The 5 Best Kayak Trips in Sri Lanka

1.Kayaking Adventure on serene waters through mangroves, Akurala

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $15Our pick

Join Happy Turtles International at 8:00 am for a two-hour private kayak trip through Akurala’s mangrove-covered limestone pits. Guide Kalu and the team lead you through calm water, wildlife habitat, and the unusual passage beneath a running train. The activity starts and ends at Happy Turtles Travels.

“Every thing is great, kalu was a great man very friendly very good every thing was just perfect without any additional hidden fees”

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2.Guided Kayaking Tour in the Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 23 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Meet guide Luda or another English-speaking local guide at Captain’s Landing for a two-hour paddle through Negombo Lagoon. You’ll receive a 15-minute safety lesson, explore mangroves, spot birds and monkeys, and possibly stop for a sea bath.

“We were a group of 4 ready to discover the mangroves of Negombo. You will find some Birds, Monkeys and we also saw a swimming varan. Our Guide explained everthing to us - from the methoda of the local fishers to the animals and there envirionment. The tour was perfect in time, so we dont have a feeling of missing something out! Keep it up and see you next time!”

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3.Sunrise or Sunset Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 11 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $23

Meet your English-speaking local guide at Thalkote Lake, 10 to 15 minutes from Sigiriya, for a 1.5-hour paddle. You will receive a kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then glide past birdlife, water buffalo, village scenery, Sigiriya Rock, and Pidurangala Rock in a group of no more than 10.

“Great experience! Was very fun and calming just gliding through the water. All the guides were very friendly and helpful. The one that came onto the water with us kept checking on us to make sure we were alright and didn’t need any help. Would recommend!”

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4.Kayaking in the Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $20

Meet your English-speaking guide at Captain's Landing for a private two-hour kayak trip across Negombo Lagoon. Paddle into mangroves that motorboats cannot reach, watch herons, kingfishers, and cormorants, and learn about fishing life and the lagoon's fragile ecosystem.

“Super schönes Erlebnis mit sehr vielen interessanten Informationen”

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5.Madu River Sunrise Mangrove Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $110

Meet at River Loft near Balapitiya before dawn for a safety briefing, then kayak through Madu River’s Ramsar wetland as the sun rises. Serendib Adventures provides kayaks, life jackets, a lead guide, support boat, snacks, fruit, and king coconut drink.

“We were there after the party till mid night. Kayaking instructor was a real friendly guy with plenty of experience in the field. He welcome us to the river & kayaking activity middle of no where we had snacks on our kayaks. It made my day wiRead more”

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