Arugam Bay is renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s premier surfing destinations. Its perfect right-hand reefs and point breaks attract surfers worldwide, especially when the southwest beaches are under the monsoon (like our main base Owakanda).
Surfers should visit between May and August to experience the long, peeling waves of iconic spots like Whiskey Point. Our lead instructor, Damila, relocates to Arugam at the end of April to offer surf lessons and guiding in Arugam Bay,
Arugam Bay Surf Spots
Main Point
- Overview: The most famous wave in Arugam Bay offers long rides and a mix of fast and slow sections. It’s ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- Wave Type: Right-hand point break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Moderate
- Rides: 200 – 500 meters
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Very Busy
- Risk: Medium – very crowded, and the reef can get shallow
Baby Point
- Overview: As Main Point heads into the bay and starts to lose its power, it becomes Baby Point. It is perfect for beginners, with shorter rides, a sandy bottom, and a gentle takeoff.
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 25 – 50 meters
- Level: Beginners
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Busy
- Risk: Low – only crowds
Whiskey Point
- Overview: Perfect for beginners, this spot features mellow, easy-going right-hand waves breaking off a boulder point. It’s a great place to practice and improve your skills.
- Wave Type: Right-hand point break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow to moderate
- Rides: 50 – 150 meters
- Level: Intermediate
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Moderate
- Risk: Low
Peanut Farm
- Overview: Known for its beautiful beach and accessible waves, Peanut Farm is a hub for surf schools from May to August. It’s a fantastic spot for learning with its sand-bottomed beach break.
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 100 – 300 meters
- Level: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Moderate
- Risk: Medium / High – shallow with lots of rocks under the surface
Elephant Rock/Crocodile Rock
- Overview: A bit off the beaten path, this spot offers right-hand waves that are often less crowded. A 20-minute walk is required, but the reward is well worth it.
- Wave Type: Right-hand point break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 25 – 75 meters
- Level: Beginners / Intermediate
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Moderate – lots of surf schools
- Risk: Low / Medium – beginners everywhere
Lighthouse
- Overview: The most northerly spot included under Arugam Bay surf spots. It features two right-handers, one suitable for beginners and the other for more experienced surfers.
- Wave Type: Right-hand point break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 50 – 100 meters
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Empty
- Risk: Low / Medium – a few rocks under the surface
Pottuvil Point
- Overview: A stone’s throw south of Whiskey Point, Pottuvil Point offers a slightly more mellow takeoff and shorter rides. It’s a good alternative when the main spots are crowded.
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 50 – 100 meters
- Level: Intermediate
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Moderate
- Risk: Medium – lots of rocks under the surface
Panama Point
- Overview: Panama Beach is great to explore if you want to find a surf spot off the beaten path. It’s a perfect spot for beginners with small waves and short rides.
- Wave Type: Point Break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Mellow
- Rides: 25 – 50 meters
- Level: Beginners / Intermediate
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Low to Moderate
- Risk: Low – a few visible rocks in the shallows
Okanda
- Overview: Located 23 kilometres south of Arugam Bay, Okanda (not to be confused with Owakanda) offers three different point breaks suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. It can handle significant swells and provides a variety of waves.
- Wave Type: Right-hand point break
- Wave Direction: Right
- Takeoff: Moderate to Steep
- Rides: 100 – 300 meters
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Paddle Out: Easy
- Crowds: Low
- Risk: Medium – rocks and rip currents
How to Get to Arugam Bay
From Colombo Airport
Most travellers arrive at Colombo Airport and travel by land to Arugam Bay. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours by private taxi.
- Private Taxi: The most comfortable and direct option. It Takes around 6 hours.
- Overnight Bus: An economical option to Pottuvil, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride to Arugam Bay. There is also an air-conditioned bus that goes to Akkaraipattu.
- Train: From Colombo to Ella, then a taxi to Aguram Bay
Arugam Bay Season Guide
April to August
- Overview: The high season, with dry weather and consistent swells. Ideal for surfing with the best conditions.
- Highlights: Best waves, vibrant surf community, great weather.
October and November
- Overview: Shoulder season with fewer crowds and good surfing days due to ocean storms.
- Highlights: Good waves, lower accommodation prices, less crowded spots.
December to March
- Overview: Low season with wilder ocean conditions, suitable for beginners practicing on rougher waves.
- Highlights: Less crowded, more affordable accommodations, good for beginners.