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The mesmerizing town of Galle is nestled on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Galle is popular for its ancient forts and churches, mosques, museums, and forts built during the colonial period of Portuguese. The walled city has a well-preserved history and culture. The city of Galle is dotted with pristine beaches fringed with palms and white shimmering sand. There are a plethora of water sports in Galle, that can be enjoyed on the beachfront.

Unawatuna Beach in Galle is famous for snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing and Mirissa Beach is well known for surfing. You can also try white river rafting in the Madu River in Galle district.

10 Best Water Sports In Galle

Water sports in Galle can be best enjoyed from October to April, as the place sees less rainfall during these months. The sea becomes quiet and top water sports in Galle, Sri Lanka can be relished the most. The wettest months of Galle are from May till September, the sea is a little rough and it is difficult to enjoy water sports activities.

1. Scuba Diving

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Scuba Diving is the best way to witness the mesmerizing underwater life directly. Get up close with the spellbinding marine world which is mystical and breathtaking. Marvel at the colorful and diverse marine occupants. One can swim underwater for an extended time with the help of a compressed air tank in scuba diving activity. Those who haven’t tried it before need to take a training session before to learn how to use the gears while diving deep into the sea.

Scuba diving has a few health benefits such as it fights against stress by giving your body a relaxing experience and keeps you fit since its little challenging to move the gear and dive underwater. Scuba diving is the most adventurous water sports in Galle and can be tired on the beach of Unawatuna.

Best Time: May to October
Prices: Approximately INR 5104 per person

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2. Snorkeling

Snorkeling

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The swimming on or through the water bodies with the help of a diving mask is termed as snorkeling. This activity is again famous in Galle where you can discover the beautiful underwater world with less complicated equipment, unlike scuba diving. It is a simple activity where much of the training isn’t required. Snorkeling can be tried at Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna beaches in Galle.

Best Time: March to May
Prices: Approximately INR 1400 per person

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3. Surfing

Surfing

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Another popular water sport in Galle is Surfing on the beach of Mirissa. Surfing is basically an activity of riding and breaking waves in the ocean by a surfboard. A little rough sea and great waves are required for surfing. Those who haven’t tried surfing before need to take up training sessions. Mirissa Beach is visited by professional surfers every now and then, these experienced surfers also compete with each other.

Best Time: November and April
Prices: Approximately INR 600 for 3 days

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4. Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing

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If you have a knack for high-speed, you must try jet skiing for sure on the beaches of Galle. It is one of the most sensational and stirring activities, perfect for those looking for some adventure. If you are a first-timer, you need to take a coach session which is available on the beach before you begin with it. The adrenaline attached to Jet Ski is the reason behind the attraction of thousands of local and foreign tourists toward this high-speed sport. Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are the best beaches for water sports in Galle.

Best Time: October to April
Prices: Approximately INR 1500 for 15 minutes

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5. Banana Boat Ride

Banana Boat Ride

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The banana boat ride is the most exciting activity which can be equally enjoyed by adults as well as children. A banana-shaped inflatable boat is used where 6 to 7 people can sit in a line. The inflatable boat is then pulled by a speed boat that sprints into the sea, giving you a thrilling and exciting experience. The banana boat ride can be enjoyed in Bentota which is a resort town in Galle district.

Best Time: October to April
Prices: Approximately INR 1600 for 4 to 6 people

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6. Donut Tube Ride

Donut Tube Ride

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Another adrenaline-pumping ride is a donut tube ride where a donut-shaped inflatable boat is dragged by a speedboat. This thrilling and joyous activity can be enjoyed by children as well as by adults. This activity is highly popular because of its ease of use and affordability. One doesn’t need to know how to swim for the donut tube ride but must wear a life jacket before hopping on the tube.

Best Time: October to April
Prices: Approximately INR 1600 for 4 to 6 people

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7. Canoeing

Canoeing

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Canoes are lightweight boats, designed mostly for two people. The activity which requires you to paddle a canoe with a single-blade paddle is called canoeing. Canoeing is best enjoyed in Unawatuna Island in Galle District, the island is bestowed with mesmerizing rivers, canals, and beautiful lagoons. While canoeing on the Unawatuna Island marvel at the captivating landscapes and at the wide variety of flora and fauna. Witness the breathtaking views of mangrove trees and appreciate the charming wildlife.

Best Time: November to May
Prices: Approximately INR 2100 per canoe

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8. Kayaking

Kayaking

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Moving kayak across the water with the help of a double-bladed paddle is termed as kayaking. The boats used for kayaking are single-seater and usually sit lower in water than the boats used in canoeing. Kayaking can be experienced in Bentota which is a resort town in Galle district. It is best enjoyed in speedy and gushy water.

Best Time: October to early May
Prices: Approximately INR 1100 per hour

9. Parasailing

Parasailing

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In parasailing activity, a person is towed behind a speedboat while attached to a canopy wing. The speed boat then sprints in the sea carrying the canopy wing and the person into the air. The activity is a fun ride and can be enjoyed by both adults and children. This exciting activity can be relished in Bentota.

Best Time: October to April
Prices: Approximately INR 1000

10. White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

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Enjoy the thrilling white river rafting in the Madu River in Galle district. An inflatable raft is used to navigate through rough and gushing water of the Madu River. Try this adventurous water sport and experience your adrenaline going up.

Best Time: April to November
Prices: Approximately INR 600 per person

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Experience the thrilling and exciting water sports in Galle and have a gala time with your family or friends. A few of the water sports require you to take up coaching sessions before you attempt them and others can be tried without any training. Be careful and always take all the precautionary measures before you try any of the water sports. So go ahead and plan your vacation to Sri Lanka with TravelTriangle.

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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Sports In Galle

What is Galle famous for?

Galle is a popular UNESCO site and is blessed with a number of stunning beaches, exotic old trading ports, museums and Dutch colonial buildings making it a delightful place to visit and excellent holiday destination to enjoy a number of adventure activities and water sports.

Which is the best time to visit Galle?

The best time of the year to visit Galle is between the dry months of December to April. With little chances of rain and a relatively pleasant climate, you can spend most of your time outdoors and find your self a number of things to see and do.

Which are the places to visit in Galle?

Some of the best places to visit in Galle are: 1. Galle Fort 2. Japanese Peace Pagoda 3. Unawatuna 4. Flag Rock 5. National Museum of Galle

What is there to do in Galle?

The best things to do in Galle for a fun vacation are: 1. Visit Galle Fort 2. Go surfing and scuba diving 3. Spend time at Flag Rock 4. Spend time at Unawatuna Beach 5. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda

Which are the most famous water sports in Galle?

White Water Rafting, Surfing, Snorkeling, Diving are some of the most popular water sport activities that you can enjoy in Galle.

Are water sports in Galle suitable for kids below 15 years?

Water sports such as Water Rafting, Surfing, Snorkeling, and Diving are not very safe for children and kids below 15 years of age should not be allowed to take up such sports unless they are under the supervision of highly trained professionals.

Which are the best places for surfing in Galle?

Some of the best places for surfing in Galle are Kalpitiya Lagoon, Negombo, Arugam Bay, Weligama, and Bentota.

Are the waters in Galle safe to swim?

Not all waters in Galle are safe to swim. The sea is generally safe for swimming during the January to March period and in sheltered parts outside of that time.


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