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Welcome to Arugam Bay. One of the most famous towns on Sri Lanka's East coast. Travellers are attracted to ArugamBay for some of the unique qualities of this island nation destination. The golden sandy beaches, world-class waves, and relaxed vibe top the list of every ArugamBay tourist. Don’t forget the surfing heritage and natural beauty. With over 1.5 million tourists visiting Sri Lanka by August 2025, ArugamBay is still a favorite for those who want a break from the crowds. Whether you are a surfer, beach lover, or wildlife fan looking for something different from the usual tourist spots, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure at Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay, or "A-Bay" as many people call it, is located about 320 km east of Colombo. Once you arrive at the bay, you can see a beautiful 3-kilometer curved shoreline backed by palm trees and lagoons. Did you know that the bay is one of Asia's best surf spots? Surfers of every skill level can enjoy the waves with consistent right-hand point breaks, warm waters, and a relaxing atmosphere here. You can enjoy the best Arugam Bay surf experience from April to October.
But Arugam Bay offers more than just surfing for visitors. You can enjoy amazing beaches, an energetic local vibe, and get close to wildlife. Wildlife too? Yes, the nearby Kumana National Park is a great place to spot leopards and elephants, and you can even see elephants swimming at Pottuvil Lagoon. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days here, enjoying surfing, beach time, and visiting ancient sites like Kudumbigala Monastery and Muhudu Maha Viharaya.
The wide stretch of soft, golden sand at Arugam Bay is the main attraction of the town. You can find some great swimming spots here, but there are no official lifeguards, so be careful of strong currents. Most visitors spend the day lounging, sipping a fresh king coconut, or grabbing seafood snacks from beach vendors. Watching sunsets in the evening is one of the favorite things of visitors here.
We cannot talk about Arugambay beach without talking about the world-famous Arugam Bay surf. Can you believe you can find breaks for every skill level here?
For Beginners - Try the mellow, longboard-friendly waves at Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm (inside bay section).
Intermediates - Try Elephant Rock or Pottuvil Point for fun but manageable rides.
For Experts - Head to Main Point (right in town) and Peanut Farm (outer section) for more challenging waves.
The waves here are usually between 3-6 feet during surfing season. The best time to go? Visit in the morning so you can beat the crowds and get the best waves.
Arugam Bay has a few different seasons
If you are planning your surfing adventure at Arugambay, this is the best time to visit. The southwest swells bring big, consistent waves (4–8 feet). The weather is sunny and hot with very little rain.
If you are a beginner, visit during this time. The waves are a bit milder and there are fewer people, so you will have more space to learn during these months.
This is when the monsoon rains come, so you will see more wet days (15–20 per month). Surfing is not as good during these months. However, if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing beach trip, this is the time to go.
Like we said before, Arugam Bay has way more than just great surfing. You can explore old cultural sites, enjoy beautiful nature, and have some real adventures here. So, plan to spend 3-4 days here to see everything properly. Always start your day early, before it gets too hot in the afternoon.
This is where all the surfing action happens. Surfers can enjoy powerful waves at this classic right-hand long point break. They are usually in the 4 - 10 ft range, with occasional barrels and rides of 200 - 500 metres, or even up to 600 m on a big day. It is a perfect spot for intermediate to advanced surfers. If you are a beginner, you should stick to the Baby Point sections or take lessons. How to get in? It is pretty easy. You can paddle from the beach or step across reef flats at Baby Point or near Upali Resort. Also, be careful because the waves are strong.
Drive about 10 km south from town, and you will hit this surf spot. It is way more chill here and perfect for a great beginner break. You can also have a picnic on this quiet beach. Hungry? Check out the café for snacks and drinks. Are you a longboarder? Peanut Farm is the perfect place you were looking for.
This spot is about a 25-minute drive south of town. Visitors can enjoy mellow waves and a super relaxed vibe here. It is an excellent spot for beginners and longboarders. But if you are lower-level intermediate, you can give it a try too. Crowds here are minimal, especially compared to Main Point. There are no board rentals on site, so you must bring one from town.
Want to enjoy one of the most iconic experiences in the area? Head 6 km south of Arugam Bay. The short climb delivers visitors incredible ocean views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Warning: To get to the beach, you have to walk through a lagoon that is knee-deep. Local people say there are crocodiles here, so be very careful, and it is best not to go alone. What about the waves at Elephant Rock? Since it is a friendly right-hand point break with a sandy seabed, it is perfect for beginners and early intermediates. It offers mellow take-offs and rides of 25–50 m on 2–4 ft waves.
Drive about 50 minutes south from Arugam Bay to reach this amazing park. Tourists visit here to see over 255 recorded species. You will also find sloth bears, wild boar, deer, and fishing cats roam at Kumana National Park. Because of light tourism in the park, there are only 10–15 safari trucks per day during the high season. So, you often get a near-private wildlife-drive experience. Get ready for a bumpy ride because the roads are really rough.
Want to see elephants up close without traveling much? Head about 30 km west of Arugam Bay. Although it is one of Sri Lanka's smallest parks, it is arguably the best place for guaranteed elephant sightings. A group of 100-150 elephants that live here and hang out around the grassy areas near Lahugala and Kitulana reservoirs. Safari trips at Lahugala Kitulana National Park are shorter and cheaper. Not just elephants, you can see much wildlife in here, like the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, axis deer, sambar deer, wild boar, golden jackal, fishing cat, and langurs. There are also hundreds of bird species, like pelicans, painted storks, lesser adjutants, and fish eagles, that live in the park.
This is what almost everyone says you absolutely have to do in Arugambay. Rent a scooter for $5-7 per day and ride the dirt roads south toward Panama and around Elephant Rock. During this DIY adventure, you might even get a chance to come across wild elephants, buffalo, and deserted beaches.
This ancient Buddhist temple is located near Pottuvil (north of Arugam Bay). Tourists visit here to see old ruins, stone statues, and dome-shaped structures called stupas. While here, you can learn about the rich history and legends surrounding the Muhudu Maha Viharaya and the nearby Muhudu Mahavihara Beach. As the legend goes, Princess Viharamahadevi was cast out to sea from the Kelaniya kingdom in the 2nd century BC to appease the gods and miraculously washed ashore at this Pottuvil beach.
On the edge of Kumana National Park, you will find this ancient monastery from around 246 BC. Here, visitors can experience a peaceful, historic atmosphere totally different from the wildlife safaris. It is home to more than 200 caves that monks used for meditation. You can hike to the top of the rock for amazing views, but watch out for elephants and monkeys along the way. Visit early in the morning before the jungle gets too hot.
Arugam Bay accommodation ranges from beachfront resorts to gorgeous guesthouses. Visitors love the surf views and relaxed atmosphere in these stays. Let’s look at some of the best ArugamBay hotels out there.
Arugambay PodBay is a stylish beachfront hotel. It has,
10 NapPods - Small, air-conditioned, standalone "pods" with private bathrooms. Up to three people can comfortably sleep in them.
2 HomePods - Bigger double-occupancy units located between the NapPods and Bay Rooms. Each HomePod comes with two attached bathrooms.
4 Bay Rooms - Larger, separate units overlooking the ocean, beach, and pool. All have private bathrooms and air-conditioning.
The onsite restaurant PotPod serves visitors fresh meals, juices, and casual dining in an open-air space. The hotel also offers facilities like a large swimming pool (WaterPod), garden areas, a terrace, free WiFi throughout, sun loungers, and easy beach access. For families, there's a children's pool and playground, and bike rentals.
This eco-luxury cabana resort is located right on a white-sand beach in Pottuvil Point. The resort offers 20 rustic cabanas - 16 double cabanas and 4 twin cabanas. Each cabana has indoor and outdoor showers with both hot and cold water, air conditioning plus wall-mounted fans, free WiFi, plush bedding, two large sofas, an electronic safe, and a furnished outdoor deck with summer beds, a table, and chairs overlooking the ocean.
Jetwing Surf also offers facilities like the outstanding infinity pool, a main restaurant and bar (including a pool bar), 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping, laundry and dry-cleaning, and various guest services (taxi service, doctor-on-call, left luggage, parking, etc.). You also get bathrobes and slippers.
This modern cube-style beachside hotel is located on Main Street, Arugam Bay. Here, visitors can enjoy 22 Cubes (11 on the ground floor, 11 upstairs). There are Garden-View Cubes among coconut and kohomba trees with verandahs or balconies, and Beachfront Cubes. Four of these face directly out to the sea.
All rooms have air-conditioning, hot and cold water, ceiling fans, private bathrooms with showers, fresh linen and towels, and WiFi throughout the property. Outside, guests can relax by an outdoor pool, enjoy the private beach area, dine in the onsite restaurant serving local / fusion cuisine, and enjoy easy access to surf spots just steps away.
Hideaway Resort is a quiet, charming, family-run garden retreat located just across the road from Arugam Bay's main beach. It has 14 rooms total spread between a Main Villa, several double bungalows, some family bungalows, and a couple of air-conditioned double rooms. The Main Villa has four double rooms and one triple room, while the bungalows face the garden.
The resort features an outdoor pool in beautiful tropical gardens, a yoga pavilion, wellness/treatment center (massage and Ayurvedic options), an onsite restaurant, bar, and a café (Hideaway Blue) serving fresh international and Sri Lankan food. There's free WiFi throughout, peaceful gardening surroundings, and easy walking distance to surf spots.
Arugam Bay draws visitors for its world-class surfing spots like Main Point, Whiskey Point, golden beaches, and energetic culture. Tourists also love the wildlife safaris, ancient temples, and relaxed vibe here.
It is located on Sri Lanka's southeast coast in the Eastern Province, approximately 320 km from Colombo, just 4 km south of Pottuvil town.
Kumana National Park - Excellent for dawn jeep safaris, spotting elephant herds.
Lahugala Kitulana National Park - Elephants gather frequently around reservoirs.
Pottuvil Lagoon - Take boat safaris to see elephants crossing or bathing.
Panama Elephant Corridor - Night safaris for elephants and leopards.
Elephant Rock Area - Occasional dawn/dusk sightings near beaches.
Arugam Bay is a truly special destination for every traveler because it offers something for everyone. Whether you want adventure or relaxation, the beautiful beaches, amazing waves, and wildlife right nearby offer you plenty of things to do in ArugamBay. You can surf at Main Point, go on a safari to see elephants, and even find your vacation hotel among Arugambay hotels. So, mark the right season on your calendar, pack your things, and get ready for an unforgettable time in East Coast Sri Lanka.
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