5 Days / 4 Nights
Sri Lanka Discovery
Starting from
Custom quote
View itinerary
Custom quote
Beach & water sports
Bentota
About Bentota
Bentota is one of the more developed beach stretches on the south-west coast, built around a river of the same name that meets the sea here. It's the go-to spot on most itineraries for water sports — jet skiing, banana boats, windsurfing and diving are all easy to arrange through beachfront operators.
A boat trip up the Bentota Ganga through mangroves is a quieter alternative to the beach scene, and the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery nearby is a common add-on for anyone interested in conservation work with sea turtles.
Quick facts
- Built around the mouth of the Bentota River
- A hub for water sports on the south-west coast
- River safaris run through mangroves upstream
- Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a short drive away
Getting there with a guide
We use Bentota as a coastal close to a hill-country or cultural-triangle route — a couple of nights here is usually enough to enjoy the beach without it becoming the whole trip.
Map
Frequently asked questions
What water sports are available?
Jet skiing, banana boats, windsurfing, kite surfing and diving are all commonly available through beachfront operators; availability depends on conditions on the day.
Is the turtle hatchery worth visiting?
Yes — it's a working conservation site rather than a tourist attraction dressed up as one, with hatchlings released to the sea.
Is Bentota good for swimming?
Yes, especially November to April when the sea is calmer; conditions can be rougher in the monsoon months.
Related tour
5 Days / 4 Nights