Located at the south end of a long, beautiful beach adorned with sea vines and dotted with boulders, Peanut Farm is renowned for offering some of the most accessible waves in the Arugam Bay area. The picturesque setting and versatile waves make it a popular destination for beginners and intermediate surfers. Getting to Peanut Farm Peanut Farm is easily accessible from Arugam Bay town, just a short tuk-tuk ride south along the coast. The beach is serene and less crowded early in the morning, making it an excellent spot for peaceful surf sessions. The scenic route and tranquil surroundings make…

Okanda might be the farthest surf spot from Arugam Bay town, but it offers ample rewards for those willing to make the 23-kilometre journey. Known for its rugged beauty and powerful waves, Okanda is a hidden gem for surfers looking for a more challenging and remote surfing experience. Getting to Okanda Reaching Okanda requires more effort than other surf spots in Arugam Bay. The 23-kilometer journey south of town can be made by tuk-tuk, moped, or private vehicle. The scenic route passes through lush landscapes and coastal roads, making the trip itself part of the adventure. Given its distance, it’s…

Pottuvil Point is a classic east-coast right-hander, renowned for its long rides and picturesque setting. Located on the north side of Pottuvil town, the wave breaks along a series of large boulders at the edge of Kottukal Beach. This spot is a favourite among surfers looking for a mix of mellow rides and sections that allow for more technical manoeuvres. Getting to Pottuvil Point Pottuvil Point is easily accessible from Arugam Bay, located just a short tuk-tuk ride away to the north. The journey offers scenic views of the coastline and local communities. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself at…

Whisky Point is among the Arugam Bay area's most popular and beloved surf spots. Located just 10-15 minutes north of town, it’s within sight of Pottuvil Point, which lies just south. Whisky Point is perfect for surfers seeking a more relaxed experience away from the busier central spots with its scenic setting, mellow vibes, and excellent waves. Getting to Whisky Point Reaching Whisky Point is straightforward. Hop on a tuk-tuk and ask to be dropped off in the alley beside the Whisky Point Resort. The resort offers accommodation right next to the break, making it an ideal place to stay…

Elephant Rock is one of the iconic boulder points defining Arugam Bay's stunning coastline. Renowned for its picturesque surroundings and mellow waves, it has become a favorite among surfers looking for a laid-back experience. The rock adds a unique charm to the location, making it a must-visit spot for surfers and nature lovers. Getting to Elephant Rock Although Elephant Rock is relatively close to Arugam Bay town, reaching it requires some adventure. The journey begins by heading south on Panama Road, the main road leading out of town. After a short ride on a tuk-tuk or moped, you will pass…

If you’re a surf enthusiast like me, you probably know the struggle of sharing the lineup at popular spots like Main Point and Peanut Farm in Arugam Bay. After days of battling crowded waves, I decided to take a break and explore a lesser-known gem – the Lighthouse. Located about 45 minutes north of Arugam Bay, this spot was exactly the peaceful surf escape I craved. The Journey to Lighthouse The trip to the Lighthouse itself was an adventure. I hopped on a tuk-tuk early in the morning, passing serene landscapes and the tranquil village of Komari. The highlight? The…

I had always heard that Kalpitiya is one of Sri Lanka’s best spots for dolphin and whale watching, but experiencing it firsthand exceeded every expectation. Nestled on the island's northwest coast, this coastal paradise offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most enchanting marine performances. My adventure in Kalpitiya left me with memories of playful dolphins and majestic whales and a newfound respect for the ocean's wonders. Setting Out at Dawn: The Journey Begins Our day started early—just before sunrise—when the sea was at its calmest. As the boat set off from Alankuda Beach, the golden hues of dawn painted the sky, reflecting off the…

The West Rock’s Cargo Wreck is a relatively recent shipwreck, deliberately sunk in 1999 to serve as an artificial reef. Unlike traditional wrecks, often explored in daylight, this site has gained recognition as one of the best night dive locations in the Maldives. Resting at a depth of 15 to 25 meters, this cargo vessel has transformed into a marine haven, providing an entirely different wreck diving experience under the cover of darkness. The West Rock’s Cargo Wreck maintains its recognizable shape with minimal structural decay, including the cargo hold, bridge, and deck sections. This allows divers to easily explore the wreck, mainly…

The Rannamaari Wreck is one of the most unique shipwrecks in the Maldives, not because of its purpose-built design but because of the unexpected circumstances surrounding its sinking. Originally intended to be deliberately scuttled as an artificial reef, this dredger vessel sank accidentally in 1999, just off the coast of Angsana Ihuru in North Malé Atoll. Despite its unplanned descent, the wreck has become a rich and thriving marine habitat, quickly colonized by coral growth, marine species, and macro life. Today, the Rannamaari Wreck is a popular dive site for those looking to experience a well-preserved shipwreck in a moderate…

The Kudhimaa Wreck, also known as the Machafushi Wreck, is a 52-meter-long Japanese cargo ship that was intentionally sunk in 1999 to serve as an artificial reef. This wreck was purposefully placed on the sandy seabed near Machafushi Island in South Ari Atoll, transforming it into an underwater habitat for marine life and an exciting dive site for wreck diving enthusiasts. Unlike other shipwrecks that met their fate accidentally, the Kudhimaa was carefully scuttled in a controlled environment, ensuring safe access for divers while promoting coral growth and biodiversity. Over the past two decades, the wreck has become one of…

The Kuda Giri Wreck, sunk in 1988, was intentionally placed on the seabed to serve as an artificial reef. Over the decades, this once-functioning vessel has transformed into a thriving marine sanctuary, offering a mesmerizing blend of wreck diving and reef exploration. Unlike many shipwrecks that tell stories of tragic accidents, the Kuda Giri Wreck was purposefully positioned to enhance accessibility and marine conservation. Located in South Malé Atoll, this wreck is considered one of the most intriguing dive sites in the Maldives, particularly due to its unique location near a natural pinnacle (thila), which allows divers to experience a combination of…

The Hembadhoo Wreck is a former tugboat intentionally sunk in 1988 as part of a marine conservation effort to create an artificial reef. Unlike many shipwrecks in the Maldives that met their fate due to accidents, this vessel was deliberately placed on the ocean floor to provide a new habitat for marine life and serve as an accessible wreck diving site. Resting at a manageable depth of 22 meters, the Hembadhoo Wreck is one of the best dive sites for beginners and intermediate divers looking to explore a shipwreck without the challenges of deep diving. Over the years, it has…

The Maldives Victory is one of the most famous shipwrecks in the Maldives, with a dramatic story tied to its sinking in 1981. This 83-meter-long cargo vessel transported construction materials, food supplies, and consumer goods from Singapore to Malé when disaster struck. As the ship approached Hulhulé Island, where Velana International Airport is now located, it collided with a submerged reef, causing irreparable damage to the hull. Within minutes, the vessel began to take on water and eventually sank beneath the waves, resting at a depth of 15 to 35 meters. While the crew escaped unharmed, the wreckage remained on the ocean…

The Lady Christine Ship met its unfortunate fate in 1974 while engaged in a communication cable-laying mission in the Maldives. Unlike many shipwrecks that succumbed to storms or navigational errors, this vessel accidentally struck a hidden reef near Gaafaru Atoll, sealing its destiny beneath the waves. The impact was severe enough that the ship could not be salvaged, eventually sinking 40 to 45 meters. Despite the wreckage, Lady Christine now serves as an artificial reef, flourishing with marine biodiversity and attracting divers seeking adventure and history beneath the sea. Diving Experience Depth: 40 to 45 meters Location: Gaafaru Atoll, North…

The Erlangen was a German cargo steamer that tragically met its fate in 1894 while sailing through the treacherous waters of the Gaafaru Atoll. This vessel was part of the thriving global trade network, transporting goods across continents, when it struck an unexpected reef. At the time, Gaafaru Atoll was known for its hazardous underwater terrain, which had already claimed multiple ships due to its unpredictable currents and uncharted coral formations. The Erlangen was initially built in Hamburg, Germany, and was en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Hamburg when disaster struck. Despite efforts from the crew, the ship could…