River Cruising
Explore the wonders of this quaint little island as you take a river cruising safari through the various rivers and waterways that flow to the seas from the hills of Sri Lanka. Find amazement in the beauty of nature and wildlife from a different vista, as you flow through a river into a canal and finally into a lagoon and out to sea. In the midst of all the excitement of river cruising in Sri Lanka, make sure to capture these sights to memory but taking pictures of the various attractions you will pass by, such as those of temples and churches, mangrove and paddy fields, animals in their habitat and more.
Ideal rivers in Sri Lanka for a river safari include the Bentota River, the Madu River in Balapitiya, the Kalu River that flows down from Adam’s Peak, Polwatta River in Mirissa, the canals of Negombo and more. Watch out for the bird species in the area, the foliage such as mangroves as well as the likes of crocodiles and other amphibians.
Sailing
Take in the vistas of Sri Lanka with the cool breeze of the waters as you float on tranquillity on your choice of transport with sails. Sailing in Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a much loved attraction and sport, whether it involves yachts, Hobby Cats, Lasers, Catamarans or even dinghies. Sri Lanka, which owns a rich culture and history of anglers on the island, sailing has always been integral for their livelihood. Currently, the island is also home to various sailing clubs such as the Yacht Association of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, Royal Colombo Yacht Club, Sri Lanka Navy Sailing Club, Bentota Windsurfing Club, and the Ruhunu Sailing Association.
When it comes to sailing in Sri Lanka, you have a myriad of choices of waters to choose from. From Unawatuna, Mirrissa, Weligama, Dickwella, Tangalle, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Panadura to Colombo on the coasts and inland such as at Bolgoda Lake and the Beira Lake. If you want to indulge in a more laid back and relaxing activity, then sailing on a boat on the Bolgoda Lake or even sailing in Mirissa or other water sports activities can be organised to your convenience. Whatever your folly maybe, Sri Lanka is abundant in attractions and activities, with much to see and do.
Kite Surfing
Find your wings with kite surfing in Sri Lanka, as you deck on straps and wait for the wind to soar you across the aquamarine waters of the coast. With many kite surfing locations in the country, along with professionals who are ever ready to help, you too can experience the thrills of kite surfing. Sri Lanka is also home to a kite surfing school, which is located in Kalpitiya and called Kite Kuda Camp. It is ideal for those who are amateurs to advanced riders, and with the school, you can learn how to tackle downwind expeditions as well as explore desert islets of Sri Lanka. Apart from Kalpitiya, other locales for this sport is Negombo, with the months of January to March being ideal for amateurs whilst May to August is ideal for advanced riders who can tackle the strong wind and high seas. Drive up your adrenaline as you soar across the waves and feel the breeze kiss your face.
Wind Surfing
Challenge yourself with the wind and the waves as you take on wind surfing on the delightful waves of the Sri Lankan coasts. With the monsoon seasons affecting half of the island per season, allows water sports enthusiasts to enjoy their activities all year round. With ideal locations around the coasts of Sri Lanka, you will find the conditions ideal for windsurfing. From the east coast, in the areas of Nilaveli and Uppuveli of Trincomalee, you will find that March to October are the best times to indulge in windsurfing, whilst Negombo is ideal for windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling on the west coast from December to April. If you take the southwestern coast, you have the likes of Bentota, where you can indulge in varied amounts of water sports with the aid of the clubs in the area. As for inland locales, Bolgoda Lake is the best place, as it is located on the outskirts of greater Colombo; windsurfing activities are conducted with the aid of the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club and is the venue for various training exercises and competitions.
Surfing
Head for the sandy and beautiful coast on the southeast coastline, to Arugam Bay, the choice location for surfers and waters sports enthusiasts. Known the world over as one of the top ten surfing spots, you will find an abundance of waves for you to challenge during the July/August season. Break the waves in Arugam Bay, as well as Hikkaduwa and Mirissa, in the November to April surfing season. If you are in Hikkaduwa in search of the best waves, then head over to Narigama. However, for those on the lookout for high waves, Arugam Bay offers 5 feet to 6 feet of surfing with at least 400 meters of wave riding.
Snorkelling
Explore the world under the sea with awe-inspiring creatures and sights, from the coral reefs to magical marine life of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka’s south, east and west coasts are ideal for snorkelling, as well as scuba diving. For snorkelling, the perfect locations include Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Polhena, Beruwala and Bentota. Home to beautiful corals, fish and marine life and the occasional sea turtle, you can swim with nature in translucent blue waters. Spot the likes of Orange-striped Triggerfish, Butterfly Fish, Oriental Sweet lips, Damsel Fish, Goatfish, and more when you explore the world down below.