Arugam Bay stands out as the premier destination for surfing enthusiasts on Sri Lanka’s beautiful East Coast. Nestled amidst the charm of a little fishing village, Arugam Bay and its area offer a range of outstanding surf spots waiting to be explored. Let us guide you through the vibrant surfing scene of this coastal paradise with our comprehensive overview and a surf map.
Explore with Ease: Navigate Surf Spots
Our detailed surf map shows the variety of surf places throughout the coast, each catering to different skill levels and preferences. While some locations may suffer inconsistency, others guarantee constant waves during surf season from April to October. From the iconic Main Point to the wide beach shores of Whiskey Point, embark on a surfing adventure to find your ideal wave.
Main Point: Ride the Waves of Legend.
Main Point is the highlight of Arugam Bay’s surfing scene. This renowned area, known for its strong waves and advanced breaks, has earned a place among the world’s best surfing spots. Prepare yourself for an addictive ride. Consider wearing protective booties to navigate the reef-lined waters. What’s the reward? An incredible surfing experience including lengthy, barrel-filled rides.
The spot is worth a visit, even if you’re not on the skill level yet to surf it yourself. Grab a snack and enjoy watching surfers riding their waves from the dune in front of it.
Baby Point: Where Beginners Meet Their New Passion.
Baby Point, located nearby to Main Point, offers an easier wave. This location, nestled in the bay’s corner, provides a smaller setting suitable for aspiring surfers. Beginners go here to develop their talents, and quick board rentals are available right on the beach. Expect surf lessons taking place there all day long, with its peak at 4 pm. Whether you’re catching waves or spending time yourself in surf culture, Baby Point ensures a great time once the wave is running.
Stay Golden: A hotel in walking distance to surf
Enjoy the surf lifestyle by staying at Stay Golden, a boutique hotel located just south of Main Point. A 10-minute stroll along the splendid and natural coastline will take you to where the action happens. Alternatively, take a shaded walk through a lovely residential area to reach Baby Point. Regardless of whatever path you take, surfing at its best is just a short distance away. Find out more about Stay Golden as your home base here.
The surf spots north of Arugam Bay
In the North, you can find Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point, and, a little bit further, Lighthouse Point.
Pottuvil Point
Take a tuktuk for a short 15-20 minute ride from Arugam Bay town to Pottuvil Point, where the ride is already an adventure itself! This lovely fishing beach is busy with fishermen and their colourful boats. Keep an eye out for an unexpected visitor – you might even see an elephant strolling down the shore or relaxing nearby. And, of course, enjoy the waves!
Pottuvil Point, with its curved rocks, waving palm trees, and pristine beauty, is like discovering a hidden gem. Don’t anticipate any infrastructure here; it’s all about taking in the raw, natural feelings of the location. So grab everything you might need, and let the beach vibes wash over you!
The wave itself is suitable for all levels. It’s a right-handed point break with a potentially really long surf into the bay.
Whiskey Point
Let’s talk Whiskey Point! This beach, located just a 20-minute tuktuk ride from Arugam Bay, is a lengthy stretch of sandy delight where the waves break against a rock formation. Once working, it’s like nature’s own wave machine, ideal for beginners and people with intermediate skill levels.
Around Whiskey Point, it’s more of a laid-back, residential vibe with accommodation options for every budget within walking distance of the surf. Unlike Arugam Bay, where you’ve got tons of spots to grab a bite, Whiskey Point is more about the surf and less about the cafes.
So, if you’re up for catching the sunrise waves, Whiskey Point is your spot. But if you’re craving some lunch and dinner options, maybe stay in Arugam Bay and drive over for a surf session.
Oh, and here’s a little tip: Pottuvil Point and Whiskey Point are pretty close, so you can even walk to Pottuvil Point via Whiskey Point beach for some change (if the lagoon is disconnected from the ocean, which is normally the case in season time).
Lighthouse Point in Komari
Venture north from Arugam Bay for about 45 minutes, and you’ll stumble upon Lighthouse Point. Nestled along the shores of Komari, a quaint Tamil town, this surf break offers a glimpse into local life as you make your way to the beach. Take in the sights of chili and spring onion fields along the drive – it’s like a mini adventure in itself!
Once you arrive, don’t expect fancy facilities, but do expect plenty of downtime for diving into a good book or simply soaking up the serene surroundings. With only a couple of guest houses in the area, you’ll likely find yourself sharing the waves with just a handful of fellow surfers.
Lighthouse Point boasts a right-handed point break that’s suitable for surfers of all levels. While it may not be as consistent as some of the more popular spots like Main Point or Peanut Farm, it’s still worth a visit. If you’re staying in Arugam Bay, consider making a day trip to Lighthouse Point – you won’t regret it!
Discover the surf spots south of Arugam Bay!
Curious about where to catch some waves in the southern direction? Let’s start with Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm, both just a quick 20-minute drive from Arugam Bay. Keep driving, and you’ll arrive at Panama Beach, a mere 30 minutes away. And if you’re up for a longer adventure, make your way down to Okanda, which is about an hour’s drive from Arugam Bay. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer, there’s something for everyone along this stretch of coastline.
Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm, two popular surf spots in the south of Arugam Bay.
Elephant Rock
To get to Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm, you’ll take a drive along the Main Road and then turn left onto a rough jungle off-road that leads to the beach. Keep an eye out for elephants along the way – they’re often spotted in the area.
Elephant Rock is situated near a lagoon, which can sometimes affect the surf conditions, especially if the lagoon is connected to the ocean. Though, this is rare during the busy summer months. The point break offers right-handers and is suitable for surfers of all levels. During peak season, you’ll find some market stalls on the beach selling coconuts and offering surfboard rentals. It’s worth mentioning that renting a board here can be pricier than bringing your own from Arugam Bay town center.
One of the highlights of Elephant Rock is its breathtaking sunset views from atop the rock. If you’re up for a climb, be sure to pack some sturdy shoes or go barefoot (just no slippers). A heads-up – expect a crowd during high season, as everyone gathers to witness nature’s beauty and capture the moment with their phones or drones, especially at sunset.
Peanut Farm
Let’s talk about Peanut Farm, another popular surf spot in the area, right after Main Point. This point break offers right-handers and is quite versatile, with two or even three breaks. The more advanced surfers tend to favor the spots further to the right, while intermediates and beginners can enjoy the main break.
During peak times, Peanut Farm can get quite crowded, especially with surf lessons taking place. As for facilities, there are one or two cafes around, although they may operate at a very leisurely pace. Expect a limited menu and some waiting time. It’s always a good idea to bring along snacks and water, just like you would for any surf spot around Arugam Bay.
Panama Point
Let’s have a look at Panama Point. To get there, head south from Arugam Bay until you hit the quaint little town of Panama. Follow the road as it winds through a small forest area until you reach the charming fishing beach of Panama. Here, you can catch glimpses of fishermen prepping their boats or returning from a day out at sea. The scenery is stunning, with a lagoon, plenty of rocks, and sometimes even an elephant chilling on the beach. Plan for a driving time of around 30 minutes or a bit more.
Panama Point offers a right-handed point break, with the potential for some epic long rides into the bay. Surfers of all levels ride the waves here. Plus, it’s a picturesque spot for surf lessons. During the summer, you can usually find a stand renting out surfboards. The only downside? The quite long trek to get here, not knowing if the surf is on.
Okanda
Just about an hour’s drive south, near the border of Kumana National Park, lies the Okanda temple area. Venture beyond it and you’ll stumble upon the serene and expansive surfing spot known as Okanda. It’s perfect for those looking to spend a half or full day soaking up the waves (just be sure to pack enough grub, as the shops around the temple area may not always be open).
Once again, this surf spot boasts right-handers. However, there’s no guarantee that the waves will be pumping when you arrive. But hey, even if you don’t catch any waves, the drive itself is worth it. Sri Lanka’s East Coast scenery is simply stunning, offering picturesque views along the way. It’s, by the way, the same direction you’d go when visiting the Kumana National Park. Find out more about Safaris to Kumana National Park here. And when Okanda is firing on all cylinders, you’ll be in for an epic ride!
Let’s get practical: Here’s how to reach the surf spots from Arugam Bay:
Main Point and Baby Point are conveniently within walking distance in Arugam Bay, making them the easiest to access on foot. However, for all other spots, you’ll need to hop in a vehicle.
Heading south, you’ll find Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm, the closest surf spots to Arugam Bay and Stay Golden. If you’re looking to explore the northern spots like Pottuvil Point and Whiskey Point, they’re just a short drive away. It’s only about 5-10 minutes longer than going to Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm, as you’ll need to cross Arugam Bay once. Don’t worry if you need a ride – we’re happy to arrange a tuktuk for you, or you can join Rihan for a surf safari. Tuktuk prices in the area include waiting time, so they’ll pick you up after your surf session. What’s still very uncommon here is to offer scooters for rent with surf racks. One thing is to be independent with your own ride, the other is to support the locals by going with a still very reasonably priced tuktuk.
Join us at Stay Golden for surf safaris. Heading out on a surf safari with Rihan is always fun. Whether you book a surf lesson with him or bring your own board, he’ll scout out the best spots for the day. Keep in mind that most spots are rustic and nestled in nature, so it’s a good idea to ride in our 4×4 safari truck for a comfortable journey.
Looking for more info on surfing in Arugam Bay?
Check out our surfing overview for tips on the best time of year to catch waves.
Don’t want the hassle of travelling with your own surfboard? No problem! You can rent surfboards right here in Arugam Bay from various shops.
Interested in giving surfing a shot? Learn more about surf lessons at Stay Golden here.
