What is a Bentota River boat trip like?

Boats run upriver through mangroves past monitor lizards, birds and small villages.

What wildlife can I see?

Monitor lizards and kingfishers, among other birds.

Can I do water sports?

Yes, the calm water is used for water-skiing and other sports.

Can I combine it with the beach?

Yes, it lies right behind Bentota beach.

What is near Bentota River and Lagoon?

Explore the area on this page lists 4 places around Bentota River and Lagoon, with the distance to each.

Where can I stay near Bentota River and Lagoon?

bookingMentor lists 5 places to stay in Sri Lanka. Rooms start from $82.00 (USD) a night.

Can I ask a question about Bentota River and Lagoon that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

How much does a boat trip cost?

Prices vary widely; agree the price with the operator first.

When is the best time?

Morning or late afternoon; mornings see more birds.

Agree the length with the operator; plan on about one and a half to two hours.

Which airport is closest to Bentota River and Lagoon?

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for Bentota River and Lagoon, about 85 km away in a straight line.

What is the emergency phone number in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, call 119 (police) in an emergency. 1990 ambulance (Suwa Seriya); 1912 tourist police.

Bentota River and Lagoon

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Bentota, Galle District, Sri Lanka

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In short

Behind Bentota beach, the Bentara Ganga opens into a mangrove-fringed lagoon where boat trips pass monitor lizards, birds and villages. Trips are paid. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. It suits birdwatchers, families and anyone wanting a slower look at the river behind the resorts.

The Bentota River, or Bentara Ganga, widens into a mangrove-fringed lagoon behind Bentota beach on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, about 65 km south of Colombo. Boat trips run upriver past monitor lizards, birds and small villages, and the calm water is used for water-skiing and other water sports. It suits families and birdwatchers staying on this coast.

A fort and a railway bridge at the mouth

The town sits on its south bank at the mouth. The Portuguese once guarded the river mouth with a fort, and the British later bridged the river for the coastal railway, which still crosses here.

Kingfishers and monitor lizards in the mangroves

Morning trips give the best chance of birds and monitor lizards and avoid the hottest hours. Kingfishers perch on the mangrove roots, and the boats pass small villages along the banks.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

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Key information

🌊River: Bentara Ganga

🌿Setting: Mangrove lagoon

🦎Look for: Monitor lizards, kingfishers

💰Cost: Agree price with the boat operator

🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Explore the area

View in a map

Bentota Beach 630 m

Moragalla Beach 2.8 km

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatcheries 10.8 km

Madu Ganga, Balapitiya 14.7 km

See all about this area

✦ Plan your visit to Bentota River and Lagoon Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Experiences

Mangrove boat safari
Monitor lizards
Birdlife
Water-skiing