Kalpitiya: Southeast Asia's Best Kite Spot
Kalpitiya is renowned as Southeast Asia's top kitesurfing destination, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka, you'll enjoy unmatched kitesurfing conditions nearly all year round.
For beginners, the main spot is a massive flat water lagoon with shallow depths, making it an ideal place to learn and progress. Advanced riders will find plenty to love too—whether it’s the incredible downwinders (some of the best in the world) or the exciting small to medium waves at Donkey Point and the ocean side of the lagoon.
What sets Kalpitiya apart is its natural, unspoiled charm. Unlike other destinations overrun with resorts and tourists, Kalpitiya offers a serene escape with very welcoming locals. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to save a few bucks.
Kalpitiya's kite season
Kalpitiya has two kitesurfing seasons.
Summer (May to October) brings strong southwest winds of 15 to 30 knots, blowing almost continuously. June is especially windy, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots, ideal for those who love choppy seas and larger waves. It’s also a great time for kite safaris and other water activities.
Winter (mid-December to February) offers lighter northwest winds of 12 to 20 knots. Mornings are calm, perfect for swimming or dolphin watching, while afternoons provide steady winds for kitesurfing. This season features flat seas and small waves, with beautiful turquoise waters. Though the wind can be less consistent than in summer, it’s still great for a relaxed kitesurfing experience.
Both seasons enjoy warm, sunny weather. For added comfort, we recommend wearing a shorty during the summer and a full wetsuit during the winter.
Kite spots in Kalpitiya
5 Spots
© Sportif Travel
Kalpitiya Lagoon
The lagoon is about 800m wide and over 2km long, offering a mostly flat water surface with some chop. At its deepest, it’s around 1.5m, making it suitable for all skill levels, especially beginners. We’d recommend wearing booties to avoid sharp shell fragments and sea urchins. The lagoon can get busy, but there’s enough room for everyone.
Beginner to Advanced
Lagoon
Freeride, Freestyle
© Imagedelivery
Vella Island
Located about 25km from the main lagoon, Vella Island is a long sandbar accessible via a 45-minute boat ride. The island is very remote, with only a few huts, but the conditions are exceptional and worth the trip. The sandbank forms a flat water lagoon, protected from the open ocean, with super steady winds. We recommend visiting during the summer season when offshore winds prevail.
Intermediate to Advanced
Sea, Lagoon
Freeride, Freestyle
© Iytimg
Donkey Point
The beach here is wide, so launching your kite is easy, though you’ll need to self-launch as there's hardely anyone on the beach. Ideal for intermediate to advanced riders keen on wave riding. We recommend taking a tuk-tuk from your hotel to the spot, enjoy the waves, and then downwinding back to the Kalpitiya lagoon—about 7km.
Intermediate to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Wave Riding
