The Intermediate/Advanced Surfer’s Guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka [Updated January 2025]

From The Surfer's Guide - Sri Lanka / Photo by Elizaveta Titova

Surfing Sri Lanka’s East Coast

If you want to see a surfer’s eyes light up, just speak the magic words, Arugam Bay. The waves are pumping here during Sri Lanka’s East Coast surf season, which runs from late April to October. With legendary right-hand waves such as Main Point, Peanut Farm, and Pottuvil Point, plus plenty of great restaurants, yoga centers, and parties to enjoy during your off-duty time, Arugam Bay is a dream surf destination–one of our favorites, in fact! If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer (Level 3-4) looking for laid-back village vibes, as well as a place to progress on clean, consistent waves, A-Bay should be at the top of your list.

Note - Level 1 and 2 surfers are welcome in Arugam Bay, but it’s important not to paddle out at spots that are beyond your ability or experience. There are plenty of surf coaches, camps, and lessons in Arugam Bay, so seek guidance if you’re still learning! Not sure how to grade your Surfing Level? Check out our blog post, "What's Your Surfing Level", or pick up a copy of The Surfer’s Guide!

Why Arugam Bay is Perfect for Intermediate and Advanced Surfers

Generally speaking, intermediate surfers have a firm grasp on the basics of surfing; they are confident catching right and left-hand waves, can make some maneuvers, and have a good understanding of surfing etiquette. At this level, it’s crucial to get as much time “on the wave” as possible in order to practice generating speed, turning, and continuing to get a feel for your board’s performance in various conditions.

During the Arugam Bay surf season, solid swells provide fat, peeling waves at multiple right-hand point breaks (sorry goofy-footers, there aren’t any lefts here). The predictability of these point breaks takes a lot of the guesswork out of catching waves, allowing surfers to focus more on riding the waves. Of course, there are other challenges in the water, namely crowded lineups.

Arugam Bay continues to draw crowds of surfers from around the world, so it’s important that everyone in the water understands and adheres to proper Surf Etiquette in order to reduce accidents & injuries, as well as maintain good vibes in the water. Check out our guide on Surf Etiquette to brush up.

With all that being said, let's get on to the Intermediate/Advanced Surfer's Guide to Arugam Bay!

The Best Waves in Arugam Bay for Intermediate/Advanced Surfers

Main Point

Located in Arugam Bay itself, right off the coast from Upali’s Beach Surf Resort & Cafe, Main Point is an incredibly powerful and punchy right-hander that breaks over sharp reef. There are multiple sections to this wave (especially when there’s swell), so we recommend lining up where you feel most comfortable. Level 4 surfers will likely head to the farthest peak, while Level 3 surfers tend to stick a bit inside or on the shoulder.

Be extra careful when entering and exiting the water, as you’ll have to walk across a few meters of sharp reef that’s notorious for cutting up feet, fins and boards! Try to relax your feet and move with the current, and be sure to time your entry wisely so you don’t get smashed by an incoming set.

Pottuvil Point

Just north of Arugam Bay, Pottuvil Point offers incredibly long, mellow right-handers along a coast dotted with other-worldly rock formations, palm trees, and—if you’re really lucky—an elephant or two. Level 3-4 surfers can catch the longest rides in from the back point, if they nail the snappy takeoff and navigate around rocks in the second section.

Level 2 surfers can still score relatively long and mellow rides across the bay from the first point. Taking off here may take some getting used to, but once you’re locked in, get ready for magical rides.

Peanut Farm

Those looking to get off the beaten path (literally) on their surf safari should hop in a tuk and head south to Peanut Farm, where right-handers peel consistently across the bay. Peanut is definitely a more social surfing experience, and is a popular spot for surf camps to bring their students, so expect a crowd at any time of day, ranging from kooks to rippers.

Peanut can hold huge size, and on those bigger days it offers a fat yet mellow wave at the front point, giving you a chill canvas to carve as you practice your maneuvers. Level 3-4 surfers will gravitate toward the less-crowded back point, where steep takeoffs skirt shallow rocks before peeling toward the first point.

Okanda

When the swell hits and you’re ready to rip, but can’t bring yourself to battle the Main Point crowd, take a daytrip to the East Coast’s southernmost surf point, Okanda. Those who make the 45-minute drive will find three right-handed sand points whose massive performance walls hold 8-10 feet in the right conditions. All three points are exposed and catch a lot of wind, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.

Level 4 surfers can get tubed on the takeoff here if they risk paddling over the edge of a shallow rock shelf, but there are plenty of epic waves to be caught without entering the sketch zone, so Level 3 surfers need not worry.

Ready to Shred Arugam Bay?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably considering or planning a surf trip to Sri Lanka. In that case, take this as your sign to book your flight! Arugam Bay is the perfect destination for intermediate and advanced surfers, with consistent waves, laid-back vibes, and stunning scenery–you’ll see monkeys, elephants, buffalo, intriguing rock formations, temples, and more.

The Surfer’s Guide - Sri Lanka is the perfect companion for your adventure. With detailed maps on 30+ surf spots, including the entire South Coast as well as Arugam Bay, plus cultural insight, educational content, and local business recommendations, you’ll have everything you need to explore Sri Lanka’s top surf towns. Grab your copy today, or look for it in cafes and surf shops during your visit.