East coast · Arugam Bay
Endless waves and lazy dayson the island’s sunrise coast.
Arugam Bay · Pottuvil · Kumana
When the monsoon reaches the south and west, the east coast steps into the sun. From May to September, Arugam Bay becomes the island’s surf capital — a relaxed, barefoot village famous for its long right-hand point break.
Experienced surfers come for Main Point, one of Asia’s most celebrated waves, while gentler breaks along the bay are perfect for a first lesson. Between sessions, life slows to hammocks, fresh fruit and grilled fish on the sand.
Arugam Bay is also a gateway to the wild. Boat through the mangroves of Pottuvil Lagoon looking for crocodiles and kingfishers, search for elephants in nearby Lahugala, or head south to Kumana National Park, a paradise for birdwatchers. At sunset, climb the local Elephant Rock for a view over the empty beaches.
History is here too: the ruins of Muhudu Maha Viharaya sit right on the beach at Pottuvil, half covered by golden sand.
Picture this…
Imagine it: you catch your first wave, stand up, and ride it all the way to the shore. Your instructor is cheering. Behind you the sun is climbing out of the Indian Ocean, and you are already paddling back out for another.
Unmissable
Moments you’ll remember forever.
Surf lessons
Patient local instructors and beginner-friendly breaks along the bay.
Main Point
A long right-hand point break for experienced surfers.
Pottuvil Lagoon
Glide through the mangroves by outrigger canoe.
Kumana National Park
Wetlands, waterbirds and wild elephants on a quiet safari.
Elephant Rock sunset
A short climb to golden views over the coastline.
Beach ruins
The ancient temple of Muhudu Maha Viharaya on the sand.
Through the lens
Arugam Bay, as you’ll see it.
Our recommended journey
East Coast Surf & Safari
Summer’s best-kept secret: when the west coast is rainy, the east is all sunshine, surf and empty beaches.
Most loved for Arugam Bay- Surf lessons with local instructors
- Kumana National Park safari
- Pottuvil Lagoon by canoe
- A night in Ella on the way
No payment to enquire · every day can be changed to suit you
- Day 1
Via the hills
Drive or take the train into the hills and spend the night in Ella.
- Day 2
Down to the sea
A scenic drive down to Arugam Bay. Sunset swim and dinner on the beach.
- Day 3
First waves
Morning surf lesson on a beginner-friendly break, afternoon in a hammock.
- Day 4
Kumana safari
A morning in Kumana National Park looking for elephants and waterbirds.
- Day 5
Lagoon & ruins
Canoe through Pottuvil’s mangroves, visit Muhudu Maha Viharaya and climb Elephant Rock at sunset.
- Day 6
Onward
Continue to Yala or return to Colombo.
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout
- Beachfront and boutique stays with breakfast
- Two surf lessons with board hire
- Kumana safari and lagoon canoe trip
- 24/7 support from our team
Can’t decide?
That’s what we’re here for. Let’s design it together.
Every traveller is different. Answer a few questions and one of our Sri Lankan specialists will send you a personal itinerary within one working day — free, and with no obligation.
- 1Tell us your dream
A few easy questions about places, dates and how you love to travel.
- 2We design it for you
A Sri Lankan specialist crafts a personal day-by-day itinerary.
- 3Refine it together
Change anything until it feels perfect. No obligation, ever.
Takes about 3 minutes · SLTDA licensed specialists
