By air
Bandaranaike (CMB), ~7 h by road
Indian Ocean Islands · Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
A world-class point break on the east coast
Getting there
Best time to visit
May to October — the surf season
Don't miss
Main Point
Whisky Point
Pottuvil Lagoon
Muhudu Maha Viharaya
Things to do
Surfing the main point
Lagoon safaris
The Muhudu Maha Viharaya temple
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Kondephy · CC BY-SA 4.0
What to pack
Surf gear, reef shoes
A quieter corner
Elephant Rock at sunset
Questions travellers ask
When is surf season at Arugam Bay?
May to October. Bring surf gear and reef shoes.
Where should I surf in Arugam Bay?
Arugam Bay is a world-class point break on the east coast, so surf the main point. Whisky Point is on the list too.
Beyond surfing, how can I fill a day at Arugam Bay?
Lagoon safaris, Pottuvil Lagoon and the Muhudu Maha Viharaya temple. For sunset, head to Elephant Rock.
Is Arugam Bay a long way from the airport?
About 7 hours by road from Bandaranaike (CMB). Once there, eat fresh seafood and roti.
About Arugam Bay
- Coastal
Where it is
Arugam Bay lies on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka in Ampara District, Eastern Province, a few kilometres south of the town of Pottuvil, where a sandy bay faces the Indian Ocean beside the Pottuvil Lagoon.
History
Arugam Bay was a small fishing village until surfers discovered its long right-hand point break. The 2004 tsunami caused great damage here, and the village was rebuilt and grew into a popular surf destination on Sri Lanka's east coast.
People
Arugam Bay's people are Tamil, Muslim and Sinhalese families who speak Tamil and Sinhala, and fishing and farming have long been their livelihoods, now alongside surf schools, guesthouses and restaurants. Beach seine fishing, with crews hauling long nets onto the sand, is still practised in the bay.
Known for
- The right-hand point break at Main Point
- Surf spots such as Whisky Point
- Lagoon safaris with elephants and crocodiles
- The Muhudu Maha Viharaya temple
- Kumana National Park nearby
Did you know?
Arugam Bay has hosted most of Sri Lanka's international surfing competitions since 2004.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.