
Bentota Beach
Classic Beach Resort and Watersports Capital
Best Time to Visit
November to April
Duration
2-4 days
Difficulty
Easy
Bentota is one of Sri Lanka's most established beach resort areas, located on the southwest coast about 2 hours south of Colombo. Its long, wide stretch of soft golden sand and calm, warm seas make it an ideal spot for classic beach relaxation.
Watersports Paradise
Bentota is famed as a watersports hub. The nearby Bentota River lagoon and ocean provide perfect venues for jet-skiing, banana boating, windsurfing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. Bentota is often called the watersports capital of Sri Lanka with certified operators offering gear and guidance. For underwater exploration, offshore coral reefs offer snorkeling and diving to see tropical fish in clear waters.
Beach Relaxation and Turtle Conservation
The beach is known for being clean, scenic, and generally uncrowded, with plenty of space to find your own paradise. The calm seas are perfect for swimming. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda where you can visit a turtle hatchery, learn about five species of sea turtles that nest in Sri Lanka, see baby hatchlings, and help release them into the ocean.
Luxury and Heritage
Bentota holds a special place in Sri Lankan tourism as one of the first resort areas developed. It's closely tied to famed architect Geoffrey Bawa – his country home Lunuganga is nearby, and several Bawa-designed hotels dot the coastline. Many resorts offer Ayurvedic spa treatments. The combination of action and relaxation makes Bentota ideal for those who want watersports adventure and luxury beach unwinding.
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