Top 10 Scenic Boat Rides and River Cruises in Sri Lanka

With their scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, Sri Lanka’s rivers are a delight to explore. A boat ride will take travellers past lush forests, winding through beautiful lagoons and mangrove thickets. Whether you want to experience natural beauty or wildlife, these boat rides in Sri Lanka are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers:

Located on the southwestern coast, the Madu river flows through a large mangrove forest, and is home to over 60 islands. A Madu river boat tour gives tourists the chance to view the rich biodiversity of the region, which includes birds and water monitors. The beauty of the mangroves and hushed atmosphere make this one of the most peaceful boat rides on the island.

Situated near the Southern town of Galle, Koggala Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Sri Lanka. A boat ride here will take you through mangrove swamps and lush islands, including the famous Temple Island. You will also have a chance to see local fishermen at work, and a variety of bird species.

A Bentota river cruise is one of the most popular boat tours in Sri Lanka. As you glide through dense mangrove forests, you’ll be able to spot water monitors, crocodiles, and various bird species. Bentota is also a hub for watersports, so you can try these out if you have time!

The Kalu Ganga (Black River) flows through the city of Kalutara before emptying into the Indian Ocean. This river safari goes past villages, rubber plantations, and dense forests. Travellers can also witness locals going about their daily lives. This cruise is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet escape!

Negombo is a coastal town located just outside Colombo. Its beautiful lagoon is surrounded by lush mangroves and is home to various animal and bird species. Book a Negombo boat tour, which will take travellers through quaint fishing villages, where you can witness traditional catamaran fishing methods. The sunset cruises are especially popular, thanks to the stunning views.

Visitors to Negombo can choose from a range of luxury hotels to unwind in. For those seeking a wellness retreat, Jetwing Lagoon (adults only) provides great views of the lagoon, while Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions offers spa treatments and traditional healing methods. If you’re looking for lodging by the sunny coastline, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Sea, and Jetwing Beach are among the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.

The Gal Oya National Park offers a unique boat safari on the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka – the Senanayake Samudraya. The lake cruise will allow you to spot elephants swimming or drinking on the shores. It’s the only location in Sri Lanka where you can view elephants in their natural habitat while on a boat!

The Tissa Wewa reservoir is located near Yala National Park and offers one of the most scenic boat rides that combines history and nature. Built by the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, this large lake attracts different species of birds, including pelicans, herons, and cormorants. The mountains and ancient temples add to its beauty.

As the longest river in Sri Lanka, a Mahaweli River cruise in Kandy provides a wonderful perspective of this ancient city. The river flows through lush forests, past tea plantations, and ancient temples. See the local wildlife as you glide along, and admire views of the misty hills.

Pottuvil Lagoon is located near Arugam Bay, the famous surfing destination on the eastern coast. This boat ride takes travellers along the serene waters of the lagoon, and will allow you to see crocodiles, water buffalo, and bird species. It offers a peaceful setting, with mountains in the distance.

Another beautiful water body near Bentota is Dedduwa Lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery. The Dedduwa Lake cruise is situated away from the busy tourist spots, and is perfect for those who want to get closer to nature.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these boat rides and river cruises should be on your travel list when visiting Sri Lanka.