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Arugam Bay Sri Lanka, Eastern Province

Surf the Incredible Waves of Arugam Bay

Beach Surfing
The beautiful Arugam Bay is home to many point breaks, with the main one (Main Point) considered as the best surf spot in Sri Lanka. Arugam Bay proudly presents a gorgeous white sand beach that stretches round in a moon shape. With a range of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, ATMs, and transport dotted along the Main Street road, you can be sure that Arugam Bay will cater to all your needs.
Good to know

At a glance

Best time to visit
Apr–Oct
Recommended duration
2 nights / 3 days
Average price per night Partner link

$25.00 / 22,00€ in Arugam Bay

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Travel guides Partner links
Lonely Planet
Rough Guides
Current weather
26.1°C / 78.9°F
light rain
What's around

Highlights

Experience Bird Watching in Kumana National Park

Contiguous with the popular Yala National Park, the beautiful Kumana National Park is renowned for its impressive variety of bird species and is a lot quieter than its neighboring park. Formerly known as Yala East, Kumana National Park is home to Kumana Bird Sanctuary making it the perfect destination for birdwatchers who want a chance at spotting the rarest birds in Sri Lanka. Apart from being a paradise for birdwatchers, the park’s swampy landscape, numerous water tanks, and reservoirs attract turtles, otters, crocodiles, and water birds. The park also boasts elephants and other mammals.

Visit the Elusive Crocodile Rock for the Perfect Surf Escape

Famous for its many crocodile sightings, Crocodile Rock is a rocky outcrop nestled in between patches of jungle and the ocean, offering travelers the best of both worlds. Crocodile Rock is an isolated beach located towards the south of the lively Arugam Bay and tends to be a lot quieter, making it the perfect escape for surfers of all skill levels. Travelers enjoy climbing Crocodile rock and once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be blessed with breathtaking views.

Visit Elephant Rock: The Best Surf Spot for Beginners

Named after its supposed resemblance to an elephant and just 4 kilometers south of Arugam Bay, Elephant Rock is an isolated area boasting gorgeous untouched beaches. The gentle waves make this relatively small outcrop a popular destination for beginner surfers. In addition, travelers can hike to the top of the rock to experience phenomenal panoramic views of the beautiful golden beaches, the lagoon and spot wild elephants roaming nearby. Travelers can also expect to enjoy amazing sunsets and sunrises from the top.

Gaze at the Beauty of Pottuvil Lagoon on a Mangrove Ecotour

Situated only 4 kilometers away from popular Arugam Bay, the beautiful Pottuvil Lagoon surrounds itself with mangrove forests that are home to an abundance of wildlife. The Mangrove Ecotour on Pottuvil Lagoon brings together local fishermen, the government, and tourists to conserve and protect the wildlife living in Pottuvil Lagoon. Travelers explore the lagoon on canoes in search of crocodiles, water monitor lizards, water snakes, eagles, peacocks, kingfishers, pelicans, herons, and many more. The tour offers a serene experience as travelers relax and observe the lagoon's natural beauty.
Where to stay

Accommodation

When visiting Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, you'll find a range of accommodation options to choose from. In Arugam Bay itself, there are guesthouses, surf camps, and beachfront hotels, perfect for those who want to be close to the beach and the surf. If you prefer a quieter stay, you can explore lodging options in nearby areas like Pottuvil, which offers homestays and boutique guesthouses. Whether you like the lively vibe of Arugam Bay or the peace of Pottuvil, there are lodging choices to suit your preferences.

Booking.com

Our top picks

Partner links
Standard
Aqua Blue
starting from $40 (35,00€)
At Aqua Blue Hotel in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, the beach is your neighbor. Rooms are impeccably clean, and the breakfast is a delight. What's more, it's excellent value for money, making it a top pick for a laid-back beach getaway.
Standard
Forcus Cabanas
starting from $32 (28,00€)
Forcus Cabanas in Arugam Bay offers a central location in the heart of town. The staff's warmth and hospitality are truly exceptional. The cleanliness of the accommodations is top-notch. A wonderful option for travelers looking for comfort and a friendly atmosphere in this coastal haven.
Budget
Little Lagoon
starting from $12 (11,00€)
Little Lagoon Hostel in Arugam Bay enjoys a laid-back location, yet it's conveniently close to all the essentials within a short walk. The staff's warm hospitality adds to the inviting atmosphere. The rooms are spotlessly clean, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed, central stay in this coastal paradise.
Find more accommodation options in Arugam Bay on Booking.com
Where to go next

Experiences nearby

All distances are direct distances.
How to get there

Getting there & away

transit
Inbound and outbound transit connections depart and arrive in Pottuvil. From here, a minibus, taxi, tuk tuk can take you the remaining ~6 km to Arugam Bay.
CMB
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo is located about 416 km and 6:26 hrs away if you take a car, taxi or minibus.
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