Watersports That Are Safe And Fun For Children
Being a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an excellent place for watersports. When you’re travelling with kids, however, there are certain water sports that are more child-friendly than others! Here’s a quick list of some activities you can partake in as a family.
Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa
An activity that’s fun and safe for all age groups! Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa, around the vibrant coral reefs, will keep both kids and adults entertained. Situated on the south coast of the island, Hikkaduwa is perhaps, the best-known beach in Sri Lanka. The Hikkaduwa National Park, one of the two marine national parks in Sri Lanka, is set a few meters off the coast of Hikkaduwa and is only accessible by boat. The park is brimming with a variety of colourful fish and home to over 60 species of coral. Visit the park in the early hours of the morning, as the waters are calmer and less crowded; giving your family plenty of space to explore freely. Peak season lies between November to April – so you’re guaranteed calm, gentle waters. It is the quintessential Sri Lankan beach experience with blue waters that kiss the golden beaches, making it the ideal place for swimming and just lazing by the beach too.
Surfing in Weligama
An hour’s drive from Hikkaduwa, you will find the beautiful town of Weligama, which translates to ‘sandy village’– a testament to golden beaches. This quiet beach town rose to fame as it became the best place on the southern coast to learn surfing! With a soft sandy seabed, shallow gentle waves and numerous surf schools lining the golden shores, head down here with the family to enjoy sun, sand and surf! Surf schools will provide you with a few lessons and equipment to get you started too. The surf schools here are geared to teach kids in a fun and safe manner, with the instructors making sure you’re never in the water alone! Apart from that, you can explore some of the coves along Bandrawatta Beach which are great for swimming too.
Whale Watching in Mirissa
Although not a water sport, whale watching in Mirissa is a fun excursion to take your kids on. A 20-minute tuk ride from Mirissa, is the ideal place for a fun ocean safari. Sperm whales and blue whales (and the occasional killer whale) frequent the waters here. This is an exciting activity for the whole family as you will get to be a few feet away from the largest mammal on earth! An added bonus is that you also get to see spinner dolphins that often follow you on your journey to the depths of the Indian Ocean.
White-Water Rafting in Kitulgala
Kitulgala is a small town on the west of Sri Lanka bordering a rainforest and is known to be one of the wettest regions, as it experiences two monsoon cycles. There are many outdoor activities to partake in here, from jungle trekking to cave exploration, but Kitulgala’s main attraction is white water rafting. Although suitable for families with older kids, white water rafting is a fun experience for all. With numerous adventure camps in the area to choose from, tackle some of the world’s best rapids, right here in Sri Lanka during your adventures!
Things to Keep in Mind
Activities like surfing or white water rafting are best done during the peak season. Always check on these before trying out any water activity to avoid dangerous situations.
