Top 7 wet and wild water sports in Sri Lanka

If you are looking for an excitement-filled vacation in Sri Lanka, you must try water sports in Sri Lanka. From the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay to diving around the reefs off the Hikkaduwa coast, you can rediscover the fun and excitement you will cherish 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 boating.

Unlike most other places in the world, Sri Lanka can practice water sports almost all year round. It is because Sri Lanka has two climate zones, Northeast and Southwest. For the southwest coast, the ideal 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, waterskiing, tubing, jet-skiing, river fishing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, bodyboarding, banana riding, 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 be delighted by surfing in Arugam Bay, diving in Hikkaduwa, jet skiing in Bentota, kitesurfing in Kalpitiya.

It is easy to find good quality accommodation in each of the places mentioned above. In addition, traveling to these places is not that difficult and can be reached by any means of travel.

The price level also makes Sri Lanka a good place for water sports or, should I say, for tourism. It is cheap and offers the best at the same time. For $ 10-20 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 people. Most hotels organize water sports at your request. You can check with your hotel or ask the locals for the water sports centers near you.

Here are the 7 best 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 upside down in the water . Snorkeling appeals to all ages because it gives one the opportunity to observe the interesting and exciting life of the water easily without complicated water equipment and without the complex training required in other sports such as diving. Hikkaduwa, Weligama and Kirinda are the famous places for diving and snorkeling.

2. Surf

Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in Sri Lanka among local and foreign tourists. High quality waves, warm water and friendly people will ensure the ride of a lifetime. With a wide range of great surfing locations on the east and southwest coast, Sri Lanka has constant surfing throughout the year and Arugam Bay, Weligama and Hikkaduwa are the famous surf spots.

3. Water skiing

Unlike snorkeling, waterskiing is a surface water sport in which an athlete is dragged behind a boat while moving in the skies above the surface of the water. This sport requires upper and lower body strength, endurance, and balance. Waterskiing is fun and open to all ages. Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Aluthgama are the famous places for water skiing.

4. Jet ski

The sport consists of riding in the water using a motor boat that can make incredible turns and speeds. Amazing! It is not like this? Imagine yourself speeding through the water! The other aspect of this sport is that it can accommodate two or more people. This is satisfying for honeymoon or vacation couples who enjoy sailing on the water while enjoying the feeling of speed and breeze. Bentota and Passikudah are the famous spots for jet skiing.

5. Kayak

Also known as whitewater kayaking. Kayaking involves paddling a kayak, which is a small boat powered by occupants using a two-bladed paddle in a seated position, in a moving body of water. Moving water can be slow, demanding, or extreme, making the sport a lot of fun. Bentota and Weligama are the famous places for kayaking.

6. Banana and metro ride

This is definitely a sport that you can’t miss. Riding a banana boat and tube involves getting on a tube or banana boat, usually in six, and going up through the water at high speed. Since there is little room to grip, the fun comes from 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. Whitewater rafting

One of the most exciting water sports activities in the world, whitewater rafting is very popular in Sri Lanka. It does not require any specific skill or physical condition. However, this is a very challenging activity and good for people with an adventurous spirit and a ‘can do it’ attitude. Kitulgala is the best place for white water rafting in Sri Lanka.