Water Based Attractions in Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya is situated approximately 150 kilometres of the commercial capital of Colombo, with one on the most attractive coastal areas within the tropical isle of Sri Lanka. What was once a sleepy little fishing village has started to grow and garner a substantial amount of tourist reception with its water based attractions in Kalpitiya taking flight.

The town in itself has some historical background with its Dutch heritage but most tourists, foreign and locals flock there to indulge in adrenaline spiking water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. That is not all that is there, with many hotel and resort properties taking measures to offer those who visit Kalpitiya attractions and things to do in the lagoon, on the beach and even with special training facilities to ensure safety with fun!

Whilst road development is still underway from the town to the lagoon areas, with dirt roads giving access to various properties on the lagoon beach. The lagoon is somewhat murky, but it is ideal for boating and jet-skiing. Furthermore, there are marine sanctuaries featuring a myriad of bio diversities with the likes of bar reefs, flat coastal plains, mangrove swamps, salt marshes and not to mention sand dune beaches.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Safaris

The ocean waters are often visited by beautiful creates such as dolphins (spinner, bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback), whales, sea turtles, and the rare dugong (a relative-species of the manatees).

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Water Sports

Kalpitiya is a great location with non-turbulent winds that has also made the area a location for wind farming too. The large body of flat water in the lagoon makes it the best location in Sri Lanka for the likes of water based attractions such as kitesurfing and windsurfing too! Kitesurfing seasons are from May to October (with 15-25 knots wind-speed almost daily) and mid December to mid February (with 12-20 knots wind-speed every 3-5 days or so).

Snorkelling and Reef Diving

With the locations such as Bar Reef and St. Anne’s Reef, there are many ways in which you can indulge in snorkelling and reef diving for some great underwater exploration in the Kalpitiya waters. The Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary offers approximately 307 km² rich bio-diversity sea exploration!

Island Hopping

There are fourteen islands in the area for exploration with boats available for hire to go island hopping in Kalpitiya. Explore the likes of the islands near Dutch bay and Portugal Bay!