The Official Arugam Bay Survival Guide

Welcome to Arugam Bay, a legendary destination known around the world for incredible waves, plentiful wildlife, and laid-back vibes! Here, every day is an adventure, whether you’re surfing, on safari, or just enjoying a sunset with friends. When you make it to Arugam Bay, remember to pick up a FREE physical copy of our "Survival Guide" in town at one of the many shops our books are sold at!

We put the Arugam Bay Survival Guide together to provide helpful tips, safety resources, and guidance for respecting the local culture and etiquette, both in and out of the water during your time in Sri Lanka's East Coast surf scene. Read on to learn more about how you can stay safe and be a respectful guest!

Respect the Locals

Here are a few tips on respecting the local customs and nature in the East Coast of Sri Lanka:

Beach Wear

As a traveler, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in the majority Muslim community of Arugam Bay. While it’s totally acceptable to wear your bikini at the beach, please respect the local expectation for modesty by covering up in the town and village. Though there are signs indicating this rule, locals are less likely to speak up about this, as their livelihoods are dependent on tourist spending, so please be considerate.

Respect the Wildlife

While it’s amazing to spot an elephant or herd of buffalo on your way to the surf break, please keep your distance. Wild elephants in particular can be very aggressive, especially if their children are nearby, so for your own safety—as well as theirs—book a safari instead of trying to get close on your own.

Watch out for crocodiles too! They are hard to spot, but it’s not uncommon to see them in nearby lakes and lagoons, so we recommend staying out of any inland bodies of water.

Respect Surf Etiquette

We’re stoked to see surfing grow in popularity, but as the waves get more crowded, it’s critical that everyone learns and follows the rules to maintain both safety and good vibes in the water.

Stay in Your Lane

Be honest about your own surfing level, and stick to breaks that are appropriate for you; while we recommend Main Point for Level 2+ surfers, breaks like Peanut Farm (and Baby Point, when it’s working) are ideal for Level 1 surfers. If you’re unsure about your surfing level, check out our blog post on the subject.

On top of that, if you’re still learning to catch green waves, turn, and go down the line (a Level 1 surfer), please stick to the “shoulder” section of the wave instead of overcrowding the peak.

Show Respect

In some places around the world, local surfers are highly aggressive and protective of their waves. Luckily, the Sri Lankan locals are very welcoming; however, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve respect. Remember that, as a visitor, you’re contributing to the overcrowding of their home breaks. Be sure to give local surfers priority in the lineup, and if you ever find yourself at fault in the water, try to defuse the situation instead of getting into an argument.

Don’t Drop In!

Dropping in on a wave someone else is already surfing is not only disrespectful, it’s dangerous. LOOK before you go for a wave—if someone’s already surfing it, stop paddling and shift your weight backward. If you do drop in on someone, a quick apology will go a long way in keeping the vibes high.

There’s More?!

There’s a lot to learn about surfing etiquette, and we know it’s overwhelming to try and figure all this out while learning to surf and navigating crowded lineups. Take a look at our blog post, "The Surfer’s Guide to Surfing Etiquette", for a more detailed breakdown.

Where to Surf in Arugam Bay

While it’s exciting to challenge yourself in the ocean, it’s important to be honest about your own surfing level and stick to breaks that are appropriate for you. When under-skilled surfers crowd the peak at a more advanced spot, everyone catches less waves, and the chance for collisions and other dangerous incidents rises. If you do want to paddle out at a new spot that’s a bit outside your comfort zone–especially if you’re a Level 1 surfer–remember to sit on the “shoulder” section of the wave instead of at the peak.

So, where should you paddle out? The best Arugam Bay surf breaks for beginners are Baby Point and Peanut Farm, while Main Point provides the best action for more advanced surfers.

Baby Point is in Arugam Bay town itself, so this is the most convenient place if you don’t want to travel to a surf spot. Rent a board in town and walk to the beach to enjoy this gentle right-hand wave that peels along the bay.
Though Peanut Farm is about 20 minutes south of Arugam Bay, surf lessons are commonly given here. This spot can be reached via tuk-tuk, scooter, or car. While the first point is popular with Level 1-2 surfers, there is a second point in the back that provides an exciting wave for Level 2-4 surfers. Board rentals are available at the beach.
Main Point is Arugam Bay’s crown jewel - a legendary right-hand point break that, on a good day, pumps powerful waves over a reefy bottom. We recommend this spot for confident Level 2+ surfers.

Health & Safety

Drive Safely

Wild animals aren’t only hiding out in National Parks! Be sure to drive safely, especially at night; we recommend sticking to 40km/hr, because you never know when a buffalo might decide to cross the road.

Wound Care & the Risk of Infection

Warm ocean waters host a variety of bacteria, which means any open wound is at high risk of getting majorly infected here—even something as small as a mosquito bite! Be sure to clean wounds shortly after getting out of the water, and try to keep them dry while on land.

Arugam Bay First-Aid Kit

We recommend keeping a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand while visiting Arugam Bay for a surf trip. Bring the following items with you, or stock up at a pharmacy in Sri Lanka:

Wound cleaner (such as alcohol or betadine)
Cotton Swabs
Anti-bacterial cream or powder
Waterproof or hydrocolloid bandages

Elephant Rock Can be Dangerous!

Don’t leave any food in your tuk tuk or bike, as elephants might cause chaos while searching for it. Also, take care to avoid the lagoon waters, as crocodiles have attacked people here in the past. It’s worth noting that crocodiles can find their way into the lineup when the ocean connects to the lagoon here, so proceed with caution. As always, when in doubt, ask a local.

Resources

Tourist Police: +9411-3081044

Arugam Bay Health Care - Doctor and Pharmacy: +94 77 515 2219

Pottuvil Base Hospital: +94 63 2248061 - Main Street Colombo - Batticaloa Hwy, Pottuvil 32500, Sri Lanka

You're All Set for an Arugam Bay Adventure!

There are so many things to do in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, from surfing and safari to enjoying almost nightly parties and live music at the town’s many venues and restaurants. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll stay safe and respectful while enjoying the trip of a lifetime! And by reading The Surfer’s Guide - Sri Lanka, you’ll know exactly where to surf, as well as the best places to eat and stay. We’ll see you on the East Coast!