Surfing in Arugam Bay
The world-famous surf spot in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is one of THE spots for surfing in Sri Lanka. The famous wave at Main Point is internationally known and due to that, Arugam Bay once was rated as one of the Top 10 surfing destinations in the world. Hence, it’s not a surprise that Arugam Bay is also an international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka.
Why surfing in Arugam Bay
There are different reasons why people enjoy the surf in Arugam Bay. We actually love the variety and flexibility. It’s not just one spot to surf, there are around 10 spots that are easily available within a 30 minutes tuk-tuk ride. That’s why even a longer surfing holiday can’t get boring (if it ever can 😉 ), as you just might go to a different spot now and then, to spice it up a little.
The area has a lot to offer for all different levels. We have hosted all kinds of surfers: Pros who just go to Main Point every day for weeks, being able to compete with the strong line-up. You have to know what you are doing when surfing Main Point. This means, the reef is not fun – in contrast to the ride: It can be long and big, barrels included.
Intermediates mostly enjoy the option to see different beaches. Every spot is unique, with its natural surroundings, its waves, break, and the infrastructure. Find out more about the different surf spots here. Intermediates often travel all over Sri Lanka and spend 5–7 days here before they continue with their round trip.
Beginners have fun making their first experiences in the water. Though, especially in the peak months, it can get crowded at the favourite beginner spots. Most beginners try surfing as one part of their Sri Lanka holiday experience. You can also find various surf camps on the South Coast and a small selection in Arugam Bay with focus on learning how to surf in Sri Lanka.
Let Stay Golden be your spot for Yoga & Surf
Are you interested in a surf package with us? Contact us for an individual offer with surf lessons every day. You also have the option to include daily Yoga classes, too. This is your option if you want to practice surfing combined with a resort experience.
Arugam Bay’s overall package
One reason why Arugam Bay has become more popular, especially over the last couple of years, is its overall package. There is surf, yoga, nature, a good choice of accommodations in different price categories, and, in the peak months from May to August, also a vivid nightlife with bars, restaurants and good food. At the same time, it’s the only spot at the East Coast of Sri Lanka which is touristically developed while known for its surf.
Surfing season on the East Coast: From April to October
Travelers often ask us about the best time for surfing in Arugam Bay. The simple answer is: from April to October.
In April, the summer and surfing season starts in Arugam Bay. July and August are the touristic peak months. In that time, it’s also the busiest in the water. The surfing season at the East Coast fades out in October. From October onwards, it might be less hot weather wise, as it used to be the monsoon season. But, for the last years, the weather has been quite unpredictable with almost no rainy days. Therefore, in our opinion, you can visit Arugam Bay as a surfing beginner all year long. The slow season of the East Coast is definitely different weather wise to the rainy season at the South Coast of Sri Lanka. In 2019, we even had fun surf days in November at some selected spots like Whiskey Point and Pottuvil Point.
When you travel with a focus on surfing, though, our recommendation for Arugam Bay are the months from April to June and the end of August until the end of October. The conditions are good, and you normally don’t have to face a hundred people at Main Point.
Prepare yourself for big crowds at all spots during the peak months of July and August. If you don’t mind busy line-ups but seek out for parties and nightlife, too, July and August are your months to go.
Sri Lanka as an all-year-long surfing destination
The fabulous thing about Sri Lanka is that you can surf all year long. The surfing year is split into two seasons, and they are related to the different coasts of the island. From April to October, the East Coast with Arugam Bay has the best surfing conditions. Accordingly, from November to March, the South Coast offers multiple surf spots all along the coast. This makes surfing in Sri Lanka so unique.
More information on surfing in Arugam Bay
Now, it’s time to find out more on the surf spots of the area, surf lessons and surfboard rental at Stay Golden:
Stay with us at Stay Golden!
Are you stocked to jump in the water and enjoy the surf in Arugam Bay? Book your home away from home, and stay with us at Stay Golden. Main Point is only a 10 minutes beach walk away from our hotel. It’s not just perfect for sunrise surfing sessions. Here’s an overview of our rooms – and here you can check your availability: