If you’re looking for an exciting family adventure that combines sun, surf, and exploration, Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list. Arugam Bay promises you and your kids a memorable vacation with its laid-back vibes, pristine beaches, and many family-friendly activities. Arugam Bay was our last stop before returning to Negombo and flying to Dubai.
We’ve stayed in the hands-down best resort in our three weeks in Sri Lanka. We’ve checked into the family-friendly Babar Point Resort, which offers comfortable accommodations with beautiful ocean views from the restaurant area. Swiss–French couple Catherine and Michelle, also an enthusiastic surfer, own this resort. It was an obvious choice that this will be where we’ll renew our knowledge of wave surfing.
Arugam Bay offer lots of places to visit in the vicinity, so renting a scooter is an obvious choice.
✓ Tip:
- If you decide to stay in Babar Point, they can rent you out a scooter for 2000 LKR / 6 USD/day (an international driver’s license is mandatory in Sri Lanka).
Day 1: Elephant Rock and Crocodile Rock
Today, we embarked on an adventure to Elephant Rock and Crocodile Rock. These natural formations offer breathtaking views and opportunities for your family to explore tide pools, surf, or relax on the beach. Keep an eye out for interesting marine life and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Elephant Rock
The Elephant Rock is a rocky outcrop set right on the edges of Arugam Bay (approximately 4 kilometres away from the touristy region), and it resembles a sleeping elephant.
It will take around a 15-minute tuk-tuk/motorcycle ride from the West Coast surfing capital of Arugam Bay to reach this beginner/intermediate surf spot. The beach is inaccessible to traffic, so it’s an (easy) adventure to get to, involving a walk, scrabble and wade. A lagoon behind the beach connects to the ocean at high tide. You can also encounter a wandering elephant early in the morning or late afternoon, so be extra careful.
The surf point is accessed by climbing over the rock toward the ocean and then crossing the shallow threshold of the lagoon closest to the sea. Crocodiles are in this lagoon, so avoiding swimming or crossing too deep
is essential. Elephant Rock is known by many in Arugam Bay as one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. The view from the top of this enormous rock is of a beautiful natural coastline engulfed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Crocodile Rock
Even though Crocodile Rock is less crowded than the other spots in Arugam Bay, it is still a tourist location worth visiting, and it’s located 2 km south of Arugam Point along another deserted beach to Kudakallliya. We’ve reached the rock by scrambling across the dunes & fording the lagoon. It’s wild and windy; eagles swoop overhead, and elephants attempt to climb the rock.
Sadly, most publicity this place got from an unfortunate crocodile-involved incident that ended tragically. You can read about it here: Surf MAG
But please, don’t let this unfortunate event stop you from visiting this place. If we weren’t sure about the safety, we would bring our kids here. The views are amazing from the top.
✓Tips:
- Never swim in lagoons around Arugam Bay. Lagoons look so peaceful and tranquil that they might convince you to think it’s the perfect place to swim and play, particularly for families when the sea in Sri Lanka is rough. Swimming in lagoons is never safe. Crocodiles are a real present danger in Sri Lanka, as this recent tragedy has proved.
- Make sure to stay away from the edge of the water. There is a recommendation of keeping at least 5 meters away from the water’s edge so that you can react and get away safely if you disturb a crocodile since they are fierce predators and can attack instantly.
- Don’t lean over the boat or put your hand into the murky waters of lagoons. Never lean over the water from ships, overhanging trees or banks, as crocodiles can strike rapidly at such low targets. Pay attention to kids on a lagoon boat tour – no trailing fingers in the water.
- Pay attention to warning signs! – Always talk to the locals and remember there might not be any written warning signs – but it doesn’t mean there aren’t any crocodiles.
Day 2: Surfing Lessons at Pottuvil Point
Of course, you can’t visit the surfing Mecca of Sri Lanka and don’t get some bruised knees, hips and elbows. Speaking from my point of view, the rest of our gang, especially Svit and Nia, looked like they came from Australia and not snowy Slovenia.
Start your family adventure with a thrilling surfing lesson at Pottuvil Point. The gentle waves here are perfect for beginners, making it an excellent place for kids and adults to learn how to ride them. Professional instructors provided by Michelle were most skilled, helpful and friendly. They guided us through the basics of surfing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Day 3: Explore Peanut Farm Beach
Peanut Farm Beach is a distinct breakpoint for surfing in Arugam Bay. You can access this beach through an off-the-beaten-track route, and it costs about 1000 LKR / 4 USD to get here from the town area. We went on our motorcycles via Panama road and reached it in 20 minutes. It gets this name because the place had peanut farms. Sadly, the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 destroyed most of them. There are two beach breakpoints for surfing here: one that has gentle waves for beginners and the other that has challenging surfs for advanced surfers. When the waves aren’t swelling, Peanut Farm Beach is an excellent place to swim with clear seas.
It’s a fantastic spot for your family to spend the day swimming, picnicking, and playing in the golden sands. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from the busier beaches. We had some fresh fruit juices and coffee while watching surfers from the shade.
Day 4: Discovering Kudumbigala Monastery
Take a day trip to the fascinating Kudumbigala Monastery, a historic Buddhist site amidst a serene forest. This cultural excursion offers a unique opportunity for your kids to explore ancient caves, observe intricate cave paintings, and gain insights into Sri Lanka’s rich history and spirituality. The jeep ride was about an hour from Babar Point, and it took us from Pottuvile through Arugam Bay towards Panama and then near Kumana National Park.
The monastery was the first sanctuary built for Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. The monastery dates back as far as 246 BC. Currently, archaeologists have found nearly 200 different caves used by monks of the time to reside. This place is also unique because it has the only cylindrical pagoda in Sri Lanka.
Since the monastery is on a hill, it is a trek up to the top, but we managed it quickly. But try and visit in the late afternoon/early evening, as that is when the monastery will be most beautiful, and the sun won’t be so brutal on you. There are designated places at the foothill where monks reside, and visitors are not allowed. The monastery was one of the most unique places we had visited in Sri Lanka.
✓ Tip:
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Try and visit it in the morning or late afternoon/early evening because the sun is overwhelming during the day.
Throughout your stay in Arugam Bay, savour the local cuisine at the various eateries in town. Various culinary delights satisfy every palate, from fresh seafood to flavorful Sri Lankan curries. Dining in the city is also a chance for your family to immerse yourselves in the vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
✓ Tips:
- Rent Scooters: Renting scooters is a convenient way to explore the area. However, ensure that they provide you with safety gear such as helmets.
- Sun Protection: The sun in Arugam Bay can be intense. Remember sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your family from sunburn.
- Local Interaction: Encourage your kids to interact with locals and learn about their culture. Sri Lankan hospitality is second to none.
- Surf Safety: When learning to surf, follow the instructions of experienced instructors and prioritize safety in the water.
- No street lights are on the roads away from Pottuivila and Arugam Bay, so be aware of elephants crossing the road, especially at night. We have encountered them every night while returning from dinner, and believe me, you get that awareness of wild animals around you very soon.
Conclusion: Arugam Bay – Where Adventure Meets Relaxation
Arugam Bay is a family-friendly destination that seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with relaxation by the sea. It’s a place where you can learn to surf, explore pristine beaches, discover historic sites, and savour delicious cuisine—all while creating cherished memories with your loved ones.
So, why not choose Arugam Bay for your next family getaway? It’s a chance to connect with nature, immerse yourselves in local culture, and share unforgettable moments with your kids in one of Sri Lanka’s most captivating coastal destinations. Arugam Bay beckons, promising a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your family.
