If you are looking for a thrill-filled holiday in Sri Lanka, you must try water sports in Sri Lanka. From the surf break of Arugam Bay to reef diving off the coast of Hikkaduwa, you can rediscover the fun and excitement you’ll treasure forever.
Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for water sports with its stunning beaches and waters. Some of the bays and reefs naturally provide the waves needed for surfing and diving, while others are famous for their sailing.
Unlike most other places in the world, you can enjoy water sports in Sri Lanka almost all year round. It is because Sri Lanka has two climatic zones, northeast and southwest. For the southwest coast, the best time is from October to April, while on the northeast coast, the ideal time is from March to November.
If you are a lover of water sports, there are several water sports in Sri Lanka that you can try. These include windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, river fishing, snorkeling, wake boarding, body boarding, banana boat rides, scuba diving, river cruises, deep sea fishing, etc.
Although there are several famous places for water sports in Sri Lanka, some have an advantage over others. Kalpitiya, Arugam Bay, Bentota, Weligama and Hikkaduwa are the most popular places for water sports. You can delight in surfing in Arugam Bay, diving in Hikkaduwa, jet skiing in Bentota and kitesurfing in Kalpitiya.
It is easy to find good quality accommodation in each of the places mentioned. In addition, traveling to these places is not that difficult and can be reached by any means of transport.
The price level also makes Sri Lanka a good place for water sports or should I say tourism. It’s cheap and works better at the same time. For 10-20 USD you can enjoy a full hour of most water sports.
Full or partial water sports training courses and camps are available for both beginners and experienced individuals. Most hotels organize water sports at your request. You can check with your hotel or ask the locals for water sports centers near you.
Here are the top 7 wet and wild water sports in Sri Lanka
1. Diving and Snorkeling
This is a wonderful and exciting sport that consists of swimming on or in the water equipped with diving masks, swimming fins and wearing a breathing tube, which is a breathing tube that allows the diver to breathe easily face down in the water. . Snorkeling appeals to all ages because it provides the opportunity to observe interesting and exciting aquatic life easily without the complicated aquatic equipment and complex training required in other sports such as diving. Hikkaduwa, Weligama and Kirinda are the famous places for diving and snorkeling.
2.Surfing
Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in Sri Lanka among locals and foreign tourists. High quality waves, warm water and friendly locals will guarantee the trip of a lifetime. With a wide range of great surfing locations on both the east and south west coasts, Sri Lanka has consistent waves throughout the year and Arugam Bay, Weligama and Hikkaduwa are the famous surf spots.
3. Water skiing
Unlike snorkeling, water skiing is a surface water sport in which an athlete is pulled behind a boat as it moves through the skies on the surface of the water. This sport requires upper and lower body strength, endurance, and balance. Water skiing is fun and open to all ages. Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Aluthgama are the famous places for water skiing.
4. Water skiing
The sport consists of sailing on the water using a motorized boat that can make incredible turns and speeds. Amazing! It is not like this? Imagine speeding through the water! The other aspect of this sport is that it can accommodate two or more people. This is satisfying for couples on honeymoon or vacation who enjoy sailing on the water while enjoying the sensation of speed and breeze. Bentota and Passikudah are the famous places for water skiing.
5. Kayaking
Also known as a whitewater kayak. Kayaking involves paddling a kayak, which is a small boat powered by an occupant using a double-bladed paddle in a seated position, on a moving body of water. The movement of the water can be slow, demanding or extreme, which makes the sport a lot of fun. Bentota and Weligama are the famous places for kayaking.
6. Banana tube ride
Definitely, this is a sport that you cannot miss. Banana and tube boating involves getting on a banana-like tube or boat, usually in six, and flying on the water with speed. Since there is little room to hold on, the fun is in trying not to fall off the boat. The beauty of this sport is that the participants wear life jackets and even if one falls one will be picked up and the sport continues. Bentota is the best place for Banana and Tube Ride.
7. White water rafting
One of the most attractive water sports activities in the world, whitewater rafting is very popular in Sri Lanka. It does not require any specific skill and fitness level. However, this is a very challenging activity and good for people with an adventurous spirit and a “can do” attitude. Kitulgala is the best place for whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka.