Arugam Bay
Surf Capital of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's best-known surf spot on the east coast, with breaks for beginners and experienced surfers, plus lagoon and elephant safaris nearby.
Photo Gallery
About Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a relaxed village with a long sandy beach and a right-hand point break that draws surfers from around the world. Beginners use Baby Point and Whiskey Point; Main Point, Pottuvil Point and Peanut Farm suit more experienced surfers. Away from the waves you can take a boat on Pottuvil lagoon, climb Elephant Rock for sunset, or go on safari in Kumana or Lahugala, where elephants gather around the tanks.
Did you know?
The east coast has the opposite weather pattern to the south-west: its dry season runs from roughly May to September.
Location & Getting There
How to Get There
By road
About 7–8 hours from Colombo, or about 3 hours from Ella.
By train
There is no railway to Arugam Bay. The usual route is by road from Ella or Yala.
With us
Your driver-guide picks you up from the airport or your hotel, so you can add Arugam Bay to any private tour.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Recommended duration: 3-5 days
- Surf season is April/May to October. From November to March many places close.
- Board and lesson hire is easy to arrange on the beach.
- Combine with Ella and Yala for a hill country, safari and surf trip.
Tours that include Arugam Bay
Wildlife Safari Tour
Udawalawe and Yala national parks in 5 days
Hill Country Tour
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Ella in 6 days
Ready to Visit Arugam Bay?
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest a route that includes Arugam Bay, with a price per day.