Tucked away on the south-east coast is the town of Arugam Bay, home to some of the best nature reserves in all of Sri Lanka, with elephants spotted daily just outside the town, water buffalo, crocodiles and more. But that’s not why most people come here, most travellers are here to try out Arugam Bay’s best surf spots.
As you drive into the town you’ll go through the local area of Pottuvil, full of buses, honking traffic, locals shouting and chaos everywhere, until you cross the bridge. Separating paradise from chaos, the bridge goes over the lagoon. You’ll shortly leave the noise behind and start to see the smoothie bowl cafes, picturesque restaurants and laid-back locals. It’s officially time to start your Arugam Bay surfing journey.
From the overcrowded and world-famous Main Point to some of the quietest surf spots in the country a 30 minute drive out of town, in this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Arugam Bay’s surf scene. Whether you’re a beginner looking to do some lessons, an intermediate surfer improving how you turn or an advanced surfer looking for a guide on all the best surf spots around Arugam Bay, we’ve got you covered.
Arugam Bay Surf Spots Map
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When To Surf Arugam Bay?
Being a seasonal town heavily reliant on surf, you’ll most likely want to visit Arugam Bay in or around the peak season otherwise many hotels and restaurants will be closed.
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The Peak Season: June to August
The dry season, from May to October, is when the town is alive and buzzing everyday with activity. During this time, the south and southeastern swells light up the coastline and all the point breaks start to perform. You can expect clean waves, warm water and consistent swell across all of the surf spots listed below, just note that every other traveller will also be expecting that!
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Shoulder Season: May, September & October
The downside to visiting during dry season is the crowds, visiting during the shoulder season is a risk but also has a reward. In our opinion this is the sweet spot, we visited right on the edge of the peak, just as the majority of crowds left town even though the surf was still on. May, September/October bring smaller crowds, slightly less predictable weather but still has good swell, perfect for intermediate surfers.
The Off Season: November to April
We’ve heard stories of a ghost town, barely any restaurants open, just locals recovering from the busy summer. Arugam Bay faces north and east, so the surf dies down during the north-east monsoon season. We don’t recommend visiting during this time because of the unpredictable monsoons however it’s worth noting that prices can be 4x lower during this time.
Pottuvil is the much more local town just nextdoor to Arugam Bay, why not try the amazing Pottuvil Lagoon Safari to see crocs, elephants and more!
Best Beginner Surf Spots Arugam Bay
Baby Point – Arugam Bay Beach
- Type: Point Break (right-hand)
- Waves: 2–4ft
- Distance: 25–50 meters
- Level: Beginners
- Bottom: Sandy
- Paddle Out: Easy (or walk out)
- Crowds: Busy during season
- Risk: Low – mostly just from other surfers/swimmers
As the powerful waves of Main Point begin to taper out and wrap around the bay, they turn into a much gentler break the locals call Baby Point. While technically the same wave as Main Point, it turns into a sandy bottom and half the size, making it the go-to beginner surf spot in Arugam Bay.
With a shallow and sandy bottom, soft take-offs and nice sized 2-4ft waves, Baby Point is ideal for the travellers just starting out on their surfing journey. Most waves here are right handers and ride for 25-50 meters, perfect for practising your pop-up on a soft board.
Because it’s so learner friendly, Baby Point can get busy with surf schools, especially in peak season (July to November). That said, because most people are learning, the atmosphere is generally friendly and fun, you just have to be mindful of the crowds and swimmers. Location
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Peanut Farm Beach
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Size: 2–4ft
- Ride Length: 100–200 meters
- Bottom: Sandy
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Beginner / Intermediate
- Crowds: Moderate (popular with surf schools)
- Risk: Low
Just a 10 minute drive south of Arugam Bay town is Peanut Farm Beach, one of the most iconic and scenic surf spots in the area. With a backdrop of wild jungle, roaming elephants and untouched coastline, this beach offers incredible surf. Peanut Farm has two surf breaks making it one of Arugam Bay’s best surf spots, let’s start with the beginner break. Location
The inside section of Peanut Farm is a sandy bottom, mellow right-hand wave that’s perfect for beginners to practise their pop-up and intermediates to practise turning. The wave is gentle, easy to paddle into and typically only 2-4ft.
Due to the spot being very popular with surf schools, there’s quite a relaxed vibe here. When we surfed Peanut Farm Beach, we visited in shoulder season so it was quiet but the locals were super friendly. There’s a small beach bar made from an abandoned hut serving up amazing iced lattes, connected to a surf camp which would be awesome to stay in, you’re literally 20 meters from one of Arugam Bay’s best surf spots and could catch it early/late when everyone else has gone home.
Panama Point
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 2–4ft
- Ride Length: 25–50 meters
- Bottom: Mostly sandy with a few visible rocks
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Beginner / Low Intermediate
- Crowds: Very Low
- Risk: Low
Tucked away down a 1km dirt track through the jungle, Panama Point is a hidden gem that feels a world away from the busy lineups at Arugam Bay Beach. This secluded black sand beach opens up to a quiet right-hand break, perfect for travellers looking to escape the crowds and catch beginner-friendly waves. Location
Panama Point offers mellow and gentle take-offs, you’ll often have the break to yourself with a few local fishermen in the background. If you’re lucky you might even spot elephants grazing in the nearby lagoon, this is the sort of place that gives Sri Lanka its wild reputation. There aren’t any facilities here, no surf shacks, smoothie bowls or phone signal so bring some water and snacks.
The Kumana National Park is home to leopards and much less busy than Yala
Best Arugam Bay Tours
Intermediate Arugam Bay Surf Spots
Elephant Rock
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 2–6ft
- Ride Length: 25–75 meters
- Bottom: Mostly sandy, some rocks
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Crowds: Moderate – lots of surf schools
- Risk: Low / Medium – mainly due to crowds
Just a 10 minute Tuktuk ride out of Arugam Bay town is Elephant Rock surf spot, one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly Arugam Bay surf spots. With its mellow take-off, long sandy bottom, and fun right-hand point break, it’s ideal for travellers looking to catch green waves and starting to make their first turns.
We are currently at the never ending point in our surf journey of advanced beginner and low intermediate, learning how to actually ride the wave side-ways and turn. Elephant Rock is a great place to practise that and break free from the softtop curse. Location
Elephant rock is popular with surf schools for this reason, the smooth, rolling waves are perfect for soft-tops looking to progress and the scenery is something out of a film, remote, wild and natural. To get there can be tricky, we have a full guide on Elephant Rock as there’s a viewpoint you can climb for an epic sunset spot. Also, watch out for crocs in the nearby lagoon!
Peanut Farm Beach
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Size: 3–8ft
- Ride Length: 200–300 meters
- Bottom: Mixed – Sandy with submerged rocks
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Crowds: Moderate
- Risk: Medium to High (shallow near takeoff, rocky)
There is also an outer break at Peanut Farm Beach which is good for intermediate & advanced surfers. It’s a faster and more powerful right-hander that breaks off of the rocky point. Often reaching 3-8ft with steep take-offs. On big swell days, both breaks connect and can offer rides of up to 300 meters! Location
The outer break definitely demands more skill from surfers compared to some other spots, drifting too far in can land you in shallow water over rocks. It’s recommended for confident surfers who are used to reef breaks and fast waves.
Pottuvil Point
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 2–6ft
- Ride Length: 100 – 1000 meters
- Bottom: Rock & Sand
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Crowds: Low – usually only 5–10 people
- Risk: Medium – some exposed rocks, crocs in lagoon nearby
Just a 15 minute drive north of the main town, Pottuvil Point is one of the area’s best kept secrets. A peeling right-hand point break with serious potential when the swell is right. Although it can be inconsistent, when conditions are right, this place is on fire. Location
This spot is best avoided November to March during the rainy season when the nearby lagoon often floods because crocs can spill into the break. Wild elephants also roam the area, so the journey getting there is an adventure in itself. When driving here we saw a herd of elephants from the road.
Whiskey Point
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 2–4ft (up to 6ft on a good day)
- Ride Length: 50 – 300 meters
- Bottom: Sand & Rock
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Crowds: Moderate
- Risk: Low
Next to Pottuvil Point, just a short drive out of town is Whiskey Point, famous for its beach parties. It has a mellow right-hand point break that draws intermediate surfers, longboarders and even the odd kitesurfer. Location
The wave peaks between May & September and when its on, Whiskey Point can be one of the best surf spots in Arugam Bay for intermediate surfers looking to practise turning. The vibes here are very chill unlike Main Point which can be quite chaotic between travellers and locals. Whiskey Point Resort is located right on the beach, offering a 2 minute morning commute to the lineup! There’s also Sababa Surf Cafe, a perfect post-surf chill spot for food and sunset beers.
Main Point Arugam Bay Beach
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 4 – 10ft
- Ride Length: 200 – 500 meters
- Bottom: Mixed Reef & Sand
- Paddle Out: Easy via reef gap or from Baby Point
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Crowds: Very Busy
- Risk: Medium – Reef and heavy traffic
The heart of Arugam Bay’s surf scene is at main point. Located right in the town, this world-class right-hand break is the most powerful and consistent wave on Sri Lanka’s East Coast. If you’ve seen pictures of surfers widing the dream wave in Sri Lanka it was probably taken here, likewise if you’ve seen absurd crowds in the water, it was probably also taken here. Location
Main Point offers long and fast rides with 2 to 3 distinct sections:
- The Takeoff: moderately steep and often crowded
- The Wall: a fast face where you’ll need speed
- The Wrap: it slows down as it curls into the bay, connecting to Baby Point. After we had some lessons this is where we picked up the scraps!
When conditions are right, Main Point Arugam Bay can deliver up to 500 meter rides and the occasional barrel. This spot definitely isn’t for beginners or low-intermediates, between the crowds, reef and intense take-off you’ll want to be a confident surfer.
Upali Beach Resort is an amazing place to stay to be the first to the lineup every morning, you can even see the waves breaking from the beach huts! We stopped off here for a coffee which was delicious, a great spot to sit and watch the pros do their thing.
Advanced Arugam Bay Surf Spots
Lighthouse
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 3 – 4ft
- Ride Length: 50 – 300 meters
- Bottom: Sand & Boulder
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Crowds: Almost None
- Risk: Low–Medium (some submerged rocks)
If you’re looking for empty line-ups and raw beauty then this is the best surf spot in Arugam Bay. Lighthouse is the place to go for consistent right-hand point breaks and a peaceful session. It’s a 40 minute Tutkuk drive north of the town near the local village of Komari. Location
There are two main right-handers at Lighthouse. The more mellow one is fun for intermediate surfers with a nice 50-100 meter ride, while the steeper peak is for advanced surfers. As the season progresses, especially into August, the waves get faster and steeper thanks to sand build-up from the dry season swells.
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Lighthouse if often uncrowded and sometimes even empty due to the long drive, perfect if you’ve had enough battling the crowds at Peanut Farm Beach or Arugam Bay Beach. Hilltop Cabanas is one of the top places to stay near the Lighthouse, you’ll wake up in open-air stilted huts, roll out of bed and be in the water within 30 seconds. Niketh Villa Komari is a new boutique option offering more comfortable rooms.
To get there you’ll most likely need to rent a Tuktuk or scooter. We drove around Sri Lanka in a Tuktuk for over 2 months and loved it, book here! The scenic journey to the lighthouse is in adventure itself, past rice fields, temples and more coconut stalls you can count.
The Quietest Surf Spot
Okanda
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Direction: Right
- Wave Size: 5 – 10ft
- Ride Length: 100 – 300 meters
- Bottom: Reef & Sand
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Crowds: Extremely Low
- Risk: Medium (rocks & rips)
Tucked along the edge of Kumana National park, 23km south of the town, Okanda is the most remote Arugam Bay surf spot on our list. Boasting three different point breaks, each with their own charm. On a good swell, the main wave can hold up to 10ft and even throw the occasional barrel. It’s powerful to say the least, ideal for advanced surfers looking for a steep take-off and strong who can handle strong rip currents.
If you’re chasing some peace and quiet then this spot is great, with only a handful of other surfers in the lineup and wildlife surroundings. Being on the edge of the national park, chances are you’ll spot elephants, peacocks, wild foxes and maybe some crocs. Early mornings are best, before the onshore winds pick up. Okanda surf spot works when there’s a strong swell, so check the forecast before making the long drive. Location
If you want to stay local, Secret bay Panama is a basic stay that will put you close to the waves.
Surf Lessons in Arugam Bay
We actually took some lessons while visiting here and would highly recommend it, the water is warm and sunsets are world-class, it was some of the most memorable and best condition surfing we’ve ever done in our lives.
There are multiple surf spots around Arugam Bay perfect for beginners: Baby Point, Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point, meaning you’ll have a choice on any given day. There are also tons of surf schools which usually include Tuktuk transport if you don’t have one rented already.
We chose to go with No Worries surf school who took us to Peanut Farm Beach nice and early. If you’re staying close to Arugam Bay Beach then we recommend Krish’s Surf Shop who we rented a board from once we had learned.
During peak season, you can also pre-book surf lessons ahead of time!
Arugam Bay Board Rental
There are loads of board rental shops around Arugam Bay town and at the surf points, for just $3 a day (yes, for a full day) you can rent a board and catch the waves. For a surf board rental close to Arugam Bay Beach, we recommend Krish’s, as it’s close to the beach and next to Thatha’s Tea Shop who serve huge portions of pancakes on a budget.
To have the best chance of being first at the lineup, we recommend hiring a scooter with a surfboard rack or a Tuktuk. We chose to rent a Tuktuk during our visit and meant we could get a deal renting the boards from No Worries and just strap them to the roof. If you have your own transport, it will make life much easier.
Where To Stay For Surfing Arugam Bay
Upali Beach Surf Resort & Cafe
Located literally on the corner of main point, if you stay at this Arugam Bay Surf Resort you’ll have a view of the waves from your own private beach hut. We stopped off at the cafe for a coffee and the food smelt great. The surf camp is a short walk into town but the real beauty of this place is the two minute commute to the lineup! If you surf, this is the best place to stay in Arugam Bay, and if you don’t, it’s still pretty cool.
Book Here
Book Here
Surf Gangs Arugam Bay
This place is awesome and many find themselves extending their stay here in paradise. The rooms are spacious, clean and have everything you need, with comfortable beds and a location hard to beat – right in the heart of Arugam Bay’s main road. It has a beautiful garden with lots of shade and most importantly a pool! For this price and quality, Surf Gangs might be hard to beat. Due to the backpackers it attracts, the nights might be a little noisy from people coming back from parties, but at least you can nap around the pool the next day!
Book Here
Book Here
Whiskey Point Resort
These beach huts are a hidden gem! Run by Anna and Nicole who will make you feel right at home, although the beach huts don’t have any A/C you’ll have the ocean breeze to cool you down at night. Whiskey Point Resort’s attention to detail doesn’t go missed and the hospitality is above and beyond, you won’t find a leaf out of place, making this one of Arugam Bay’s best places to stay! Being in Pottuvil means you’ll have elephants never too far, perfect for a local safari.
Book Here
Book Here
Our Experience Surfing Arugam Bay
When we visited Arugam Bay, we had done one 30 minute short lesson on Siargao (the Philippines) before, being pushed onto white water waves and learning how to stand on a soft top. With very basic knowledge beforehand, we booked a lesson with No Worries surf shop who took us to Peanut Farm Beach, this was a great spot to learn and wasn’t too busy due to shoulder season.
By the end of this session we were more confident we knew where to catch the waves from and just needed to improve our take-off. From here, it meant we could rent a board and check out some more spots for ourselves, at first we rented only one board and I pushed Kate into the waves (the same as the instructors do). Once we had caught a few by ourselves being pushed, it was time to progress into catching our own and after many many failed attempts we managed to catch a few.
Surfing Arugam Bay was one of the highlights of our trip. Sitting on the surfboards during sunset, watching the mist from the Indian Ocean spraying onto the Sri Lankan Jungle was incredible, we were even joined by some dolphins one surf.
Find out more about surfing in Sri Lanka here!
Best Post-Surf Things To Do
- Try one of the famous Arugam Bay Smoothie Bowl
- Thatha’s local tea shop chocolate pancakes
- Get a massage in town
- Spot some wildlife in the nearby lagoon
- Sunset beers or cocktails listening to reggae music on the beach
Read more for a list of all the Best Things To Do in Arugam Bay!
Top Things To Do Arugam Bay Map
