Arugam Bay is generally known for its heavenly waves for surfers, golden sandy beaches, and probably good sun! But, the experience at this place is much more than you could ever expect. So, let’s share some of the best experiences at Arugam Bay any traveler could have!
Arugambay is a paradise for surfers around the world owing to the colossal surfing waves it offers. But apparently, Arugam Bay is recognized as one particular tourist destination in Sri Lanka for the distinctive vibe it gives. Rich wildlife and landscapes to explore, luxury and affordable hotels, restaurants, clubs, etc., to try out, and to engage in surfing lessons and yoga sessions are only some of the few epic things you can experience at this place.
Read along to discover more offbeat adventures you can have at Arugam Bay- join our sweet escapade!
Why Should You Visit Arugam Bay?
Unsurprisingly, curious travelers from around the world have Arugam Bay listed on top of their Sri Lankan itinerary. This place is famed among devoted surfers as it boasts incredible waves for both beginners and professionals.
It is also a well-known beach among locals and tourists that offers the enchanting vibe of a Southeast Asian seaside. However, while these are the most known and common things that most of us know, Arugam Bay is a hidden gem that gives us so much more! It is not only an ordinary beach with good surfing waves or an ideal place for a vacation getaway.
But you could have so many adventures around the place while collecting some everlasting memories in your travel journal. This place is rich with resources that could equally give pleasure and entertainment if you travel solo, with your partner as a romantic getaway, with friends, or with your family.
So, this CeylonPulse episode is going to be everything about the epic stuff you can experience within and around Arugam Bay!
The Epic Experiences At Arugam Bay
Surfing Experience At Arugam Bay
No matter what we plan to discuss, the surfing experience at this spot always comes as a priority! You’ll get six surfing points in Arugam Bay are they are as follows:
- Main Point
- Pottuvil Point
- Elephant Rock
- Whiskey Point
- Okanda
- Peanut Farm
Main Point is the stem of the bunch, delivering fast and slow areas that can sometimes form lovely and hollow rides right by the main town. To the north, the coast twitched through coconut groves to beginner-friendly Whiskey Point.
To the south, you’ll find the rugged and outlying point interludes of Okanda, where you could usually get a small crowd. The best time of the year for surfing in Arugam Bay is between May and November when the dominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day.
Learning To Surf In Arugam Bay
Each year Arugam Bay is filled with passionate wave lovers who are keen to learn surfing. This spot is one of the best places in the world that offers excellent beginner-friendly waves to anyone who loves getting their first lessons in surfing.
Several reputed surfing schools around this area are equipped with professional trainers for well-organized surfing lessons. You’ll be able to rent all the surfing equipment, including boards, and do not have to worry about safety since a life-saving unit has been established under the guidance of Sri Lankan forces.
Surfing Camps
Arugam Bay is a fabulous surf destination to do a surf camp. The medley of plunging reefs, sandbars, and point breaks indicates it is ideal for learner groups. The other great thing is that this eastern hub of the island isn’t as built-up as the southwest.
This signifies you can usually get close to the shoreline within a walking stretch of the waves. Most surf camps offer a surf package that is allocated with the fancy boutique hotel and focuses on. They employ ISA-certified trainers and have a spectrum of equipment for all levels.
Lagoon Safari In Arugam Bay
Exploring the lagoon is undoubtedly a fantastic experience, and it usually takes place on a boat. It takes around 2-3 hours for the whole boat ride. You could opt for a tour experience by contacting a local tour operator.
While Pottuvil Lagoon is well-known, you can also visit lesser-explored locations like Kottukal and Urani. A mangrove forest home encompasses the waterbody to an expansive array of wildlife, including amphibians, wading birds, crustaceans, and more! You will spot a range of bird species here, such as Darters, kingfishers, common coots, pelicans, herons, sea eagles, etc.
The monkeys who will give you a curious look, swinging from branch to branch of the trees on the land nearby, is a sight worth seeing! Beneath the waters, you’ll catch a glimpse of some vivid fish, prawns, and crabs. The best times to visit these lagoons are during the early morning hours after sunrise and the evening before sunset when the heat is manageable.
Watch The Sunset At The Elephant Rock!
Those who visit Arugam Bay never miss out on their chance to climb Elephant Rock and catch some mesmerizing sights that would last for a lifetime! This is why we mentioned that Arugam Bay is not merely a buzzing surfers’ spot.
It is also a place to explore and appreciate the magical beauty of nature and the unique landscape of this beautiful Island. You wouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to climb the rock, and you’ll catch the beautiful sunset, especially when it is high season.
This spot is incredibly Instagrammable and photo-friendly–so do not forget to click some rare shots and capture beautiful reels as you indulge in the charm of the waves hitting the shore.
Enjoy A Distinctive Shopping Experience
While you enjoy the beach, waves, and wildlife, Arugam Bay got some pretty cool shops too! You’ll find some authentic local brands and interesting local bikini tailors. So if you want to get a dress customized or replace your bikinis, this is the ideal place.
This hippie town, located directly parallel to the coastline, luring surfers and sun seekers, is a wonderful marketplace to buy all your unique locally branded clothing. From t-shirts with cute logos to bohemian floaty dresses and intricate bohemian jewelry, it is the fashion epicenter of Arugam Bay.
Moreover, you will also come across other exotic pop-up shops that sell handmade shell souvenirs and beach towels. At the end of the day, you’ll find yourself with plenty of pretty little unique things to take home!
Yoga Sessions In Arugam Bay
If you’re into mindfulness activities, Arugam Bay can even cater to you with that! You can take drop-in sessions or even participate in comprehensive yoga hideouts! This is a smart way to unite with other travelers if you plan on being in Arugam Bay for a while. You can find several places that offer relaxing and intimate Yoga lessons, which is an amazing way to start a refreshed day.
Indulge In Scrumptious Foods!
There are plenty of little huts, restaurants, fruit juice bars, and cafes to explore around Arugam Bay. You can enjoy some quality, authentic Sri Lankan food and refreshing beverages or savor the goodness of a variety of fancy foods from these little places.
Have your satiety fulfilled with a comforting Sri Lankan meal cooked by Sri Lankan homemakers from family-run restaurants. We can promise you an everlasting spicy food experience you will feel going through all your tastebuds!
Nightlife In Arugam Bay
There is no denying that the blond sands and the turquoise waters of Arugam Bay can be best enjoyed when the sun is up. Yet the spot has an impressive trick, especially for party animals who hit this place! At nightfall, the Bay area illuminates with vibrantly colored lights, and the waters may look as dark as the night sky.
But the white waves seem luminescent with rays being reflected. The warm sea breeze from earlier in the day turns chilly. Nevertheless, the excitement on the beach in Arugam Bay always persists at sunset but continues till the morning hours. The beach is banded with a few restaurants and bars–some catering to locals and tourists, and some accommodating only tourists.
It’s not just these restaurants, but hotels also spirit up with special buffets and beach parties. The seafood steals the night’s spotlight served in all the restaurants, bars, and hotels. The fresh catch is always exhibited for guests to pick the items they want to be cooked.
If You Want Nothing- Just Relax On The Beach!
Arugam Bay undoubtedly has a lot to offer to its visitors. But still, it can also be a tranquil getaway for those who need nothing but peace and warmth. The golden sandy beaches are perfect if you need to relax and take a moment out of your busy lifestyle.
If you’re a traveler who has planned a vacation with family, this can be an ideal place for your kids to enjoy. They’ll have plenty of space to play, make sandcastles, or have a little picnic. Since the most happening days at Arugam Bay run from June until August, we suggest you take the months of March, April, May, September, and October to have a considerably peaceful escape.
What Are The Experiences You Can Get From Nearby Attractions In Arugam Bay?
Visit Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park is one of the hidden charms of Sri Lanka. It’s an exceptional place with lots of wildlife and stunning scenery! It’s indeed one of the top things to do in Arugam Bay if you are a rare wildlife enthusiast. It’s barely crowded (even during high season), offering much less of a zoo-like experience.
The depth of animals in the park is relatively lower than in other Sri Lankan national parks. But it’s not rare to spot a leopard and other wonderful animals, such as elephants, turtles, crocodiles, white cobras, and wild buffalo, along with tons of birds. It is said that a dozen or so bears live in the park, but they’re seldom seen.
Your whole family can enjoy an enchanting, peaceful sight of rich wildlife where Jeep safaris are available to book around town.
Lahugala National Park
Lahugala is one of Sri Lanka’s smallest national parks. But despite its scope, it is one of the wealthiest in terms of wildlife. The park is reputed for its many Sri Lankan elephants and is a significant place to visit if you want a more authentic experience away from crowds.
This is also a crucial habitat for other endemic animals such as the Sri Lanka spurfowl, black-napped hare, sloth bear, slender loris, etc. The park boasts itself for its pristine wilderness; therefore, vehicles aren’t allowed inside the park.
Instead, you can stroll through the main road between Arugam Bay and Monaragala. Inside the park, you will find Neelagiri Maha Seya, a huge stupa that showcases the ancient Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. So, you shouldn’t miss Lahugala as it can offer a mix of culture and wildlife.
Other Places To Visit
If you plan to spend some decent time in Arugam Bay, take your time to visit the following places as well:
- Panama Tank
- Kudumbigala Monastery
- Peanut Farm Beach
- Muhudu Maha Vihara
Moreover, you can also rent a scooter or a tuk-tuk and explore the beautiful countryside of this area. And do not forget to pamper yourself in a soothing Ayurvedic spa and watch the marvel of colorful fishing boats coming to the shore filled with fish!
What Is So Special About Arugam Bay?
Arugam Bay is the most famous surf destination and is also the only international surf competition location in Sri Lanka. Thanks to the incredible surfing waves this place offers, it is also ranked as one of the top surf destinations in the world. Arugam Bay has also hosted the largest number of international surfing competitions in Sri Lanka since 2004. Collectively, it is certainly one of the most iconic places in Sri Lanka that gives a different vibe to all travelers!
When Is Arugam Bay Season?
The best time to surf in Arugam Bay is from May to November. However, July, August, and September are supposed to be the ideal months if you’re into surfing. The morning period is perfect as the wind typically swings on-shore after noon (12pm) this season.
Best Places To Stay In Arugam Bay (Restaurants, Cafes, and Hotels)
While there are plenty of accommodations around Arugam Bay, we thought of sharing the best luxury and affordable places so that you will know what to pick on your next visit. The places are as follows:
- Jetwing Surf Hotel
- Babar Point Hotel
- Kottukal Beach House By Jetwing Villa
- The Spice Trail
Final Thoughts On Arugam Bay…
Hook on to the turquoise blue waters, colossal waves, and pearly beaches in Arugam Bay to gather some of the best memories during your visit to Sri Lanka. Although this place is world-famous as the surfer’s paradise of Southeast Asia, it is also rich in wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and a distinct vibe, making it a place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime!
