Arugam Bay Surf Camps: 5 Great Choices for 2027
An Arugam Bay surf camp is the option to go for when all the wonderful beaches of southern and southwestern Sri Lanka get hit by their summer monsoon. Over here in the east, the months between April and October are peak, ushering in a time when the waves are glassy and there’s swell pretty much every single day.
Yes, it’s a little bit of a longer trip from Colombo (I’d say break it up in Kandy, and maybe Gal Oya for a nice water safari!) but there’s plenty to look forward to…
Long, sandy beaches punctuated by high rocks and salty boulders form some of the most lovely point breaks in the world – we’re talking Main Point, Okanda, Peanut Farm.
They’re all clean, peeling rights on their day, plus there are options for all levels of surfer, including nice fat inside sections with good protection that are PERFECT for learning on (Baby Point, I’m looking at you!).
The other great thing is that Arugam Bay is one single town stretched along one single road. No matter where you stay here you will have access to all the regional breaks of the east, plus the nightlife and dining that an in-season A-bay is so famous for.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
>>This is just one part of our complete overall guide to surfing in Sri Lanka and the best surf camps in Sri Lanka
Our Arugam Bay surf stay recommendations at a glance
- Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay – Well-known surf camp operator with well-balanced itineraries
- Whisky Point Resort – Beach bungalows literally steps from the waves
- Banana Surf Camp – Super-accessible surf coaching for all levels
- Surf Soul – Small groups and local-led coaching
- Star Rest Surf Camp – One of the OGs of the Arguam Bay surf-camp scene, since 2008
>>Prefer a surf hotel? We’ve picked the top hotel stays for surfers in Sri Lanka too. And the best surf hostels on the island.
Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay
Well-known surf camp operator with well-balanced itineraries
Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay is one for those who want to take their surfing seriously but still have plenty of time for the R&R that this super-chill side of the island really lends itself to.
The camp sits at the quieter end of Arugam Bay, about five minutes’ walk from the beach, with just 10 rooms and a maximum of 16 guests at any one time.
The upshot? It’s a more intimate setup than some of the bigger surf hostels in town, and, although it actually is run by a chain brand who have other outlets in Sri Lanka and abroad, they make personal camp vibes a real MO.
We particularly like the flexibility of the packages. There’s Surf Intense, which includes two surf sessions per day, or Surf & Chill, which drops that to one, leaving more time to explore.
Coaching includes video analysis and surf theory, with transfers to breaks around Arugam Bay and board rental included – that’s pretty much standard for camps across SL, so it’s good to know it’s covered.
Yoga is the other major selling point of the offering here. These guys do daily classes held in an open-air shala overlooking the surrounding greenery. Accommodation is fairly simple, with private rooms and a choice of AC or fans. Daily meals are included in the main packages.
Basically: It has all the hallmarks of a well-rounded, reliable camp.
Whisky Point Resort
Beach bungalows literally steps from the waves
Here’s the deal: Whisky Point Resort isn’t your classic surf camp. They don’t offer pay-for-all packages with lessons included and all that jazz. Instead, they do one thing and they do it VERRYY well…
Fantastic accommodation that’s literally steps from the beach.
So, that’s why we’re throwing this one in as a bit of a left-of-field option for those travelers who aren’t so keen on more organized itineraries that demand you get up and travel to surf spots chosen by the instructors.
It’s also great for couples who prefer a bit more peace and quiet than you get down in the heart of A-bay (this resort is up in Pottuvil, 20-25 mins tuk-tuk north of town), and it’s much more chill up here!
So, this is a fine place to be if a) you love being out of the bustling center of town and b) you like to plan your own surfs, where you want to surf, and don’t like to be molly codddled.
You essentially book yourself a bungalow on the beach and walk to the surf points whenever you like.
The stays are fantastic. They are all classic island pads made from bamboo and driftwood. Some even have decks with views over the Indian Ocean, and there’s a cool on-site restaurant and bar.
The one downside worth mentioning as of late 2026 is this: Whisky Point, the main break right outside the hotel (just as the name implies) hasn’t really been working all that well for the last few years. Erosion of the sandbar and the reef has kinda’ messed it up. You can still walk 5-ish minutes down to Pottuvil Point, though, which is a classic regional right hander with real shape to it.
Banana Surf Camp
Super-accessible surf coaching for all levels
Banana Surf Camp is a locally run outfit that’s been going strong in Arugam Bay since 2014.
It’s the brainchild of Ibu, who started out renting just seven surfboards from a little garage on Main Street. These days, there’s a full surf camp operation, complete with accommodation, yoga classes, and a busy programme of surf coaching.
We particularly like the look of the six-night packages. They cram in a whopping 10 surf sessions, with theory lessons and video analysis to boot.
Learners are likely to be in good hands, since the team here makes use of the various breaks around Arugam Bay, including the mellow rights of Elephant Rock, Peanut Farm and Baby Point (the triumvirate of the beginner-friendly spots here), choosing locations according to the conditions and your ability level.
Accommodation is tucked just off the main street, a stone’s throw from the beach. There’s a choice of private rooms and dorms, while packages include daily breakfasts, three dinners, and yoga sessions as standard.
All in all, a solid option for surfers who want plenty of water time without sacrificing the social side of a surf camp.
Surf Soul
Small groups and local-led coaching
Surf Soul is another Arugam Bay camp that puts a big emphasis on proper surf coaching, and this time it’s all local.
The team is headed up by Olith, and is loaded with ISA-qualified instructors running sessions for everyone from complete beginners to more experienced riders.
We particularly like the look of the six-night Surf Soul Retreat, which squeezes in 10 surf sessions, complete with video analysis, theory lessons and transfers to the local breaks – a very nice offering for just over $600 for the whole week.
That’s especially since the package comes with three yoga classes and a three-hour tuk-tuk safari thrown in for good measure (I remember paying $80 for a safari on its own here last time I was in A-bay!).
Accommodation is split between air-conditioned private rooms and shared dorms, with a little plunge pool for post-surf dips and a rooftop space for hanging out. Daily breakfasts and three dinners are included in the main packages.
One other thing worth mentioning is the camp’s community work. Surf Soul helps fund education for more than 35 local children, so a portion of what you pay goes towards that initiative. A nice touch.
Star Rest Surf Camp
One of the OGs of the Arguam Bay surf-camp scene, since 2008
Star Rest Surf Camp is a good option for those who want to rack up plenty of water time without spending a fortune on fancy accommodation.
The camp sits just 20 metres back from the beach in Arugam Bay, with six simple private rooms and a leafy garden where everyone gathers between sessions.
The real draw here is the surfing – the sheer quantity of it. Lessons are run by ISA-certified instructors, with morning and afternoon sessions lasting 90 minutes apiece.
The team use tuk-tuks to ferry guests to the best breaks for the conditions, which could mean the mellow waves at Elephant Rock or the more challenging rights of Main Point if you’re looking to push boundaries (especially that Main Point is less than 10 mins down the road).
What’s also nice is that one of the main bay’s top learner locations, an odd wave known as Sunky Monkey by most, breaks right in front of the camp. It’s a fickly bump of a wave most days, but offers a great platform for first-timers to get their water feet.
Tuition expands across video analysis every other surf day and a bit of theory covering everything from currents to surf etiquette.
And there’s the variety that comes with their range of packages, which run from short four-day stays to three-week surfing holidays.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
