Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay and surfing in Sri Lanka has been on the bucket list of travellers over the past few years. Boasting some of the most lush right-hand point breaks, palm-tree lined beaches and alluring coral reefs, there is something for every surfer. And anyone who has been to this country to catch some waves have surely heard of Arugam Bay. If it is your first time to this beachside paradise, here’s your ultimate guide on what you need to know about surfing in Arugam Bay. Read on to find out when’s the best time to visit, how to get there, where to surf and more!

Best Time To Visit Arugam Bay

There are a variety of activities and things to do in Arugam Bay, but these all depend on the weather. March to October is regarded as one of the best seasons to visit these surfing spots, with the peak seasons running from July to August. This means that during the start of this tourist season, you can enjoy activities with some of the sunniest days, enjoyable sea to swim, and the time when a lot of activities are on. With temperatures of about 32 degrees during the day, the weather remains consistent and pleasant to catch the waves. The swells typically arrive during June to August, making that period the best time for surfing in Arugam Bay.

How to get to Arugam Bay: Bus or Train

From the capital of Colombo, or from the Bandaranaike International Airport, it could take anywhere from 6 and 16 hours to reach this surfing paradise. Depending on the mode of transport and time of travel, the main ways to get there is by bus, train or taxi.

Bus

Credit: sri_lanka_authentic_experience on Instagram

To go directly from the capital to Arugam Bay, I’d suggest taking the bus. This was how my backpacker friends and I got to this surfing destination – a long night ride and packed just enough to make my sleep as comfortable as I could. There are a couple of direct air-conditioned buses available and it takes at least 7 hours. Most of which are non-aircon buses with wooden seats. If you want to pay a bit more for comfort, you can have the option of booking the luxury bus which departs from Colombo at 22:00 daily. It only costs 1,120 Rs ($6) at busbooking.lk and you will arrive at Pottuvil. From here, get on a quick 10-min tuk-tuk ride to Arugam Bay. The fares start at only 200Rs or US$1.10!

tuk-tuk ride, sri lanka — Bumpy tuk-tuk rides and the result was a blurry image.

Colombo to Arugam Bay Departure Times

8:45 pm – red government bus from the main bus station
9:00pm – red government bus from the main bus station
9:30pm – red government bus from the main bus station
10:15pm – private bus from the private bus station at busbooking.lk

Train

If you are looking to catch a train, do note that Arugam Bay does not have its own railway station. The nearest stations are in Batticaloa located 115km away or and Ella which is 130km away. While you can take this route, you still need to take a bus, tuk-tuk or taxi for another 3 hours from the railway station. The easiest way would be by buses from the train station, which will drop you off at Pottuvil as well.

Taxi

Another option for the utmost comfort is to share a taxi from Colombo, and it costs around 18,000Rs. It will also take about 7 hours to reach Arugam Bay. Taxis are best booked via taxi apps like Uber and Pickme. I always used Pickme in Sri Lanka and found it very helpful.

Best Surfing Spots To Visit

The rains usually reach the coast from different directions, making this beautiful country a year round surf option. Morning sessions are often the best, with the wind generally swinging on-shore after noontime during the peak season. If you do not have your own board, you can easily rent or buy one here. Moreover, trials and surf classes are easily available here too for those in the early stages of their surf journey. The areas that are popular among the surfing community here are Whiskey Point, Main Point, Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock and Lighthouse.

1 Whiskey Point

Credit: michele.zangrandi on Instagram

One of the many surfing spots found in the destination of Arugam Bay, Whiskey Point is my favourite spot out of all. This surfing spot is the jewel of the east coast. It is a beginners’ haven, but even intermediates and expert surfers come to test their skills here. You won’t need to swim out very far to catch some waves, as they break close to the beach. The size of the waves range from 1 to 4 metres depending on the direction.

When you are in Whiskey Point, you are not only limited to surfing. There are many rocks that you can climb and enjoy the view from the top. In the evening, the whole area then transforms into a chill sociable atmosphere where family and friends come to unwind and relax.

2 Main Point

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As the name implies, this is actually the main surfing break in Arugam Bay! The reef-bottom creates a right-hand point break that can hold about 8ft of swell. Expect some of the best surf breaks here, which is popular for intermediate and advanced surfers. However, the surf break here won’t be suitable for beginners. Beginner surfers may want to head to the inside point, or “baby point” instead. Main Point is the closest one to Arugam Bay town and to get there, just walk south from the main beach. Just beware of the crowds!

3 Peanut Farm

Credit: garceslorelore on Instagram

Located just a quick 20 minutes out of the main town, Peanut Farm is a great surfing spot for beginner to intermediate surfers, thanks to the sand-bottom main point and inside point.The headland also provides some protection from the wind. If you are a beginner, there’s also an on-site surf school for one-off classes!

4 Elephant Rock

Credit: _praephan on Instagram

Elephant Rock, as the name suggests, got its name from the rock’s supposed resemblance to an elephant. Just 4km away from town, it is another well-known surf. With gentle waves that range from 2 feet to 6 feet and several breaks that have headlands, which provide wind protection, I myself had a go with surfing here. To get here, there is a sandy dirt track for the final 1km, so it’s best to get a scooter, 4×4 or tuk tuk (1000Rs). However, do watch out for some active crocodiles in the rivers!

5 Lighthouse

For those who are looking to get away from the crowds and check out another surf break, the Lighthouse will be a great choice. The break is found a little out of the main town with very little guesthouses along the strip, but you’ll need a vehicle for off-road trails to get here. In this spot, there are two right-hand point breaks: one by the lighthouse which ends off the rock, and the other on the right swell.

Other surfing spots in Arugam Bay

– Pottuvil Point.

– Okanda

– Panama

Tips When Visiting Arugam Bay

Soaking in the views and sunset from the top of Elephant Rock.

Waves are generally more mellow, so if you’re planning to pack a surfboard along, bring a fish or longboard. If you are only going to the bigger and hollower points, the standard short board will do.
Don’t forget to bring along some Vitamin C so that your health and spirits are ready for surfing. 😉
Sometimes you might be looking for a change from the surf, so take time to visit the many interesting historic and religious sights around Arugam Bay.
If you are at Elephant Rock, don’t forget to climb to the top to enjoy the sunset and views.
Rent and drive a tuk tuk in town! This is because it is a great way to travel in and around Arugam Bay, as there is plenty of space to strap surfboards to the roof. Just remember to rent from a reputable provider!

With this ultimate guide to surfing in Arugam Bay, we hope you’re now more than ready to hit the waves in this famous little surf-town. This jewel of the east coast is definitely not to be missed. Call your surfing buddies and start planning your trip now!