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All DestinationsSouthern Coast

Bentota

Best TimeDec – Apr
ElevationSea level
TypeCoastal

River, Ocean, Turtles

The Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean here, creating a lagoon surrounded by mangroves and cinnamon islands. Visit the turtle hatchery, explore the waterways by boat, or simply relax between the river and the sea where everything moves at its own speed.

Highlights

  • Bentota River Safari
  • Water Sports
  • Madu River
  • Turtle Hatchery
  • Cinnamon Island

Excursions in Bentota

8 activities available: include them in a curated package or build a custom tour.

Bentota River Safari

2h

Cruise the Bentota River estuary past mangroves, monitor lizards, kingfishers, and traditional fishing huts.

Available in custom tours

Water Sports

3h

Jet-skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides, and windsurfing on the famous Bentota water sports lagoon.

Part of Golden Sands of the Southern Coast

Turtle Hatchery Visit

1.5h

Visit a Bentota turtle conservation hatchery, learn about five sea turtle species, and release hatchlings at dusk.

Part of Golden Sands of the Southern Coast

Madu River Safari

2.5h

A guided boat ride through the Madu Ganga lagoon's winding mangrove channels, cinnamon islands, and fish therapy pools.

Part of Golden Sands of the Southern Coast

Cinnamon Island Visit

1h

Stop at a river island where cinnamon is grown, harvested, and peeled by hand using traditional techniques.

Available in custom tours

Spa & Wellness Experiences

2.5h

A curated Ayurvedic or Swedish spa session at one of Bentota's celebrated beachfront wellness retreats.

Available in custom tours

Deep Sea Fishing

5h

A chartered deep-sea fishing excursion off the Bentota coast targeting tuna, barracuda, and dorado.

Available in custom tours

Mangrove Boat Tours

2h

A quiet guided paddle through the mangrove forest of the Madu Ganga, spotting wildlife and rare bird species.

Available in custom tours

Packages featuring Bentota

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