If you like long rides then Arugam Bay is the ideal destination for you. It has also become a bit of a cult destination in South-eastern Sri Lanka among more adventurous surfers who revel in its mostly right hander point breaks. One of these waves, The Point, sweeps out over the whole bay and is on the bucket list of any self-respecting surfer due to the seemingly endless rides it offers on a perfect day.
You might want to take a longboard out on some of the regions’ peaks but there is still plenty of room for performative surf. This is where Australian Julian Wilson won his first major competition, when Arugam Bay hosted a leg of the World Qualifying Series (WQS) in 2010.
This is also Sri Lanka’s most untouched surfing landscape, rich in wildlife and beautiful views. You can often see wild elephants wandering past Pottuvil beach and the Kumana National Park. Kudumbigala wildlife sanctuary, to the South, and the city of Pottuvil further north are some of the region’s main attractions.
May to October is the dry season on the East Coast (Arugam Bay), while the East and West coast suffer the effects of the monsoon. During the rest of the year there are regular showers. Air and water temperatures average 27/28 degrees year round.
From April on the swell shifts east towards Arugam Bay. The best season for surfing is May to September.
SURF CHECK |
JAN/FEB |
MAR/APR |
MAY/JUN |
JUL/AUG |
SEP/OCT |
NOV/DEC |
CONSISTENCY |
30 |
40 |
80 |
80 |
60 |
20 |
AVERAGE SIZE |
0,5 M |
0,7 M |
1,2 M |
1,2 M |
1 M |
0,5 M |
TRAVEL |
BAD SEASON |
BAD SEASON |
GUARANTEED |
GUARANTEED |
GOOD SEASON |
BAD SEASON |
WATER TEMPERATURE |
27º |
28º |
28º |
27º |
27º |
27º |
AIR TEMPERATURE |
26º |
28º |
29º |
29º |
28º |
27º |
The Bay Vista Hotel is located in Arugam Bay, considered the best wave spot in Sri Lanka, and one of the best in the world.
Located in Pottuvil, Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing is the perfect spot for a surfing holiday in full comfort.
Located by the sea, in the Pacific town of Pottuvil, Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing is only 4km from Kottukal beach, a perfect spot for surfing, swimming and diving.