Bentota (southern Sri Lanka) is one of the island’s top spots for beach adventure — calm river/lagoons plus open-ocean access make it great for a wide range of water sports. Below is a compact guide to what’s available, when to go, safety/booking tips, rough costs, and nearby activities.

What you can do (typical)

• Jet-skiing (ocean and river). (honeymoonguidesrilanka.com)
• Banana / donut / tow‑tube rides (inflatable fun pulled by a speedboat). (Holidify.com)
• Speedboat rides / river safaris on the Bentota River. (Holidify.com)
• Windsurfing & kite/wake surfing (seasonal depending on winds). (honeymoonguidesrilanka.com)
• Water‑skiing and wakeboarding. (TripXL.com)
• Kayaking / canoeing through the lagoon and mangroves (calm, scenic). (honeymoonguidesrilanka.com)
• Snorkelling and diving trips (reef sites / introductory dives & courses). (Holidify.com)
• Deep‑sea / sport fishing excursions. (honeymoonguidesrilanka.com)

Best time for water sports

• Dry season / peak beach conditions: roughly November–April (calm seas, best visibility). Good for most ocean activities. (MakemyTrip.com)
• Wind/kite seasons vary by spot; some water‑sports (kitesurf) are season‑dependent — check operator schedules. (Holidify.com)

Typical prices (approx; vary by operator, season; given in LKR and approximate USD)

• Banana / donut rides: ~LKR 1,700–2,500 (~USD 5–12). (Holidify.com)
• Jet skis / short rides: variable; expect tens of USD per 10–30 minutes. (TripXL.com)
• Speedboat rides / short tours: a small group may pay roughly LKR 5,000–9,000 (varies by duration & group). (Holidify.com)
• Snorkel/dive trips & courses: wide range (intro dives to multi‑day courses); diving courses can run from several thousand LKR upwards. (Holidify.com)

Safety & practical tips

• Always use operators who provide life jackets and give a safety briefing; ask about operator insurance and equipment condition. Most reputable operators supply jackets and briefings. (TripXL.com)
• For jet skis and speedboats, confirm fuel policy, duration, and any age/weight limits.
• If you plan to dive, only dive with certified operators and disclose medical conditions; beginner courses are available. (Holidify.com)
• Avoid ocean activities during heavy monsoon/rough sea days (May–October or inter‑monsoon spells) — check local weather. (MakemyTrip.com)

How to book & where to go

• Many resorts in Bentota run their own water‑sports desks and will book directly (convenient, often slightly more expensive). Local boat operators along the beach and river offer single activities and combo packages. Hotels can also recommend reliable operators. (honeymoonguidesrilanka.com)
• Popular booking approaches: book on arrival at your hotel, reserve by phone/WhatsApp with a recommended operator, or use established tour sites for reviews. For diving, prefer operators with PADI/SSI affiliation.

What to bring

• Swimwear, reef‑safe sunscreen, quick‑dry towel, water shoes (for rocky spots), waterproof bag, ID/cash for local operators, spare clothes. If snorkeling/diving bring your own mask if you prefer a custom fit.

Getting there & nearby

• Bentota is on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast ~1.5–2 hours by road from Colombo (time varies with traffic); there’s also a coastal train with scenic views. Many visitors base themselves in Bentota or nearby Hikkaduwa/Galle for day trips. (TripCrafters.com)
• Nearby attractions: Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Brief Garden, Galle Fort (short drive), river mangrove safaris. (MakemyTrip.com)

Quick operator/experience note

• Because individual operators, rules, and prices change, if you want I can look up current, reviewed operators, check dive‑center certifications, or compare prices for specific dates — tell me the dates you plan to travel and whether you prefer hotel‑based activities or local operators and I’ll fetch up‑to‑date options.

Enjoy planning — Bentota offers a great mix of mellow river/lagoons and ocean adrenaline.