Palatupana is a decent little right-hand point on the east side of Yala National Park, breaking off a rocky shore below reddish sand dunes. The village sits behind Block 1, the park's most popular entrance, and the setting is as much a draw as the wave: dunes, a quiet stretch of coast, and a point that keeps turning up right-handers.
Overview
The wave is a point break peeling right over boulders and sand. It's a small, honest setup rather than a marquee wave, and the surroundings do a lot of the work.
When It Works
Swell arrives from southwest through north to northeast (SW-N-NE), with south (S) swell the best match. The point works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, which covers most of what you'd want to paddle out for. It's a consistent spot, so there's usually something to look at.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind. The point can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers. The lineup stays quiet, in part because getting here isn't cheap.
Access
Entry is through Block 1, the park's most popular and most expensive entrance, which brings you into Palatupana village. There's a guest-house in the village if you want to stay close to the point.
