A resort-lined stretch of coast known for water sports, river safaris and calm swimming beaches.
Bentota is built around its beach resorts and calm, swimmable sea, making it a popular choice for families and travelers who want an easy beach base rather than a backpacker scene.
The Bentota River, which meets the sea here, opens up a different side of the destination — mangrove channels, water monitors, and a turtle hatchery a short drive along the coast.
Calm, swimmable beaches suited to families
A wide range of water sports, from jet-skiing to banana boats
Mangrove river safaris on the Bentota Ganga
Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga garden estate nearby
Cruise the mangrove-lined river in search of water monitors and birdlife.
Try jet-skiing, banana boating or windsurfing along the beach.
See conservation efforts for sea turtles at a nearby hatchery.
Tour Geoffrey Bawa's celebrated garden estate a short drive away.
Visit this hilltop temple with a large standing Buddha statue.
Bentota Beach
Bentota Ganga
Lunuganga
Kande Vihara Temple
Getting there
About 1.5–2 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway.
Best time to visit
November to April for the calmest seas.
Good to know
One of the safer south-coast beaches for swimming, thanks to a natural reef break.
Private tours with a driver-guide that include Bentota — every route can be changed to suit you.
🌿Lanka Green
A 9-day Sri Lanka honeymoon combining private villas, candlelit beach dinners and a hand-picked mix of culture and coast.
🌿Lanka Green
A 10-day family Sri Lanka itinerary with elephant sanctuaries, easy hikes and beach resorts, paced for travelers of every age.
5Days
Bentota's river and beaches, Hikkaduwa's reef, the ramparts of Galle Fort and whale watching from Mirissa, at an unhurried coastal pace.
No reviews for Bentota yet — be the first traveller to share your experience.
Is Bentota beach safe for swimming?
Bentota is one of the safer south-coast beaches for swimming, thanks to a natural reef break — it is a popular choice for families.
What is the best time to visit Bentota?
November to April is the best time to visit Bentota, when the seas are calmest.
How do I get to Bentota from Colombo?
Bentota is about 1.5–2 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway.
What are the best things to do in Bentota?
Popular things to do in Bentota include a Bentota River safari, water sports, a turtle hatchery visit and Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga garden estate.
Lanka