get bored.

The camp also has its own restaurant. Breakfast is included 7 days a week, dinner is included except for the weekends but you can also order à la carte throughout the whole day. The food is always fresh and delicious and offers local dishes as well as more international cuisine.

Last (but definitely not least) a big shout-out to the amazing staff at Kima. It is them who will make you feel so welcome that it will be hard to leave this home away from home.

Looking forward to seeing you guys again.

Lots of love!
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Date of stay: October 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyage21494932045 wrote a review Oct 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I had my first surf attempts at Kima Surf Weligama in February 2020. It was a really great time and I discovered a passion for surfing there. Five years later, I'm back here. I also had an incredibly great time again and met a lot of great new people. The food was delicious, all surf guides and all staff were very polite and accommodating. The rooms are very clean and no insects at all, everything was very well maintained! I felt very comfortable all the time and had a lot of fun surfing. I will definitely come back soon because it is simply the best surf camp there is!
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katia R wrote a review Aug 2023
Madrid, Spain
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The experience at Kima could not have been better! From the first moment the entire staff makes you feel at home. The camp facilities are very well maintained, and all the food has been great! I attended the « Learn to Surf » course and I was really able to learn and improve a lot during the stay. The sessions are very well organized and the teachers are always willing to help you. The atmosphere at the camp is great, there are always activities in addition to the surf sessions to do such as volleyball, yoga, beach cleaning, etc. I extended my stay at the camp and I can't wait to return! If you are looking for a surf camp in Sri Lanka don't hesitate! Thanks to the entire Kima team
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Google
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex N wrote a review Feb 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I had a brilliant two weeks at Kima as a solo traveller.

The core surfing and social elements work really well:

— The surfing instruction is very professional and set up to fit what you need as an individual. There’s a gradual scale of six different ability levels and classes are small. The surf guides give everyone individual attention, often by asking what each person wants to work on at the beginning of the session. Although they are called guides they can essentially be instructors if you want the support. The guides are really invested in helping you improve and getting to know you. Out of the water, the video analysis sessions are great for individual feedback. Robbie's technical analysis led to a couple of lightbulb moments for me and his encouragement keeps it fun.
— The social element is easy to get involved with even if you come alone. The dinner every weekday for the whole camp helps a lot with that, with evening activities typically following directly afterwards. People do go out to parties if that is your thing, although there’s no pressure to do so and there was always something more relaxed at the camp during the evenings.

Added to that there are enough extra activities to fill the days even if you don’t surf. If you want downtime, the building is clean and comfortable so it’s a relaxing place to be. There was also a really welcoming atmosphere as the staff and the guests I met were all so friendly. I felt sad to leave!
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Date of stay: January 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olivia a wrote a review Nov 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Incredible place! Best food in town, best service and nice people. This place is incredibly well organized and perfect for everyone who enjoys having a relaxed holiday without the hassle of having to plan anything. Kima staff is also very helpful in all regards, from the restaurant staff to the managers of the camp everyone will help you in the best way they can and will make sure you are having an amazing time. What really stands out is how much effort is put in. Would definitely recommend staying here :)
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Date of stay: November 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GinB wrote a review Mar 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I loved my stay here at KIMA! The staff is amazing; they make you feel at home and help you out whenever you need it or ask for any tips. They are super friendly and always put a smile on my face.
The location is super nice as it only takes a few minutes of walking to the main beach. The rooms are nice and clean, the beds are super comfy. What I loved most though was the whole atmosphere they created: after an early morning surf you can chill by the pool, play games or just hangout and relax with people who share the same passion, no matter the surf level.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jana V wrote a review Jul 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I really enjoyed my trip at Kima surf. The rooms are beautiful, the food is soo delicious and the surfguides are full of motivation and will learn you how to surf. You could also just stay at the hotel, chilling at the pool and meet new friends here. It doesn't matter if your stay is just for some days or a few weeks.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna V wrote a review Feb 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Superb accommodation on grate location next to the beach with bueno beds and AC, idyllic outside spaces to chill with fellow campers, good pool, delishious breakfast with fresh juices/eggs/yoghurt/fresh fruit/local delicates etc. On top of this the surf teachers were awsome and really helped out on an individual level. All kima surf staff are the best and we wouldn’t have chosen any other place for a surf camp than kima. That was also the reason we extended our stay there. I really recommend this place and will definately go back when next time close by💜
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Timbo wrote a tip Sep 2024
Sydney, Australia11 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Avoid tuktuk drivers out front of camp. a bit of a rip"
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David H wrote a tip Jul 2023
Rome, Italy43 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don’t worry about anything just leave it up to them 😇"
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Rita C wrote a tip Jul 2023
1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Bring surf wax because it's not for free here "
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Despina K wrote a tip Mar 2023
Barcelona, Spain3 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Two weeks went by really quickly. Maybe 3 would be better. And don’t forget to try the Sago!"
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Janine F wrote a tip Nov 2022
1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"i prefer the room with a own bathroom"
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Weligama area.
PRICE RANGE
$18 - $21 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaSouthern ProvinceMataraWeligama
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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KIMA SURF CAMP - SRI LANKA - Updated 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka
Which popular attractions are close to Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Nearby attractions include Ice Weligama (0.02 miles), The Great Escape (0.2 miles), and Jewel Gallery (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and blackout curtains.
What food & drink options are available at Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Conveniently located restaurants include MARU - Weligama, Pizza Hub, and Sea Salt Society - Weligama.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, fitness classes, and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka have airport transportation?
Yes, Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka located near the city center?
Yes, it is 1.0 miles away from the center of Weligama.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Russian.
Are there any historical sites close to Kima Surf Camp - Sri Lanka?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Kushta Raja Gala (1.3 miles).
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