It is revealed by the survey done by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority that almost 75% of the tourists who frequented to the country come seeking for beaches or are attracted by the ‘sun, sea and sand’ concept. This also includes their expectations of engaging in water sports such as Surfing, Snorkelling, Diving, Kayaking and other similar water sports in Sri Lanka.
One of the highlight of the thriving beaches in Sri Lanka is the perfect conditions for adventure surfing which results in increasing tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka with the expectation of mind-blowing Surfing excursions in Sri Lanka.
Being one of the world popular surfing destinations in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay never disappoints the travellers who aspire to conquer the waves and the wind. Arugam Bay is home to over 10 surf points. The huge barrelling waves attract Surfers from all over the world. The mostly visited Surfing points in Arugam Bay include:
- Sangamankanda Point
- Pottuvil Point
- Arugam Bay Point
- Whiskey Point
- Arugam Bay Point Break
- Crocodile Rock
- Peanut Farm
- Panama
- Okanda
- Yala
These surf spots in Sri Lanka slightly differ and vary depending on their wave types and the strength of the wind.
In Sri Lanka, although it is possible to surf all year around, the waves unleash their best in the surfing season in Sri Lanka that falls between April to October. During this season the average height of the waves ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 metres.
During the surfing season in Arugam Bay the following characteristics could be experienced:
Wind | : | Offshore |
Type | : | Right-hand break |
Average water temperature | : | 28 degrees |
Average air temperature | : | 32 degrees |
Wave size (commonly) | : | 2ft-3ft |
Occasional wave size | : | 4ft-5ft |
Ride | : | 400m |
Reef bottom type | : | Modest |
Swells | : | Consistent (generally during the surfing season) |
Experience level | : | Generally advanced level. However the moderate breaks available in season are ideal to learn how to surf. |
Please read more about the Arugam Bay Surf Report and Forecast
Surf holidays in Sri Lanka are taken to a new level at Arugam Bay which offers absolute relaxation as well as adventure. We certainly assure that the unique experience you get at Arugam Bay which blends the pleasing local vibes, typical tropical atmosphere, traditional and cultural values, and exceptional culinary and Sri Lankan smiles would definitely the life time memories.
Pottuvil Point
Being a naturally crafted surfing location, Pottuvil Point is regarded as one of famous Surfer’s dream destination in the world. Die-hard Surfers find this spot as a precious venue and most of them repeat visiting Pottuvil Point annually.
Idyllically located just north from Arugam Bay on the Eastern part of Sri Lanka, Pottuvil Point is a large peninsula where the thriving waves are marked with some huge boulders. Generally Pottuvil Point is deserted due to its location which needs considerable travelling from places like Arugam Bay. However the perfect geographical as well as climatic conditions that it offers for the Surfers, uncompromisingly invite them to enjoy highly thrilling surfing in Sri Lanka at this spot.
The spot for Surfing in Pottuvil Point could be simply described as a right handed point breaks with sand bottoms. Pottuvil point provides 800 meter rides from the outside section right through to the beach on the inside. The unique thing about the rising waves at Pottuvil Point is that for most of it you can be working a four foot face and be only a few meters away from the beach. The waves break very close to the beach as they wind their way down the point and it is easy to step off, sometimes almost on to the dry sand. These are great for 20-30 seconds nose rides too. Since the waves splash very fast and generally they are barrelling, once they break right along the shore, the Surfers have to get out and walk back to the waves.
The outside section sucks up and throw out as the swell raps into the point giving a 30 meter wall to work with before it fades as it hits deeper water for about 10 seconds. The wave then tends to double up as it hits a shallow sand bottom section that will have you hanging in there for all you are worth; just to try and make the next 40 to 80 meter section.
If conditions are right and you can make it through this section then the wave peels perfectly few meters from the beach for an eternity until it closes out in the bay and you begin the long walk back. Pottuvil Point needs a decent size swell before it starts working at all and a large swell before the middle section is makeable.
Pottuvil Point is not only one of world’s best surfing points; it is also a multi-faceted tourist destination that stunningly displays the untouched lagoon to its west and the mighty Indian Ocean to its east. A lagoon safari at the time of the sunset where seeing wild elephants, huge crocodiles and a range of migrating birds is one of such fantastic views that Pottuvil Point offers to the travellers. Fishing activities by the local fishermen could also be witnessed here.