Surfing Guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

• Summary

• Best time to surf Arugam Bay

• Where to stay in Arugam Bay

• Surf Camps in Arugam Bay

• Surf spots

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

   

Summary

Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing destinations in Sri Lanka and a must-visit for wave lovers chasing warm water and long right-hand point breaks. Located on the remote east coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay offers uncrowded waves, a laid-back surf culture, and incredible wildlife, including wild elephants if you’re lucky!

Unlike busier surf hubs like Weligama or Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay offers a slower pace, scenic surroundings, and surf breaks suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner learning to stand up or an experienced surfer looking to cruise long, peeling rights, Arugam Bay delivers.

 

 

 

Why Surf Arugam Bay?

Arugam Bay is famous for its long, forgiving point breaks, mellow beach vibes, and tropical beauty. Thanks to its position on the east coast, it enjoys ideal surf conditions during Sri Lanka’s dry season with offshore winds and consistent swells from May to September.

The area is also teeming with natural beauty. Just outside the surf zone, you’ll find Yala National Park and Lahugala Sanctuary, making Arugam Bay a surf trip that blends waves, wildlife, and culture.

Best time to surf Arugam Bay

The best surf season in Arugam Bay is May through September, when trade winds turn offshore and solid swells roll in from the southeast. This period offers long, clean waves almost every day which is ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers, while beginners will also find plenty of gentle options.

In the off-season (October–April), Arugam Bay is much quieter. While surf conditions aren’t ideal, it’s still a scenic place to relax, explore, or practice yoga.

 

	January-February	March-April	May-June	July-August	September-October	November-December
Suitable for:	All surfers	All surfers	All surfers	All surfers	All surfers	All surfers
Air temperature	26 °C 79°F	27 °C 81°F	28 °C 82°F	29 °C 84°F	28 °C 82°F	27 °C 82°F
Water temperature	28 °C 82°F	29 °C 84°F	29 °C 84°F	28 °C 82°F	28 °C 82°F	28 °C 82°F
Crowd	Empty	Few people	Fairly crowded	Fairly crowded	Fairly crowded	Empty
Swell Consistency	15%	75%	85%	90%	90%	45%
Swell height	4 ft	4 ft	6 ft	6 ft	5 ft	5 ft

 

Also read: Our complete surfing guide to south Sri Lanka!

Where to stay in Arugam Bay

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Arugam Bay!

 

Arugam Bay has a nice range of accommodation for all types of budget. You can find higher end resorts and smaller homestays.

Best Surf Hotels in Arugam Bay

Arugambay Roccos

Hotel Crocotopond

Arugam Bay Roccos

 

 

Surf Camps in Arugam Bay

11-day Lively Surf Camp in Arugam Bay

• 9 surfing lessons
• Morning surf coaching
• 2 pampering massage sessions
• 10 nights’ accommodation
• Surfing equipment
• Daily breakfast

 

 

10-day Beginner Surf and Yoga in Arugam Bay

• 10 basic yoga class
• Free use surf boards
• Unlimited surf theory lessons
• 10 surf lessons and surf tours
• Elephant safari trail and Arugam Bay lagoon tour
• Sri Lankan cookery class
• 9 nights accommodation
• Daily breakfast

 

 

Surf Spots in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay

The main surf spot in Arugam Bay is located right in front of the main street. A soft and long peeling right-hander that is best surfed on a board with a certain volume. It is easily accessible and will catch most of the south-east swells. Be careful for the reef which can get shallow on the lower tide.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Peanut Farm

With a very similar setup than Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm is a mellow right-hand point break located 10-15 minutes away from Arugam Bay. Beginners and advanced will find a nice wave that is easy to read breaking over sand and flat rocks.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand with rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Whiskey Point

Just a bit further up the coast from Arugam Bay, after a town called Pottuvil is this pristine beach, home of Whiskey Point. This wave is another right-hand point break that catches most of the SE swell and breaks on a safer bottom than Arugam Bay.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand with rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Elephant Rock

Another classic sandy point break is Elephant Rock which will catch most of the SE swell and is perfectly suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand with rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Getting there

The best way to get to Arugam Bay is to fly into Colombo and take a taxi (more expensive), bus or train that will take you all the way to the east side. If you want to break up the journey, make sure to make a stop in Kandy to get a cultural taste of Sri Lanka or in Ella for a little retreat in the Sri Lankan mountains. You will most definitely enjoy the cooler temperatures offered by the mountains to give you a break from the heavy city heat.

 

 

 

Safety/things to know

Sri Lanka remains a pretty safe place to travel to especially once you have made your way to the smaller towns. Try to avoid spending too much time in Colombo as it holds a bit more tensions than the rest of the country. Visit the Sri Lankan government website for more information.