
Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Bentota
River meets ocean
- Best time
- Nov – Apr
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 days
- Travel style
- Beaches & Coast
Updated 1 min read
On the Bentota River estuary, a modest Portuguese fort served as the center of the first Bentota community. Bentota, a relaxed seaside community on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, embodies the absolute best in carefree vacation life.
Friendly fishermen are nearby for you to socialize with. There are some remote beaches you can practically call your own, and there are a few spiritual locations where you may learn what tranquility means. Additionally, you may anticipate excellent watersports, river experiences, diving among iridescent fish, and much more. Bentota is a superb place for a honeymoon tour in Sri Lanka.
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Top experiences
Things to do in Bentota
BeachesHalf – full day
Bentota Beach
Bentota Beach, regarded as one of the greatest in Sri Lanka, must be on your itinerary. Plan to spend at least one leisurely day enjoying its blue waters under the shade of gently swaying palms. Even when the sun is high in the sky, the sea breeze keeps things cool. Even though there are several large resorts in the region, the vast stretch of sand still seems to be relatively unspoiled by the waves.
Water SportsHalf a day
Diving
Naturally, the hub for water activities in Sri Lanka is a perfect place to dive in deep. Fly amongst the colorful corals at Canoe Rock, South Reef, and Hundirangala. Large schools of porcupinefish and lionfish will dance around you as you drift, jaws open. Sunshine Diving is a dependable way to get started in the sport if you need direction or are new to it.
Water Sports2–3 hours
Windsurfing
Bentota, a sought-after location for windsurfing and surfing, is surrounded by wide waters where you can skim the waves at high speed and feel the spray against your sun-kissed skin. If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry; the Bentota River’s calmer waters make practicing a breeze. Try to visit between November and April to avoid the arrival of the wet season and the subsequent turbulence.
Looking further afield? See all things to do in Sri Lanka

