A Guide To The Best Water Sports In Sri Lanka

Since Sri Lanka is an island, it’s no stranger to water sports. Visitors can get a sense of adventure at both the ocean and inland on rivers and waterfalls. Water sport lovers can explore sunken ships surrounded by coral and tropical fish or surf over waves with a kite. There are different seasons in all parts of the island, creating special spots for sports in specific locations. The west is great for kitesurfing while the south is ideal for surfing. Keep reading to discover the amazing array of water sports in Sri Lanka.

Scuba diving

There are great spots for scuba diving all around the island. With a range of natural reefs and sunken ships, there are options for all levels of divers. From dive stations that provide easy dives to others that offer full PADI certifications, there is a lot to choose from. The most famous area for diving is in the south, in Hikkaduwa. Two additional popular favourites include Bulldog Reef in Kalpitiya and Gorgonian Gardens in Colombo. Contact Poseidon Diving for more information regarding the best time of year for each dive site and to organize a diving excursion.

Surfing

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is the kind of sport you need to try. If you are a seasoned kitesurfer and travel with your gear, there are a few places where to catch the wind and fly. If you are still a beginner and want to learn more while in Sri Lanka, then your best bet is with Kitesurfing Lanka in Kalpitiya. Their team has IKO certified instructors that will not only make sure you are learning safely but will also rent the equipment for you. They also offer a week-long kitesurfing cruise, which sounds like paradise for kitesurf lovers.

Kayaking

There is no shortage of rivers, lakes and rainwater tanks in Sri Lanka. All of these are perfectly safe and fun for kayaking! Paddle down a river and see wildlife along the shore, explore rainwater tanks and maybe meet a wild elephant. The Kalu Ganga is a great option for kayakers as they can paddle downriver seeing the change in flora and fauna as the river nears the ocean.

Whitewater rafting

The best river for whitewater rafting is the Kelani River. The section of the river that makes for great rapids is five kilometres long and has about five major and four minor rapids. Anyone over 10 years old can whitewater raft with the proper safety equipment and with a professional experienced team of river guides.

Canyoning

Another interesting water sport that you can try in Sri Lanka is canyoning, which includes confidence jumps and stream slides. This includes a team of professionals that tell you when it’s safe to go while providing you with the right equipment. Canyoning can be lots of fun if done right.

River expeditions

Apart from kayaking whitewater rafting, confidence jumps and stream slides, visitors can go on a river expedition. These are two to three-day adventures by boat along the river and camping riverside. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan wildlife than on a river cruise. The boat doesn’t make any noise, unlike a jeep, and you can truly immerse yourself in the surroundings. Contact Kitulgala Adventures for more information about river expeditions.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.