Is Arugam Bay safe for tourists?
Arugam Bay is very safe for tourists; it keeps a welcoming, chilled surf culture, with low crime rates. The main thing to watch is the ocean currents, and also make sure you swim or surf in zones that really match your skill level.
The local community leans heavily on visitor activity, and they go out of their way to keep a calm atmosphere. Many solo female travellers say they feel very secure. From a wildlife angle, wild elephants sometimes come through the nearby access roads in the evening, so driving your scooter with extra care after dark is strongly recommended.