A Fun Guide to Water Sports in Sri Lanka During the Summer
Are you planning a visit to Sri Lanka during the summer? Don’t worry, you can enjoy all the amazing opportunities that tourists usually have during the winter season.
From exploring heritage sites in the Cultural Triangle to visiting tea plantations in the Kandyan foothills and wildlife parks, there’s so much to see and do. However, if you’re looking for the best beach weather, head to the east coast instead of the south-west.
You can discover the best water sports in Sri Lanka to beat the summer heat! Sri Lanka’s dual monsoon season makes each side of the island’s coastline shine at different times of the year.
Fun-Filled Water Sports in Sri Lanka’s East Coast
Sri Lanka’s east coastline offers an abundance of exciting water sports activities during the summer season. These activities are perfect for families and filled with fun.
You can try snorkeling and jet-skiing, which are suitable for all ages. From world-class surfing in Arugam Bay to sailing adventures to private coves, there’s something for everyone.
These amazing water sports activities are sure to be the highlight of your summer holiday in Sri Lanka. You can also find opportunities for water sports elsewhere on the island, including kite-surfing and exhilarating white-water rafting adventures.
Surfing at Arugam Bay
When it comes to surfing in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is the place to be. This laidback beach town in the south-east is renowned in the surfing community for its incredible waves. In fact, it’s considered one of the top ten surf spots in the world!
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, Arugam Bay has something for everyone. Beginners can take advantage of surfing classes offered during the summer, with plenty of beaches offering gentle waves for practice. Advanced surfers can challenge themselves with wild waves at coves like Main Point and Whisky Point. Just make sure to check the tide and surf in designated safe areas.
Sailing Adventures
If you prefer a more relaxed coastal exploration, consider adding a sailing experience to your itinerary. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning ocean scenery while your expert crew takes care of everything. There are several options for your Sri Lanka summer sailing trip.
The most popular choice is a half-day or full-day cruise near Pasikudah, where you can visit secluded coves for peace and privacy. Onboard paddle-boarding equipment allows you to test your balance on the water. Wildlife enthusiasts can also embark on a whale watching excursion from Trincomalee, with shared or private boats available.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Adventures
Sri Lanka’s east coast is a treasure trove for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. To enjoy scuba diving, you’ll need a PADI scuba diving qualification. However, if you’re planning an extended stay on the coast, there are certified centers in Sri Lanka where you can obtain your qualification.
Trincomalee, located in the north-east of the island, boasts some of the best dive sites in Sri Lanka. Popular options near the coastline include Swami Rock, Eel Rock, and Coffin Ray Point. If you prefer snorkeling, head to Pigeon Island, a recognized marine reserve teeming with marine life, including endangered sea turtles, Moray eels, stingrays, and even blacktip reef sharks.
Kite-Surfing in Sri Lanka
Despite the best kite-surfing spot in Sri Lanka being on the north-west side of the island, you can still enjoy kite-surfing during the summer.
Kalpitiya, a thin strip of coastline between a lagoon and the sea, is the place to go. Its sheltered location allows for reasonable weather conditions between May and October, perfect for kite-surfing.
Kitesurfing Lanka is a well-established company in the area, offering lessons and equipment rentals. They provide courses for beginners to advanced riders, with friendly instructors available to help throughout the day. Kalpitiya has a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a less touristy experience.
Thrilling White-Water Rafting
White-water rafting is an exciting water sport available all year round in Sri Lanka. Borderlands in Kitulgala, located in the southern central region, offers thrilling adventure activities on the Kelani River.
You can choose from several routes with grade II and grade III rapids. It’s an exhilarating experience that families can enjoy together, creating unforgettable memories. Borderlands ensures the highest standard of safety equipment and provides expert tuition before the adventure.
Additionally, they offer canoeing and canyoning activities in this picturesque area.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced water sports enthusiast, Sri Lanka’s summer season is the perfect time to indulge in thrilling water activities.
Sri Lanka Tour Packages
Our Sri Lanka tour packages offer the perfect way to explore this beautiful island. We have a variety of packages to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. We can also create a custom itinerary for you.
