Listly by Joanna James
Bentota is a picturesque beach-bound getaway featuring some of the best Sri Lanka beach hotels such as Cinnamon Bey Beruwala. If aquatic adventures are on your mind, Bentota is the place for you.
A minuscule two hours away from Colombo, Bentota is a far cry from the metropolitan madness of the city, offering stunning beaches with pristine waters perfect for both chilling by the beach and getting wet and wild with some adventurous aquatic activities. Since Bentota is hailed as the water-sport capital of Sri Lanka, all of the hotels in the area cater to that premise. Casual thrill-seekers can enjoy an adrenaline-fueled banana-ride or a doughnut-ride that is sure to guarantee thrills for the entire family. These rides are a staple in the many resorts that are scattered throughout the area.
A short distance away likes the coastal town of Hikkaduwa, whose beaches have been consistently ranked as the second best surfing spot in Sri Lanka. Although first place has generally always gone to Arugambay, Hikkaduwa is a much more developed locale and that offers a lot more in terms of accommodation and attractions instead of just surf-worthy seas. In addition to the beautiful beaches and lively waters, Hikkaduwa boasts a notorious night-life that gives the coastal town her magnetism.
Bentota has a very renowned and developed diving culture, with various programs that are tailor-made to suit the needs of anyone ranging from seasoned divers, curious visitors, and people wanting to obtain a PADI certificate. Select establishments even offer comprehensive 4-day open-water adventures for people who are truly in search of discovering all the aquatic wonders that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Bentota's waters are different to those in sites such as Hikkaduwa and Arugambay and do not attract an elite group that are experienced in the concept. This makes it an ample location for those of us who interesting in trying out the sport to see if we have what it takes to delve into the lifestyle. Most water-sports related establishments in Bentota have a range of courses aimed at educating visitors on the basics of surfing and body-boarding, and the waters can be safe enough for one to simply hire a board and see if one can manage self-sufficiently. Either way, it's a definite start.
Probably the most amount of aquatic adrenaline-fueled excitement one can obtain in Bentota, is to ride a Jet-Ski. There's no more exciting a way to travel the open-water than on a water-bound motor-bike. Jet-Skis are prevalent in the region can easily be obtained on rent due to a fee. Usually the rider is accompanied by a trained professional to ensure the safety of the occupant and those in the nearby vicinity. The Jet Skis in Bentota are available in 700cc and 1100cc engine capacities, and are usually charged for on a 15-minute basis.
Bentota truly is Sri Lanka's water-bound Valhalla, offering a diverse range of aquatics that will surely interest anyone and everyone.