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Watersports · Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya: Kitesurfing and Dolphin Watching

By Days of Iru and Opa
Kalpitiya: Kitesurfing and Dolphin Watching
📷 A.Savin · FAL · via Wikimedia Commons · source

Kalpitiya is a narrow peninsula between a shallow lagoon and the sea, and steady seasonal winds have made it Sri Lanka’s kitesurfing capital. Beyond the wind, its waters are rich with dolphins and, at times, whales.

Kitesurfing

The lagoon offers flat, shallow water ideal for learning, while the sea side suits stronger riders. Two wind seasons, broadly May, October and December, February, keep the kites flying much of the year.

Dolphins and whales

Boat trips regularly encounter large pods of spinner dolphins, and sperm and blue whales pass offshore in season. Choose operators who keep a respectful distance.

The setting

It is remote and low-key, with beach camps rather than big resorts, and long empty stretches of sand.

Nearby

The Wilpattu boundary and the old Dutch fort at Kalpitiya town are worth a look between sessions.

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