Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 04:49 pm
If you plan to surf in Arugam Bay, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots around Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay is a beautiful beach town on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. It became famous among the surf community for its beautiful waves and perfect surf conditions. When surfing in Arugam Bay, you can stand on your surfboard for up to 1 minute, so this is definitely a world-class break.
With extremely long waves, beautiful wild nature, and ridiculously low prices, it is no wonder surfers come here regularly from all over the world. Although it is not easy to get here, the quality of the waves is simply worth it.
Surf Seasons in Arugam Bay
Like in all the East Coast of Sri Lanka, the best time to surf Arugam Bay is between May and October. During these months, the weather is sunny, the offshore wind blows daily, and the swell is clean and consistent. While July and August produce the biggest swells, in the other months of the surf season, you can expect shoulder to head high waves.
The weather in Arugam Bay during the surf season is hot and humid. Accordingly, the water temperature is always warm (27-28°C). Therefore, when surfing in Arugam Bay, there is no need to bring more than a pair of shorts and a few T-shirts.
If you come to Sri Lanka in the opposite season (between November and April), don’t bother going to Arugam Bay, as it will be flat and windy. In this case, just go to the West Coast to beaches like Hikkaduwa or Mirissa, as it is peak season over there.
Surf Spots in the Arugam Bay Area
The beauty of surfing in Arugam Bay is that all the surf spots in the area are right-hand point breaks. In other words, it is a regular footer’s paradise and a great challenge for the goofy footers. Luckily, all the good breaks are about a 5 to 20-minute drive from each other, so just name the spot you want to any Tuk Tuk driver on the street, and he will take you there.
So, these are the main surf spots around Arugam Bay:
The Main Point:
This is the famous break that put Arugam Bay on the world’s surfing map. It is a right-hand point break that can run for about 500 meters on a good day. Due to its length, it has 3 different sections, and on the big days, when they connect, you can score 1-minute rides.
The bottom of this break is a flat reef. Although it is not dangerous, watch your feet at the entrance and exit, as reef cuts don’t heal quickly. Also, keep in mind that the main point is always crowded. Since everybody wants a piece of this wave, you just have to deal with it.
Baby Point:
This is the beginner spot of Arugam Bay. It is located right in front of town and breaks softly over a sandy bottom. This is the place to be if you want a beach to learn and practice.
Pottovil:
Located about 10 minutes north of Arugam Bay, this spot offers long and mellow rides. This right-hand point break is good for windy days as it is more protected by the rocks. On the other hand, it requires a bigger swell to perform well.
Whiskey Point:
Walk on the beach about 5 minutes north of Pottovil until you see a big rock. Behind it, you will see this wave breaking to the right side. This spot is unpredictable, and you can never know if it will work or not.
The Lighthouse:
This is one of the most remote surf spots in the Arugam Bay area. In fact, it takes about 30 minutes to get here from Arugam Bay. Therefore, surfers tend to skip this wonderful break. However, if you make the effort to come here, you will be almost alone in the water.
Elephant Rock:
This is another mellow right-hand break, located about 10 minutes south of Arugam Bay. Due to the soft break here, it is best for beginners.
Peanut Farm:
A bit south of Elephant Rock, you will find this beautiful beach. The waves here break next to a big rock and offer long, slow rides.
Panama:
Keep heading south, and you will get to this isolated spot. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work every day, but when the swell is big enough, it is the perfect place to escape the crowds.
Okanda:
It is not easy to reach this spot, as you will need to drive about 40 minutes from Arugam Bay and cross the Kumana National Park. However, your reward for making the effort will be a very consistent break and an empty lineup.
To sum up, when surfing in Arugam Bay, you can choose between several spots. They all break to the right side and have a beautiful shape. Therefore, the only question is how much you are willing to drive to get away from the crowds.
Can Beginners Surf in Arugam Bay?
Yes, definitely!
Just in front of town, the Baby Point is the ultimate beginner spot. It offers a soft break over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place here.
If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, the waves in the Baby Point will probably be too small for you. But the Main Point is just a short walk away, with powerful and beautiful waves.
In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Arugam Bay.
Surf Hotels in Arugam Bay
If you come to surf in Arugam Bay, you want to be as close as possible to the main point. Luckily, for about $40-$60, you can get a nice room right on the beach; that’s the beauty of traveling to a third-world country. Keep in mind that Arugam Bay is very hot and humid, so ensure air conditioning is included.
These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Baywings, Arugam Bay– Situated in front of Baby Point, just a few steps from Arugam Bay Beach, Baywings features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, and a garden.
2. Tom&Jerry– located in Arugam Bay, a few steps from the main point, Tom & Jerry provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a garden.
3. Water Edge Hotel & Restaurant– The resort has a barbecue and terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
4. Bay Vista– Located in the heart of Arugam, Bay Vista offers modern and comfortable accommodation within a 15-minute walk to the famous Arugam Bay surfing area. It operates a 24-hour front desk and provides free Wi-Fi access in its public areas.
For more surf hotels in Arugam Bay, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Surf Camps in Arugam Bay
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Arugam Bay’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Safa Surf Camp, Arugam Bay – For more details, please click here.
2. Arugam Bay Surf Camp – For more details, please click here.
3. Paddyway Surf – For more details, please click here.
4. Star Rest Beach Hotel – For more details, please click here.
5. Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay – For more details, please click here.
How to Get to Arugam Bay?
All international flights to Sri Lanka land in the capital, Colombo. Unfortunately, Arugam Bay is located about 400 KM from there. Therefore, you will need to take a taxi from the Airport, which will cost you about $100. The journey lasts about 6-9 hours, depending on the road.
Many transportation companies will “jump” on you in the Airport; they are all the same, so you can just choose one randomly. Try to insist the driver take the new highway as this is the fastest way to get to Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay- Travel Information
Language– several Indo languages, mostly Sinhala.
Currency– Sri Lankan rupee.
Calling code– +94.
Time zone– GMT +5:30.
Pros– world-class waves, several good breaks in the area, warm water, cheap.
Cons– long drive from the Airport.
Other Fun Activities in Arugam Bay
Of course, you are here to surf Arugam Bay, which will be your primary focus. However, if you feel like exploring the area a bit further, check out these options:
1. Visit Yalla National Park– You can take a safari tour at Arugam Bay. In the park, you will see crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, and many other amazing wildlife.
2. Go visit Magul Maha Viharaya, an archeological site just close to town.
3. Rent a bike for $10 a day and explore the area on your own.
4. Go diving or snorkeling– the underwater wildlife in Arugam Bay is fantastic.
5. Fishing– The Indian Ocean is very easy for fishing; you can do it either from shore or rent a boat for the day.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
In summary, Arugam Bay is an incredible surf destination. This is where you can ride perfectly long waves, witness wild nature, and get to know a fascinating culture.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Arugam Bay. Have a great surf trip!
