Bentota is where Sri Lanka’s west coast beach experience reaches its most developed and most enjoyable form. The beach itself is wide, long, and consistently good for swimming. The Bentota River estuary provides sheltered, safe conditions for a range of water sports from beginner to experienced level. And the Madu River wetland just inland adds a natural and ecological dimension that lifts the day well beyond a straightforward beach trip.
– Bentota River Water Sports
Jet skiing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, and windsurfing in the protected, calm waters of the Bentota River estuary – wide enough for an exhilarating run, sheltered enough for complete beginners. Safety briefings and proper equipment are standard, and the instructors on the river know their water well.
– Bentota Beach & Ocean Swimming
One of the finest stretches of west coast beach in Sri Lanka – a long, wide, clean strand of golden sand with good swimming conditions and the kind of easy, uncrowded beach atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a genuinely restful afternoon. The view north and south from the centre of the beach, with palm trees and resort properties fading into the heat haze, is classically beautiful.
– Optional Madu River Boat Safari
Adding a morning boat safari on the Madu River mangrove system to a Bentota beach afternoon creates the kind of day that has both natural interest and coastal pleasure – mangrove tunnels, cinnamon island, and kingfisher sightings in the morning; swimming, water sports, and beach time in the afternoon. The Madu River is 20 minutes from Bentota and worth the detour.