If you are looking for a thrill filled vacation in Sri Lanka then you must try the water sports in Sri Lanka. From the surf haven of Arugam Bay to scuba diving around the reefs of Hikkaduwa coast, you can rediscover the fun and excitement that 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 rips required for surfing and diving whilst others are renowned for their sailing.
Unlike most of the other places in the world, you can enjoy water sports in Sri Lanka for almost all the year. It is because Sri Lanka has two climate zone, North-East and South-West. For the South-West coast good time is from October to April while on the North-East coast the ideal time is from March to November.
If you are a water sports lover, there are number of water sports in Sri Lanka which you can try. These includes windsurfing, surfing, waterskiing, tube ride, jet-ski, river fishing, snorkeling, wake boarding, body boarding, banana ride, diving, river cruises, deep sea fishing etc.
Although there are number of famous places for water sports in Sri Lanka, some have edge over others. Kalpitiya, Arugam Bay, Bentota, Weligama and Hikkaduwa are the most popular spots for water sports. You can feel delight by Surfing in Arugam Bay, Scuba Diving in Hikkaduwa, Jet-Ski riding in Bentota, Kite-Surfing in Kalpitiya.
It’s easy to find good quality accommodation at each of above places. Also traveling to these places is not that difficult and can reach by any means of travel.
The price level also makes Sri Lanka a good place for water sports or I should say for tourism. lt’s cheap and delivers best simultaneously. For 10-20 USD you can enjoy a full hour of most of the water sports.
Full or partial water sports training courses and camps are available for both beginners and experienced people. Most of the hotels do arrange water sports upon your request. You can check with your hotel or ask from locals to get to know about the water sport centers nearby 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 which involves swimming on or in water equip with diving masks, swim fins and carrying a snorkel, which is a breathing tube which enables the snorkeler to breath with ease face down in water. Snorkeling appeals to all ages because it affords one an opportunity to observe the interesting and exciting water life easily without complicated water equipment and complex training required in other sports like scuba 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 both locals and foreign tourists. High quality waves, warm water and friendly locals will ensure a trip of a lifetime. With a wide range of excellent Surfing locations on both the east and southwest coast, Sri Lanka has consistent surf year-round and Arugam Bay, Weligama and Hikkaduwa are the famous places for Surfing.
3. Water Skiing
Unlike snorkeling, water skiing is a surface water sport which involves a sports person being pulled behind a boat as he moves on skies on the water surface. This sport requires strength of both upper and lower body, stamina and balance. Water skiing is fun and open to all ages. Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Aluthgama are the famous places for Water Skiing.
4. Jet Skiing
The sport involves riding on water by using a motor boat which can make to incredible speed and turns. Amazing! Isn’t it? Just imagine yourself speeding up on water! The other aspect of this sport is that it can accommodate two or more people. This is satisfying for couples on honeymoon or holiday who enjoys cruising on water as they savor the feeling of speed and breeze. Bentota and Passikudah are the famous places for Jet Skiing.
5. Kayaking
Also referred to as whitewater kayaking. Kayaking involves paddling a kayak, which is a small boat powered by occupant(s) using a double-blade paddle in a sitting position, on a moving body of water. The moving water can be slow, demanding or extreme, which renders the sport lots of fun. Bentota and Weligama are the famous places for Kayaking.
6. Banana and Tube Ride
Definitely, this is a sport you cannot afford to miss. Banana boat and tube riding involves getting on to a tube or banana like boat usually in six and soaring off on water with speed. Since there is little space to hang on to, the fun comes along in trying not to fall off the boat. The beauty of this sport is that participants wear life jackets and even if one falls off 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 engaging water sports activities in the world, white water rafting is very popular in Sri Lanka. It requires no specific skill and fitness level. However this is a very challenging activity and good for individuals with an adventurous spirit and ‘can-do’ attitude! Kitulgala is the best place for White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka.