Joanna James
While you can spend plenty of lazy days on the beach in Sri Lanka, water sports are on offer too for those looking to add some excitement to their holiday. Here are some of the most popular of these water-based activities which are bound to be amongst the highlights of your trip.
A water sport that does not require prior experience, snorkelling can be enjoyed by all ages and provides a wonderful way to witness the beauty of corals and marine life under the waves. The Bar Reef which is a marine sanctuary as well as Hikkaduwa and Pigeon Island which are home to marine national parks are excellent spots for this activity.
Another activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, banana boat rides will have you screaming in delight in no time! Available at water sports centres and 5 star resorts in Sri Lanka, such rides feature a banana-shaped boat or inflatable water sled that one must sit atop of; the action-packed thrills begin when it is pulled at super-fast speeds by a boat. Destinations like Bentota, Beruwela and Negombo are where one can try this.
Those with a need for speed can also look to try jet skiing; water sports centres in Bentota and neighbouring Beruwela belonging to properties the likes of The Eden Resort & Spa are among the places you can enjoy this activity. Be it riding tandem with an instructor or taking control of the jet ski yourself, you can look forward to speed-filled fun on the water.
More speed-induced action awaits those who try water skiing in Sri Lanka. The coastal, river or lagoon backdrops around the country provide ideal settings for this activity; once you have received the needed training, you will be speeding along the water in no time. Negombo on the west coast and Hikkaduwa, Beruwela and Bentota on the south coast are all great spots for water skiing.
Sri Lanka has become one of the best surfing destinations in Asia with some amazing breaks that draw surfers from across the globe. The most popular hotspot for this activity is Arugam Bay on the east coast where waves can range from 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Also popular are south coast destinations like Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Midigama where more surfing fun awaits.
The strong coastal winds that blow along certain parts of the coastline have made kitesurfing a great activity to try as well. Featuring wind speeds of between 17 to 26 knots, Kalpitiya is a hotspot for this water sport, while the Puttalam Lagoon and Negombo are popular places as well. Special kitesurfing schools can be found in these areas, perfect for beginners.
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