Best Water Sports in Colombo

1. Scuba Diving: For enthusiasts, Scuba Diving is the best equipped water sport in Colombo. Sri Lanka's marine life is equally diverse, ranging from wrecks to coral reefs submerged in underwater caves and offshore places. There are a variety of aquatic creatures to see underwater, as well as seasonal sightings of blue whales.

Scuba diving is influenced by the monsoon season, with most dive sites available from May to September on the east coast and October to April on the west coast. Scuba diving ranges from relatively rare dives along the shore to small boats transporting divers to various dive locations for a 10 or 45 minute voyage. While diving, most dive sites provide a view of the ocean paradise.

Location: Wave Seafood and Grill Restaurant, De Alwis Pl, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Timing: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2. White Water Rafting: White Water Rafting is one of the formidable and diligent water sports in Colombo. This sport does need physical strength rather demands an ample level of physical fitness with a strong spirit. This sport is performed in the White-waters as well as in turbulent water resources.

The main reason for this sport known to be an adventurous sport is because of the turbulent stream of water. White Water Rafting at Kitulgala gives you a chance to enjoy an adrenaline filled and enthralling experience for both first time rafters and also for experts too.

Location: Ginigathena road Yatiberiya kitulgala, Kitulgala 71720, Sri Lanka
Timing: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM

3. Snorkeling: In Colombo, snorkelling is the best type of water sport. Sri Lanka is famed for its marine ecosystem, making it the best and most exotic snorkelling destination for discovering undiscovered marine species. On the west coast, November to April is the best period to go snorkelling, whereas on the east coast, April to September is the best time.

Snorkeling exposes you to a completely different underwater world, from magnificent coral reefs to submerged shipwrecks. Snorkeling allows you to swim and snorkel with whales, several turtle types, and other marine animals.

Location: 40 Windsor Ave, Colombo 10350, Sri Lanka
Timing: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

4. Surfing: In Colombo, surfing is a popular water sport that will splash you with thrilling waves. There are two distinct surfing areas in Sri Lanka. The two provinces are the Southern Province and the Eastern Province. Between November and April, you can find ideal surfing conditions in Southern Province.

The major surfing season in Eastern Province runs from May to September. The south coast has a diverse assortment of waves to choose from. Small, calm beaches, hollow reefs, and barreling waves await all types of surfers in Colombo.

Location: No: 8 Ascot Ave, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

5. Kayaking: One of the most popular and specialist water sports in Colombo is kayaking expeditions through huge mangrove and jungle waterways. The tributaries and man-made reservoirs provide an unrivalled opportunity to go by boat or kayak along these water bodies. The primary problem of these watersports is the varied degrees of difficulty.

Changing from smooth and still water kayaking in the Kalaiya, in the country's north west, to the white-water fast turbulence of the Kelani river in Kitulgala. You will be exploring Kalu river and facing the rapids while also experiencing the Mangrove forest on your trek across the extensive river system.

Location: 151/1B Dudley Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

6. Deep sea Fishing: Deep sea fishing is one of Colombo's most interesting and enjoyable aquatic activities. Sri Lanka is a major source of seafood and a popular inland destination for deep sea fishing. Catching a variety of fish in a quiet river might be a relaxing morning deep sea fishing in Colombo.

Going out on a larger boat with a mission will undoubtedly provide excitement and competitiveness in the pursuit of large and distinctive marine species. Anyone who like fishing is welcome to participate in this water sport. Small freshwater fish can be caught onshore, while larger fish must be caught by sailing deep into the sea.

Location: 54 Palliyawatta Rd, Wattala, Sri Lanka
Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

7. Kitesurfing: In Colombo, kitesurfing is a unique water sport that is akin to surfing. Kitesurfing is usually done during two windy seasons. The major kitesurfing season spans from mid-May until late-September. The finest kitesurfing season is from December through mid-February/early-March.

Kalpitiya is a small village with a shallow water lagoon that is recognised as a kitesurfer's paradise. Kitesurfing is very popular here. People go from all over the world to participate in this thrilling water activity.

Location: 323 Union Pl, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Timing: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM

8. Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is an exhilarating water sport that may be enjoyed with vigour and enthusiasm. This water sport begins from Bolgoda Lake and ends in the vast expanse of the unmarked southern lake. Within the ride, you will witness an amazing wildy landscape while having a fantastic time.

While riding through Bolgoda Lake, you will see many different types of fish, amphibians, reptiles, including the salt-water crocodile, and many lovely kinds of renowned birds chirping and flying over the lake and trees.

Location: Jetwing Lagoon Resort, Pamunugama Rd, Negombo 11504, Sri Lanka
Timing: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

9. Canoeing: Canoeing is one of Colombo's most popular water pastimes. Colombo is home to a diverse range of birds and butterflies, as well as a beautiful scenic scenery with rivers, lakes, and mangrove forests, ideal for canoeing.

In Sri Lanka, canoeing begins at a watersports camp 15 minutes from Negombo Beach. The best paddling is done on a dead arm of the Ging Oya River, which is an excellent resource for exploring the area on your own with a canoe.

Location: 151/1B Dudley Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

1. Dutch Bay/Kalpitiya Beaches: It's a deserted beach north of Negombo with beautiful biodiversity and undeveloped beaches. In the winter, it's ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and whale viewing. In the summer, it's a popular kite-surfing site.

2. Unawatuna/Weligama Beaches: This beautiful beach is located on Galle's southern shore and has a large expanse of land. Although it is now a renowned party beach, its coral reef still offers a variety of water sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

3. Nilaveli Beaches: On the Eastern Coast, Naveli Beach is near Uppuveli Beach, close to Trincomalee. This beach features white sand beaches and shallow water, allowing visitors to swim all day. A few minutes away is Pigeon Island, which boasts the best scuba diving facilities.

4. Bentota Beach: Bentota is a well-known west coast beach with a diverse market and lodging options. It is Sri Lanka's most popular water sports destination. This location offers boat tours and is ideal for kayaking and jet skiing.

The best time for scuba diving in Colombo is from the summer season of May till July. This time offers humid climate and warm days, without occasional rain showers which are perfect for scuba diving sessions.

The average price of kayaking is from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 depending on the package the travellers choose. Prices can vary depending on the location, and difficulty levels.

The age limit in Colombo is 8 years. Below 8 years old are strictly prohibited from participating in this extreme sport. Children should be under strict vigilance of parents or supervisors.

Wetsuits are the best things to wear for water sports. Go for clothing that allows maximum body movement which are required during the water sport. Waterproof shoes and towels are other essentials needed during the activities.

- Go for a license and certification as a rafting trainer. Rafting can be an extreme sport and therefore utmost security is required.
- Make sure your equipment is working properly. Lifejackets and head gears should be worn at all costs.
- Stick to the instructions - This extreme sport requires both physical and mental focus and any deviation can be hazardous. Visitors need to ensure maximum safety and thus sticking to the instructions of the guide is essential.
- Wear proper clothing - Wetsuits are the most preferable choice as they allow maximum movement. Carry waterproof shoes and towels for a more comfortable ride.
- Beginners can take a lesson before going for more difficult tasks.

The minimum age limit for scuba diving is 8 years old and above. Kids require parental supervision at all times. Physical and mental wellbeing are required at all times. All instructions should be followed at all times before engaging in this extreme water sport.

Jet skiing in Colombo starts at 3000 rupees per person. There are a number of packages available some also offer trainer supervision.