Sport and Adventure in the West Coast

Hikkaduwa and Bentota are two of the best places to do water-sports in Sri Lanka. The coastal stretch between the two beach towns is a great area for snorkelling, jet-skiing, scuba diving, surfing and kite-surfing during the season (December – April) when the sea is calm. Surfing in Hikkaduwa is particularly rewarding. Whale and dolphin watching excursions are also available in this area: set out to sea in the early morning in search of fun-loving dolphin pods and majestic lone whales, including the mighty Blue Whale.

Immerse yourself utterly in the coastal surroundings and sail around the scattered coves near to Bentota and Beruwela in a private catamaran. Stop off at an islet and indulge in snorkelling and paddle-boarding before taking a short tide in a speed boat to a lighthouse which stands amongst a coconut grove in the middle of the ocean.

Another water-sport option in Bentota is canoeing down the Kalu Ganga, a wide river which flows all the way from the slopes of Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka’s sacred mountain, to the island’s western coast. Paddle down the river with the mangroves on either side, which are a haven for Sri Lanka’s birdlife, and absorb the utter tranquillity of your surroundings.

Paramotoring in Bentota is another exciting activity to indulge in. Supported by a tandem paraglide and accompanied by a qualified instructor, soar along the coastline and inland and enjoy a dramatic bird’s eye view of this beautiful region of Sri Lanka.