What water sports should you try in Bentota, Sri Lanka?

Hey, heading to Bentota for some water fun? You've definitely come to the right place! What makes Bentota truly special is its unique geography: on one side, you have the calm Bentota Ganga (Bentota River), and on the other, the vast Indian Ocean. This means whether you're a beginner or an expert, looking for thrills or something more serene, you'll find an activity that's perfect for you.

I'll categorize them for you, making it easier to choose:

Easy to pick up, super thrilling, and purely for fun

Jet Skiing No need to explain this one much! It's like riding a motorcycle on water. You can drive it yourself or have an instructor guide you, speeding across the wide river or calmer parts of the ocean. The sensation of speed and the splashing water are exhilarating! Instructors usually teach you on the river first, then take you to the sea once you're comfortable.
Banana Boat & Donut Ride These are the best activities for a group! Several of you sit on a large inflatable, pulled at high speed by a speedboat. The main thrill is when the speedboat deliberately makes sharp turns to see who gets thrown into the water first. It's perfect for playing with friends and family, filled with screams and laughter, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere. Don't worry if you fall in; you'll be wearing a life jacket – just have fun!

A bit more technical, but incredibly cool to try

Water Skiing & Wakeboarding These require a bit of balance and core strength. You strap boards to your feet, hold onto a rope, and let a speedboat pull you across the water. You might swallow some water and struggle to stand up at first, but once you succeed, the feeling of riding the waves is absolutely amazing! The Bentota River is very calm, making it ideal for beginners to practice. Instructors are always on hand to teach you the basic techniques, so be brave and give it a try!
Windsurfing This activity uses wind power to move, requiring more skill than the previous ones. You need to control both the sail and the board simultaneously. If you haven't tried it before, you can sign up for a trial lesson, where instructors will teach you from the very basics. Gliding across the sea, harnessing the wind, makes you feel like a navigator – it's incredibly rewarding.

Looking for something different and peaceful?

Mangrove Safari Highly recommended! While not a thrilling 'sport,' it's definitely one of Bentota's most worthwhile water 'activities.' You'll take a small boat and slowly navigate into the deep mangrove labyrinth of the Bentota River. The boatman will point out various unique flora and fauna, such as monitor lizards basking on branches, shy baby crocodiles, and colorful kingfishers... The entire process is very quiet and pleasant, offering a completely different side of Sri Lanka, and it's perfect for photography.
Kayaking or Canoeing If you want to control your own pace and slowly explore the mangroves, you can rent a kayak. Paddle your own small boat into narrow waterways inaccessible to larger vessels, surrounded by silence broken only by bird calls and the sound of your paddles. That feeling is truly wonderful, a completely immersive nature experience.

Some quick tips:

Where to go? Most thrilling activities are done on the Bentota River because its calm waters are very safe. Activities like surfing and windsurfing, which require waves and wind, are found on the Indian Ocean side.
How to find them? There are many Water Sports Centers along the river and beach, with clearly visible signs. Your hotel can usually help you book or recommend reliable places.
Regarding prices: Remember that prices are often negotiable, especially if you're doing multiple activities or are in a large group. Agree on the price before you start.
Safety first: No matter what you do, always wear a life jacket! And always follow your instructor's guidance.

In summary, Bentota is a paradise for water sports, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping thrills to serene tranquility. There's definitely something for everyone. Have a fantastic time!