Pottuvil Point – Arugam’s Underrated Right Hander

Surfing Pottuvil Point

This is one of the best right-hand points in Sri Lanka.

Pottuvil Point works off a boulder-strewn headland that wraps into a long, arcing bay – the same bay thats home to Whisky Point (another great A-Bay wave).

When the swell is right, and it pretty much only works during the peak season from June to August, the wave here can peel for nearly 200 meters, breaking mechanically along a sandy-bottomed inside section.

At its best, it’s possible to get rides that clock in at 30 seconds or more, especially on a mid-size clean swell with low winds.

The wave begins on a rocky take-off section close to the headland. From there, it draws out into a beautifully rippable wall with occasional cover-ups (on bigger days) and steep faces.

If I had to pin it down, i’d say it’s the ideal wave for intermediate to advanced surfers who want to work on cutbacks and rail turns on something a bit slower than the Kirra superbank or whatever – which is what Sri Lanka excells at.

On smaller days, it’s also great for learners, who can hover on the shoulder a little and pick up the scraps that come through.

It’s mostly sand-bottom past the first section, but reef shoes can help if you’re navigating the rocks near the take off area.

The vibe in the water is generally super chilled, especially compared to Arugam Bay’s Main Point. There’s loads of space, fewer surf schools, and a higher chance of getting a wave to yourself.

Other surf spots near to Pottuvil Point

The beauty of surfing Pottuvil Point is that you’re within easy reach of five or more breaks, each offering something a little different. It’s basically one of the many spots that’s on the line up for Arugam Bay.

Here’s the rundown:

• Whisky Point – The the north of Pottuvil and within easy walking distance along the very same beach. ellow, wedgy right that peels off a boulder pile under a rocky cliff. It’s a favourite with longboarders and beginners thanks to its soft take-off and slow-breaking face. Sunrise sessions here are unforgettable.
• Baby Point – This is the learner wave of Arugam Bay. It’s essentially the inside section of the famous Main Point but it’s way more mellow than it’s bro. It’s located about 15 minutes in a tuk-tuk to the south of Pottuvil.
• Main Point – Main Point is the crown jewel of Arugam Bay. It’s a long, reeling right-hand point that’s more powerful and consistent than its northern neighbours. Expect crowds, especially during peak season, but also long rides, performance sections, and a lively scene both in and out of the water.
• Elephant Rock – Further south from Arugam is Elephant Rock, a picturesque little bay with a headland shaped like an elephant (hence the name). It breaks best on the right side of the bay, forming soft, beginner-friendly rights over a sandy bottom. There’s often a small crowd of learners and foamies, but the view from the top of the rock is a great reason to visit even if you’re not surfing. Be careful of crocodiles!
• Peanut Farm – I really like this spot. It’s a bit mellow sometimes but works well on most SE swells, plus has some staying power when the rainy season comes around. A good intermediate break with some nice outside power and then a wally section towards the beach. Right hand point again. Again: Watch out for crocs!

When to surf Pottuvil Point?

That’s easy: Surf here in the dry season on the East Coast. That means between May and September. Any other time and it will be pissing it down, and Pottuvil is perhaps the WORST of all the Arugam Breaks since the lagoon here breaches the sandwall and the whole spot is flooded with really muddy water that’s home to crocodiles.

What to do in Pottuvil/Arugam when there’s no surf?

• Explore Arugam Bay – The town centre is full of smoothie bars, yoga shalas, roti huts, and reggae beach bars. It’s the social hub of the region, especially in the evenings. It’s one street basically, takes about 20 minutes to walk the length of it.
• Safari in Kumana National Park – Just an hour away, this lesser-known neighbour of Yala is home to elephants, crocs, leopards, and exotic birds. Half-day and full-day trips are easy to book.
• Yoga and wellness – With the laid-back surf culture comes a booming yoga scene. Many surf camps offer daily sessions in thatched rooftop studios with sea views.
• Lagoon kayaking – Paddle into the inland lagoons that wind behind Pottuvil Point. Early mornings can bring sightings of water buffalo, kingfishers, and even wild elephants. You can drive to the Eco Tourism Center on the highway just behind Pottuvil to organize sessions.

Where to stay in Pottuvil Point?

You’ll probably want to stay in Arugam Bay to surf Pottuvil. Most people do. There are some great surf hotels there, and we’ve even got a dedicated guide to the top surf camps in Arugam Bay.

That said, staying right beside Pottuvil Point itself is a an option. It means ditching the bars and restauratns of A-bay itself, though they are only 15 mins in a tuk-tuk away when you want them, and having a chilled beach hotel. Thankfully, there’s one very, very special option…

• Whisky Point Resort – A stunner of a beach hotel with cabanas that look right out over the break that gives it the name. Pottuvil Point is about 2 mins walk away. It’s kinda like paradise.
• Babar Point – Another hotel that’s even closer to Pottuvil itself, this one throws in a pool.