Top 9 Water Sports And Activities In Bentota, Sri Lanka - Updated 2024

Victor
Victor 
Updated
| 5 min read

When you are in Bentota, you never want to spend your time indoors. There is just so much to see and do, and every minute you have you should be exploring this magical destination. Being one of the prime beaches in Sri Lanka, it is dotted with resorts and luxury villas, along with a myriad of attractions and unforgettable experiences that make tourists want to sample for themselves. The people are friendly and sociable, and will always want to interact with you and share more about what you can expect to find in their city. For an exhilarating experience during your trip to this location, have a closer look at the top water sports and activities in Bentota, Sri Lanka, below.

1. Jet ski experience (from USD 64.15)

water sports in bentota | jet ski experience
Source: www.klook.com

Unleash excitement on your beach getaway with a thrilling jet ski experience. Glide through the open waters and embrace the freedom to explore at your pace aboard a personal watercraft. In this experience, a friendly instructor will guide you in mastering the jet ski, allowing you to navigate solo or with a guide.

You can gather your friends for an adrenaline-fueled adventure and conquer the waves of Bentota together. With safety gear provided, you can revel in moments of pure exhilaration worry-free. Note that guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this activity.

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Jet Ski Experience in Bentota, Sri Lanka - Klook

2. Kayak rental (from USD 33.35)

water sports in bentota | kayak rental
Source: www.klook.com

If you wish to embark on an immersive encounter with nature, opt for a kayak rental in Bentota. Paddle your way along the serene waters and gain a closer look at the abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that grace the surroundings.

One of the exciting yet calming things to do in Bentota, this activity allows you to venture forth with your chosen kayak. With the freedom to select between single or double kayaks and packages in one or two-hour durations, this thrilling adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst the captivating mangrove forest. Keep in mind that guests below 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult in using the kayak.

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Kayak Rental in Bentota - Klook

3. Exciting day tour in Galle (from USD 97.0)

If you are staying in Galle area during your Sri Lanka trip, then this is one of the tours you must never miss. It is a private day trip to Galle – the home of the city’s most famous monuments, water sports, and attractions. A typical itinerary will see you go through Madu River, Southern Province, and Balaptiya.

During the trip, you will also make stops at Galle District and Fort Galle where you will learn about the history of the region that extends thousands of years into the biblical times. You can finish off the tour at La Luna Water Sports Center with a jet ski ride or a ride on a tube or a banana boat.

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Galle Day Tour With Water Sport In Bentota From Galle

Duration: 8 to 10 hours

4. Snorkeling at Hikkaduwa (from USD 220.0)

One of the best times to visit Bentota is between November and April. During this time, the weather is perfect for some underwater explorations, and if you love snorkeling, then this is a tour you must consider.

Hikkaduwa is on the southwest of Sri Lanka, and it is well known for its beautiful golden beaches, and a warm, beckoning sea. It is also the home to the Coral Garden Sanctuary and snorkeling in this destination is bound to treat you to the most amazing undersea life you have seen. For those who want to experience scuba diving in Bentota but haven’t done a professional diving course, this snorkeling activity is a great alternative or introduction.

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Hikkaduwa Private Snorkeling Day Tour from Bentota

Duration: 6 hours

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Bentota Tour Guide

Lahiru Mihiran

Lahiru Mihiran

Welcome to my tour page, where I extend a heartfelt "Ayubowan" to you, wishing you a long and prosperous life. I am Mihi, a native Sri Lankan from the southern region, passionate about showcasing the beauty of our island nation to travelers worldwide. With over a decade of experience in tourism, I have crafted exceptional tour experiences for international visitors, exceeding expectations ever... Read more

Tours by Lahiru

5. Two-day private adventure tour in Kithulgala (from USD 811.0)

The Kithulgala adventure tour is a one-night, two-day tour for the adrenalin junkies looking to enjoy multiple land and water activities in Bentota. It is a tour that will give you the opportunity to satisfy your thrill for adventure by exposing you to new heights and challenges featuring whitewater rafting, cycling, and hiking into the Belilena caves.

It won’t be difficult to enjoy the thrill of adventure when you navigate the 5 km (3.11 miles) stretch in a whitewater raft along the Kelani River. If you fancy an adrenaline rush, you will enjoy every bit of it. The next day will be dedicated to the cycling tour to the Belilena Cave. You will explore overgrown rubber plantations and hike through the dense jungles of Kithulgala. In this place, you will come face to face with secretive caves.

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Kithulgala Adventure Tour from Bentota (2 Days)

Duration: 2 days

6. Lagoon fishing tour (from USD 70.0)

Most of the lagoon fishing tours in Bentota are half-day tours, but if you wanted to spend more time in the lagoons, you could always go for a custom package that may entail more extended hours. With these tours, you get a chance to indulge in fishing at a very relaxed pace in the lagoons. The captain will guide you to where the fresh water comes into contact with the saltwater lagoons, where marine life is in abundance. You can expect to have very nice catches, including snapper, mullet, catfish and mangrove jacks. With this tour, cast your line, lean back and wait for the floater as you enjoy the breathtaking sceneries on the river bank.

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Lagoon Fishing Tour

Duration: 4 hours

7. Whale watching tour (from USD 400.0)

You can never get tired of watching whales, and irrespective of how many whale watching tours you’ve done in the past, another one will never hurt. Mirissa is the place to head if you want to enjoy spectacular whale performances in Bentota. This will be an early morning tour that will take you into the seas to watch the local whales while you also enjoy the views of the local fishermen as they go about trying to get their daily catches. Since it is a morning tour, it is a great way to start your day with a burst of fresh sea air as you watch the sun slowly coming out from the horizon. You will usually be served with breakfast onboard during the tours, and it is one of the magical experiences you must never miss when you are in Bentota

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Whale Watching Tour

Duration: 8 hours

8. Madhu River (from USD 30.0)

Most people may be surprised at the inclusion of Madhu River tours among the top water sports activities in Bentota, but this is not your ordinary river, and you will be glad that you included this tour in your itinerary. The river is covered with mangrove, and it is a haven for various species of plants. It gives access to a plethora of small islands where you can make short stopovers to explore the Buddhist temples. The unique thing about this river is the monumental significance of its biodiversity. It is the home to over 70 species of fish, 50 kinds of butterflies, 14 types of land-dwelling mollusks, and 31 types of reptiles amongst others. It’s also a paradise for bird watchers, given that it boasts over 111 species of birds.

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Madhu River

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

9. Bentota boat safari (from USD 33.0)

bentota boat safari
Source: www.viator.com

Bentota boat safari is a two-hour river cruise along the third largest river in Sri Lanka. The trip will take you through an exploration of the Bentota Mangrove where you will watch river birds, water monitors and if you are very lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a rare crocodile in their natural habitat. The cruise is not just relaxing, but also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate the diversity present in the mangroves. Both morning and evening departures are available, and you are free to choose the one that suits your schedule the most. Either is exciting!

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Bentota Boat Safari

Enjoy the Bentota water sports

With all the above water and beach activities in Bentota, you have no reason to spend dull mornings or evenings during your trip. Whether you are an adrenalin junkie, a history enthusiast, or a conservationist keen on learning more about biodiversity, these water sports have something for everyone. All you have to do is carefully consider your options and go for the ones that will give you the greatest delight. If possible, you should strive to try out all of them if you have the time and budget.

If you’re looking to extend the getaway in this part of Sri Lanka, you can check out the Airbnb vacation rentals in Hikkaduwa, which is an equally appealing coastal town just an hour away from Bentota.

Frequently asked questions about the top water sports and activities in Bentota, Sri Lanka


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Victor firmly believes that writing is a skill anyone can develop, and he is a living testament to that philosophy. With a genuine love for writing, he finds it to be a powerful means of sharing...Read more

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