Arugam Bay
Eastern Province, Sri Lanka
Point breakIntermediate
Sri Lanka's surfing heartland, Arugam Bay is a sun-baked right-hand point break on the island's east coast that has welcomed global surf travellers since the 1970s, combining consistent warm water waves with extraordinary Sri Lankan hospitality.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Mid
LowMidHigh
Season
March–October
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right
Bottom
Sand and rock
Shape
Long, peeling right, multiple sections including the main point, Crocodile Rock, and Pottuvil, accessible and consistent
Length
100–300m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The wave is long and relatively forgiving, a great destination for surfers wanting to progress in perfect warm-water conditions.
Hazards
- •Crocodiles in the lagoon at the north end, do not enter the river or lagoon
- •Sea snakes occasionally visible in the water
- •Monsoon season brings strong winds and heavy rain
Local Tips
- •Arugam Bay is on Sri Lanka's dry east coast, it receives consistent swell while the west coast is blown out by the southwest monsoon.
- •The cooking here is outstanding, don't leave without eating at one of the beachfront crab restaurants.
Location
6.8402, 81.8362