An Introduction To Arugam Bay Surf
Arugam Bay surf, located on Sri Lanka’s south-eastern coast, is a renowned destination known for its consistent waves & relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for surfers who prefer not to use a car.
The main surf spot, Arugam Bay Beach, offers a long right-hand point break suitable for all skill levels, while nearby spots like Whiskey Point & Peanut Farm provide varied conditions for more advanced surfers.
With easy access to tuk-tuks & bicycle rentals, exploring the best surf spots around Arugam Bay is a breeze.
In This Guide
Best Time For Arugam Bay Surf
Seasons:
- Autumn (September-November): Consistent swells with warm water & fewer crowds.
- Attire Needed: Boardshorts/bikini.
- Winter (December-February): Peak season with reliable swells & sunny weather.
- Attire Needed: Boardshorts/bikini.
- Spring (March-May): Moderate swells & warm waters, ideal for all levels.
- Attire Needed: Boardshorts/bikini.
- Summer (June-August): Smaller, more inconsistent surf with occasional monsoon rains.
- Attire Needed: Boardshorts/bikini.
Surf Conditions:
- Wave Size & Swell Direction: Waves range from 2 to 6 foot, best with southeast to east swells.
- Break Type: Right-hand point breaks & beach breaks with occasional reef breaks.
- Tide & Wind: Best at mid to high tide, with offshore winds from the southwest helping to keep waves clean.
- Skill Required: Suitable for all levels, though certain spots like Peanut Farm are better suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Arugam Bay Surf Spots Within a 5km Radius
| Best Surf Spots | Distance from Arugam Bay | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arugam Bay Beach |
In the town centre |
2-6 foot |
Long right-hand point break |
All levels |
|
Surf Spots Within the Area |
||||
|
Peanut Farm |
Approx. 8km (5mi) south |
3-6 foot |
Fast, hollow right-hand reef break |
Advanced |
|
Whiskey Point |
Approx. 12km (7.5mi) north |
3-6 foot |
Powerful right-hand reef break |
Intermediate to Advanced |
Access To Arugam Bay Surf Spots
| Best Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Arugam Bay Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
|
Peanut Farm |
Not advised |
Not advised |
Approx. 15 min. (Tuk-tuk) |
|
Whiskey Point |
Not advised |
Not advised |
Approx. 20 min. (Tuk-tuk) |
Accommodation in Arugam Bay
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range per night (EUR) | Price Range per night (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€7 to €18 |
$8 to $20 |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€20 to €35 |
$22 to $38 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€60 to €100 |
$65 to $110 |
How To Get To Arugam Bay
How to get to Arugam Bay from Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB)
To reach Arugam Bay, the most convenient route is to fly into Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB). From there, take a couple of buses & a tuk-tuk to your destination.
Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Arugam Bay based on your preferences & budget.
Distance: 320km (200mi)
- Public Transport (Bus + Bus + Tuk-Tuk) (Best Option):
- Take an intercity bus from Colombo (Pettah Bus Station) to Pottuvil.
- You can catch a bus from Colombo Airport to Pettah Station (45 min.).
- From Pettah, board the direct bus to Pottuvil (nearest town to Arugam Bay).
- Once in Pottuvil, take a local tuk-tuk to Arugam Bay, about 10-15 min. away.
- Time: 8-10 hrs.
- Cost: $40-$100 USD per person
- Domestic Flight + Transfer:
- Book a domestic flight from Colombo (Ratmalana Airport) to Batticaloa.
- From Batticaloa, take a taxi, bus or tuk-tuk to Arugam Bay.
- Time: Approx. 3-5 hrs.
- Cost: $150-$250 USD per person
- Shuttle Service
- Many hotels & surf camps in Arugam Bay offer shuttle services directly from Colombo Airport.
- Book a shuttle in advance through your accommodation or a travel agent. The shuttle will pick you up from the airport & drop you directly at your accommodation.
- Time: Approx. 5-6 hrs.
- Cost: $100-$200 USD per person
Discover Arugam: What to Do When the Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Arugam Bay there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore. Here are 3 recommended activities to make the most of your time.
Visit Kumana National Park:
A wildlife lover’s dream, this park is famous for birdwatching, especially during migratory season. It’s also home to elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. A safari here offers a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
Explore Muhudu Maha Viharaya:
A historic Buddhist temple situated near the beach, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. It’s a peaceful spot with ancient ruins and panoramic coastal views.
Lagoon Safari:
Take a boat trip along Pottuvil Lagoon to observe wildlife like elephants, water buffaloes, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. The serene lagoon is perfect for a relaxing escape.
