Located a short 15 to 20-minute tuk-tuk ride north of Arugam Bay (just past the town of Pottuvil), Whiskey Point has firmly established itself as one of the most beloved and entertaining surf spots on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.

While Arugam Bay’s Main Point is fiercely competitive and often reserved for aggressive shortboarders, Whiskey Point offers a completely different atmosphere. It is the ultimate playground for enthusiastic beginners, stylish longboarders, and anyone looking for a laid-back party vibe on the beach.

Here is your complete guide to surfing Whiskey Point in 2027.

The Wave: Slow, Peeling, and Forgiving

Whiskey Point is a classic right-hand point break, but it is much softer and slower than the waves closer to town.

The wave breaks off a prominent, boulder-strewn headland and peels gracefully toward the shore.

The Takeoff: The takeoff zone is relatively predictable next to the rocks, though a strong sweep (current) often requires constant paddling to stay in position.
The Ride: Once you are on the wave, it crumbles softly, allowing longboarders to practice their cross-steps and hang-tens, and giving beginners plenty of time to find their balance.
The Bottom: The wave breaks over a mix of sand and scattered boulders, but the inside section (where beginners usually ride) is entirely sand, making it a very safe spot for your first surf lessons.

Best Time to Surf Whiskey Point

Like the rest of Arugam Bay, Whiskey Point operates best during the peak dry season from May through September.

The spot picks up a lot of swell, so if Main Point is completely flat, there is a good chance Whiskey Point will still have a rideable, waist-high wave. The absolute best time to paddle out is at dawn (6:00 AM) before the onshore winds pick up in the early afternoon and chop up the face of the wave.

(Read our full 2027 Surf Season Guide for more weather details).

The Beach Vibe & Nightlife

What truly sets Whiskey Point apart is the atmosphere on the sand. You don't even have to be a surfer to enjoy this spot!

The beach is dominated by a few fantastic, rustic cabanas and a legendary beach bar. During the day, you can lounge under a thatched roof with an ice-cold Lion beer or a fresh coconut, watching the surfers ride by.

Friday Nights at Whiskey: If you are looking for nightlife, Whiskey Point is the place to be on Friday nights during the peak season. The beach transforms into a massive party with international DJs, bonfires, and backpackers dancing until sunrise.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Whiskey Point is by hiring a local tuk-tuk from Arugam Bay. The ride takes about 20 minutes and usually costs between 1,500 to 2,000 LKR (around $5 to $7 USD) round trip. The drivers will strap your surfboards to the roof and wait for you in the shade while you surf.

Surf Whiskey Point with Edgeway Surf!

Because Whiskey Point is such a fantastic transition wave for students graduating from the "whitewater" into catching unbroken "green" waves, we regularly take our students here!

If you want to experience the magic of Whiskey Point with an ISA-certified local coach, book one of our Private or Group Surf Lessons today. We handle the transport, the boards, and the coaching!