As one of the island’s most accessible beach holiday hotspots, Kalutara is also a dream come true for water sports enthusiasts. From kayaking around its coastlines to exploring the area’s more daring water-bound pursuits, here are 5 water sports everyone should experience on a trip to Kalutara.
1. Windsurfing
The steady coastal winds prevalent on the western coast make Kalutara an exciting hub for avid windsurfers, as surfers can take part in their favourite pastime both in the ocean and within the windy confines of the Kalu Ganga Lagoon. While this thrilling water-based activity may not be for the faint of heart, those who are adept at using the power of the wind to propel their surfboard can use their skills to navigate the breathtaking environs of this beach capital. Travellers will also find that windsurfing equipment and other water sports gear are easily available for rent via local tour operators and water sports centres in Kalutara.
2. Snorkelling
Travellers based at Turyaa Kalutara and other well-situated hotels in Kalutara can also take advantage of their strategic location to explore some of the snorkelling hotspots in the area. Kalutara Beach and the nearby Calido Beach both provide easy access to some of the most verdant underwater landscapes on the western shoreline, with several local tour operators organising snorkelling expeditions around both beaches. Don’t forget to wear reef-safe sunscreen during your snorkelling sessions off the coast of Kalutara, however, as most commercial sunscreens employ toxic chemicals that can potentially harm the marine ecosystems that occupy the seabed.
3. Bananaboating
Tourists heading to Kalutara in groups large or small will find that bananboating is one of the few water sports excursions that can be enjoyed as a collective. Travelling across the surface of the waves around Kalutara Beach on a banana-shaped inflatable can be an exhilarating and challenging experience, especially if one does not maintain one’s balance during the bumpy ride. It’s crucial to wear a lifejacket during banana boating experiences, even if you are a competent swimmer, as bouncing off the inflatable boat is a very real possibility when it is connected to a fast-moving speedboat.
4. Kayaking
Ranked among the most relaxing things to do during a getaway in Kalutara, kayaking is another engaging water sport variety that’s popular in the beach hub. Couples and solo travellers will find that paddling along the shoreline of Kalutara’s scenic beaches at their own pace is one of the best ways to uncover the natural beauty of the seaside hamlet. Those who wish to embark on kayaking tours must time their visit to coincide with the dry season or peak travel season as outbound expeditions, including dinghy sailing tours, are unavailable and dangerous to attempt during the monsoon period.
5. Jet Skiing
As a widely accessible adrenaline-pumping activity that anyone can try, jet skiing is another thrilling way to cruise around Kalutara’s stunning beaches. As the perfect activity for those with a passion for high-speed travel, jet skiing is available not only along Kalutara’s beaches but also in the Kalu Ganga lagoon, another popular spot in the area. The calm waters of the lagoon, in fact, provide a more tranquil backdrop for this type of high-speed water sports adventure, especially for first-time jet skiers. Travellers who are new to this motorised water sport also have the option of riding in tandem with an instructor on their first outing before taking matters into their own hands.
