Bentota

Bentota is a long, golden beach where the Bentota river meets the sea, about an hour and three-quarters from the airport on the Southern Expressway. It is calm, spread out and easy, which is why we often use it as a last beach night before a flight home.

There is plenty to do without much effort: a slow boat ride on the river and its mangrove islands, snorkelling off the reef at the right time of year, and turtles that nest along this coast. If turtles are on your list, ask us about the responsible way to see them.

December to March is the calm season. From May to September the sea is rough and swimming needs care, though the river stays gentle and a boat ride is still a pleasant morning.