Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya: the perfect flat-water kitesurfing destination
Welcome to Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya! Located on the northern side of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is bordered by a vast sea. This area, comprising 14 islands, many of which are perfect for kitesurfing and wingfoiling, offers a dynamic environment. The Kalpitiya Peninsula, in particular, presents an optimal setting for both learning and advancing in these sports. Our goal is to ensure you have an exceptional kitesurfing experience, which is why we’re eager to share these tips with you. They’ll help you maximize your time kitesurfing in Kalpitiya while minimizing potential setbacks.
Our Top 4 Tips for Not Ruining Your Kalpitiya Kitesurfing Holidays
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our students is our top priority. To make the most of your kitesurfing holidays, follow these essential tips
1. Stay Hydrated at All Times: Dehydration is a common issue that can lead to fatigue, vomiting, and fever. We provide water tanks at all our camps to ensure consistent hydration.
2. Wear Sunglasses: Protect yourself from headaches, conjunctivitis, and eye burns caused by sun and wind exposure by wearing sunglasses while kitesurfing.
3. Wear Watershoes When Walking Through the Kalpitiya Lagoon: The lagoon’s terrain contains shells, posing a risk of cuts. Our instructors will provide suitable watershoes to ensure your safety.
4. Apply Sunscreen: Regularly apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and potential long-term damage.
Season
Kalpitiya offers kitesurfing opportunities during the summer and winter seasons. So besides the exception of a few months (April, October, & November), Kalpitiya remains open for the whole year!
Summer kitesurfing season in Kalpitiya consists of the following months: May, June, July, August, and September.
Winter kitesurfing season in Kalpitiya consists of the following months: December, January, February, and March.
For the winter season, it would be wise to go there from mid-December as that’s when the wind starts to get more consistent and ideal for kitesurfing. Similarly, the month of March is also only good for the first 15 days, and after that, the wind quality drops.
The best thing about both of these kitesurfing seasons in Kalpitiya is the dry and warm temperature which is nothing short of a blessing for those coming from the cold European areas! In addition, the wind quality remains very good throughout the two major seasons, so you can jump right into action!
The best day trips from Kalpitiya
Explore day trips from Kalpitiya even on windless days. Discover key tourist spots easily accessible in a day.
1. Anuradhapura – 2 hours drive from Kalpitiya When in Kalpitiya, don’t miss Anuradhapura, known for ancient ruins, temples, and rich history. It’s tourist-friendly with numerous accommodation and dining options, tempting many to extend a 1-2 day trip into 4-5 days. Anuradhapura, dubbed the ancient capital, boasts historical significance and a plethora of sites to explore.
2. Wilpattu National Park – 1.5 hours drive from Kalpitiya About 97 KM from Kalpitiya, Wilpattu National Park offers iconic beauty and diverse wildlife. A 2-hour taxi ride brings you to this largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka. Enjoy bird watching, sightings of elephants, deer, water buffalos, and, most notably, leopards—with a 50% chance of spotting these majestic creatures on an average day. If you love exploring the wilderness and observing animals in their natural habitat, Wilpattu National Park is a must-visit.
3. Sigiriya – 4 hours drive from Kalpitiya Sigiriya, a colossal rock known as the Mount of Remembrance, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite the 4-hour drive, reaching the top provides surreal panoramic views. Home to an ancient civilization, Sigiriya allows you to explore the ruins of an ancient city, adding a unique dimension to your visit.
Remember to consider these exciting day trips when the wind isn’t in your favor in Kalpitiya.
History
Kalpitiya has a lot of history and goes all the way back to the Arab merchants who used to frequently visit these Islands. In 1544, this area was invaded by the Portuguese, who named it “Kardiv Island.” After the invasion, a small garrison was stationed in the area to defend it.
Then in 1659, the area was finally freed from the Portuguese invaders and fell into the hands of the Dutch. Within the next few years, the Dutch started building a fortress in the area, which was finally completed in 1667. Even at that time, Kalpitiya was a major trading hub through which the Dutch East India Company controlled the trading routes to various places around the world. Finally, in 1795, the fort fell into the hands of the British, which then continued till 1859.
If we talk about the historical fort in Kalpitiya, it will show a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British cultures since it remained in their control. This is the reason why this fort is considered to be one of the major spots to check in the Kalpitiya.
But these first settlers did not land in Kalpitiya with their kitesurfing equipment and it took a few years for Kalpitiya to become a world kite top destination! Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya didn’t really arrive until much later when some of the first adventurous kiters discovered the Kalpitiya Lagoon in 2008 and took to the water. One of the very first kiters that landed in Kalpitiya was Fabrio Ingrosoo. So actually Kalpitiya is quite a new kitesurfing destination compering other destinations!
KALPITIYA KITESURFING SPOTS
1. Kalpitiya Lagoon
Kalpitiya lagoon is naturally surrounded by land from three sides, with one side exposed to the sea. This makes it a very safe place to practice kitesurfing or even for performing advanced-level tricks. This is the reason why the Kalpitiya lagoon is the most sought-after kiting spot in all of Kalpitiya.
The Kalpitiya lagoon is 800 meters wide and 2 km long which is enough for pretty much everyone to enjoy kitesurfing without colliding with others. However, that’s not to say that this place isn’t busy during the peak seasons… But when compared with other kiting spots such as Tarifa (Spain), you will realize that it is not so crowded after all!
We can expect a wind speed of 15-25 knots in Kapitiya, which is within the required range for kitesurfing, windsurfing, or any other sports.
2. Dream Spot
Dream Spot stands as a beacon for kitesurfing enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled experience. This hidden gem, located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Margarita kite camp, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ideal wind conditions. This unspoiled beach is devoid of facilities and services, maintaining its virgin charm. Occasionally, fishermen’s nets may be encountered, adding a touch of local authenticity to the experience.
Dream Spot’s deeper waters make it an excellent spot for wingfoiling. The depth prevents the mast from touching the seabed.
In conclusion, Dream Spot transcends its name, delivering an extraordinary kitesurfing and wingfoiling experience, capturing the essence of untouched beauty and thrilling adventures.
3. Vella Island
Are you already an independent rider? Don’t miss out on Vella Island. We organize kite trips when there are 4 riders or more to this unique kite spot.
Vella Island, located near Kalpitiya lagoon, is a popular destination accessible by a 45-minute boat ride, allowing you to enjoy picturesque scenery
Compared to other kiting spots in Kalpitiya, Vella Island stands out as a tranquil location with few locals.
In the summer, Vella Island boasts butter-flat water conditions and strong winds, making it an ideal choice for downwind sessions. Even during the winter, kiting is possible, though trips are less frequent, thanks to favorable conditions.
If you are looking for an easy-learning kitesurfing spot, Kalpitiya is the best choice to take your kitesurfing lessons! The lagoons and the islands around Kalpitiya offer super flat and shallow waters!
Recommended Kite sizes
The ideal kite size for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya will depend on whether you are going in the summer or the winter season. During the summer season, you can do fine with small kites but would need bigger kites for the winter season.
Summer season: 9-meter kites
Winter season: 12-meter kites
But if you are planning to join us, then do not worry about bringing your own kites or buying them! You can also rent out kites if you are not in the mood to bring your own equipment.
How to move around
Our kite camp is situated directly on Kalpitiya Lagoon, boasting the best spot for kitesurfing. If your focus is solely on kitesurfing, we’ve got you covered. For those eager to explore beyond Kalpitiya, we offer the flexibility to rent a bicycle, a motorbike, or call a tuk-tuk. Opting for a bicycle provides a fantastic and likely more economical experience. If you wish to venture a bit farther, riding a motorbike is highly recommended. Tuk-tuks are also an excellent choice for swift transportation to Kalpitiya town.
Activities to do in Kalpitiya a part from Kitesurfing
Besides sunbathing and kitesurfing, there are also tons of other activities to try in Kalpitiya as well! So if you want to make your visit to Sri Lanka a lot more special, remember to try these activities in Kalpitiya:
Whale & Dolphin Watching
The location of Kalpitiya makes it one of the prime locations from where Whales and Dolphins travel through… So one of the best things you can do in Kalpitiya is to book a boat ride and go to the sea to watch whales and dolphins. The best time for whale and dolphin watching in Kalpitiya is from December – April.
Lagoon Trips
The presence of so many Islands automatically means a lot of nearby lagoons as well. So another potential activity that you can try is to book boat rides and travel through the lagoons of Kalpitiya and nearby Islands. Considering the tropical habitat of Kalpitiya and the surrounding areas, you can experience the cool breeze and iconic scenery that will print itself on your eyes!
Diving
From November to April, Kalpitiya is an extraordinary diving destination. Typically, dives are done early in the morning, and a wide variety of marine flora and fauna can be observed.
A part from kitesurfing there are many activities that you can do in this rural an authentic environment! Kalpitiya offers for those kiters more adventorous many super beautiful mangroves for Kayaking around! Furthermore, the calm waters of the ocean are very suitable for diving. Very recently, the Coastal conservation department from Kalpitiya have launched a coral protection and development program. Snorkeling is again a very interesting activity to do in winter season.
How to get Kalpitiya from the airport
The easiest and most affordable way to reach Kalpitiya is to land at the Colombo Airport. From here, you can book a private taxi to the Kalpitiya (costs around $70 on average) – The total ride duration will be around 3 to 4 hours at best, depending on the traffic conditions.
The cheapest option of all is to take a bus from Colombo to Kalpitiya… It will take around 5 – 6 hours to reach Kalpitiya from Colombo if you take the bus rate, but it will only cost around $10 on average!
Conclusion
If you look around, you will not find any places that are as good for kitesurfing as Kalpitiya… But Kalpitiya doesn’t end here as it is also home to a lot of historical places nearby and packs a ton of activities one can enjoy. You can think of it as an overall place where you can truly enjoy your vacation while partaking in kitesurfing.
And when compared with other kiting destinations, everything in Sri Lanka (transportation, food, accommodation, etc.) is way more affordable! We hope you enjoy your stay in our kite camp!