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There are many ways to have fun in the sun and Sri Lanka’s
wide array of watersport options at the south-west beach resorts
provide plenty of pleasure. Take a short boat trip off-shore
to dive over the coral reefs, grab a snorkel and mask to paddle
your way through tropical fish, or take advantage of the strong
breezes on the west coast from December to March to windsurf.
If speed is more your thing then there are many jetski and waterski
companies, particularly at Bentota, a two-hour drive south of
Colombo, ready to fuel your adrenaline.
Diving
The most popular diving spots are from Beruwela, just north
of Bentota, to the beach resort of Unawatuna on the south coast.
At Bentota there are sites 15 minutes from the river where you
can swim with the parrot fish, gropers, barracudas and colourful
tropical fish. November to March is the best time to dive here
because the ocean is calmer. Lanka Sportreizen is PADI recognised
and has two departures a day which include 30 minutes of diving.
Introductory dives and courses are also offered, ranging from
$42 for an introduction to $375 for an open water course.
Hikkaduwa, about 30km further south on the way to Galle, has
about 20 dive sites within easy reach. The Sunil Gala, a large
rock formation perfect for seeing reef fish, is 15 minutes away
by boat and the Rangoon, a beautiful shipwreck of a British
steamer, is an hour away and a popular spot with fish schools.
Visibility in these parts can reach 30m.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling can be done at the dive sites off Bentota, where
you can flap and flipper around for up two hours. A guide will
accompany you and this is a relaxing experience for anyone who
can swim. And at Hikkaduwa tropical fish, green turtles and
small coral reefs are reachable within a few strokes of the
beach.
Waterskiing
The Bentota River, separated by a peninsular from the Indian
Ocean, is a popular spot for waterskiing and is the virtual
home of the sport in Sri Lanka. Sunset Water Sports is run by
the Sri Lanka waterskiing association president Chandrasiri
Silva and his offers range from circuits of the river to two-week
courses for mono and barefoot skiing. One round of skiing costs
$5; a one-week course $100. A circuit at Club Inter Sport at
the Bentota Beach Hotel is 400 rupees while Lanka Sportreizen
charges $7 per run.
Most of the water sport operators also offer kneeboarding, banana
boat and tube rides. Speed boat rides and half and day trips
up the Bentota River, where you look for water monitors, crocodiles
and mangroves, are also available.
Jetski
Jetskiing is perfect for the noisy thrillseeker. These high
powered boats can reach speeds of 80km an hour as the drivers
race them up and down the Bentota River. Lifejackets and safety
instructions are provided and prices start at $15 for 15 minutes.
Windsurfing
Club Bentota has a three- to four-day windsurfing course, costing
4000 rupees, which teaches board balance, wind education and
advanced techniques. Tuition is done only in the river but once
you seek a bigger challenge the stronger winds and the ocean
waves are the next step. December and January are the busiest
times as European tourists escape their winter. Windsurfing
hiring cost 400 rupees for an hour here. |
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