Arugam Bay Surf

Ride the long, peeling right that makes the east coast one of Asia's great surf towns.

What the Arugam Bay Surf is really like.

Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's surf capital, a laid-back east-coast town built around one of Asia's best right-hand point breaks. The main point peels for a long, makeable wall that suits confident surfers, while nearby Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm and Pottuvil offer gentler options and beginner lessons. The season runs from roughly May to September, when the rest of the island is wet. We match you to the right break and a good local instructor.

At a glance

Best season: May – September
Typical duration: Half day to multi-day
Region: 1

Moment by moment

How the day unfolds.

Step 01
Dawn check at the point
Stroll down to the main point at first light to read the swell, the wind and the lineup before paddling out.
Step 02
Match the break
Your instructor picks the right spot — the long point for experienced surfers, the mellow beach breaks to learn.
Step 03
Into the lineup
Paddle out and find your rhythm on a clean, peeling wall that gives long, forgiving rides.
Step 04
Beginner waves nearby
First-timers learn the pop-up on the gentle sand-bottom waves at Whiskey Point or Baby Point.
Step 05
Town and lagoon
Between sessions, relax into the easy beach-town pace or take a lagoon trip to spot elephants and birds.