Water | The Adventure Travel Site

Aquatic adventures in Sri Lanka

A holiday in Sri Lanka has so much to offer travellers seeking fun and adventure. Whether you are planning a sandy beach vacation at one of the beautiful beach hotels in Sri Lanka, such as the luxurious Amagi Hotels and Resorts, for example, or an exciting safari tour around the island, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it’s no wonder water activities top the list of sought after activities by visiting tourists. The West coast of the island is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs that are close to the shoreline; ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Coastal towns like Hikkaduwa, Ahangama and Weligama offer the best surfing conditions along the South-west coastline, with waves reaching as high as 6 feet. However, these areas are also popular tourist destinations and therefore generally crowded. If you’re willing to travel a longer distance to experience the great surf waves, head to the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay. Located on the east coast, A-Bay, as it’s fondly known by locals, is less crowded and offers world class surf breaks.

There are several coral reefs around the island that are located close to shore, which are perfect for snorkelling and diving. The top diving sites are Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, to the west and Trincomalee on the north-east coast. North of the international airport, are holiday destinations like Negombo and Kalpitiya. Negombo is great for fishing and boating whilst Kalpitiya, a peninsula bordered by the Indian Ocean and a lagoon, is a good spot for Kite surfing. Kalpitiya is also well-known as a prime location for whale/dolphin watching. For those who prefer leisure activities over extreme sports, southern towns like Bentota and Koggala offer water safaris along the lagoons, where tourists can view wildlife, try their hand at fishing and even take in a view lagoon islands.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Top Diving Spots in the world

There’s no better way to explore the beauty that makes up the underwater world of fascinating marine creatures, colourful coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks and so much more, than with scuba diving. Whether you are just beginning or have been diving for years, there are a host of different diving sites around the world, with each offering its own uniquely wonderful diving experience.

The turquoise waters and vast coral formations are just some of the reasons that attract divers to the stunning Maldives Islands. Resorts themselves boast great diving opportunities within their house reefs, like the Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, for example, which is located near other note-worthy diving sites. Maldives offers several deep reefs and shipwreck dives along with the mesmerising experience of leisurely swimming alongside groups of manta rays and sharks.
Travel further east, and discover the many exciting diving locations that Indonesia has to offer. From the coral gardens off Bali’s coast, to the staggering amount of life diversity at Raja Ampat, the options are endless, but it’s the Lembeh Strait that wins out as best Indonesian diving location. Under the calm waters that divides Lembeh Island from the mainland, lies an extraordinary world, full of exotic looking flora and fauna. An underwater photographer’s dream, the dark ocean’s bed is home to an amazing display of rare sea creatures – mandarin fish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, hairy frog fish and dragonets to name a few.
However, if you’re more interested in wrecks than reefs, the Red Sea is the place to be. The tumultuous waters and strong winds and numerous reefs make this area hazardous to navigate. The ancient Egyptians and Romans travelled along Red Sea regularly and often ran aground. Even today, it’s not unusual to hear of vessels sinking near the reefs; plus, there are several sunken war ships in the area. These are of course, just a few places that offer great diving sites. From beautiful coral reefs to wreck diving, there’s so many diving destinations in the world to discover.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Diving with Manta Rays in Maldives

Tipped to be one of the most exhilarating and unique underwater experiences on offer in the Maldives, diving with manta rays is not for the faint of heart. Though these gentle giants are in fact, one of the most docile marine species in the ocean, they do cut imposing figures especially when one interacts with them in their own turf. Available through a variety of Maldives villas and resorts with diving centres including the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and innumerable others, diving with manta rays is specifically geared for seasoned divers.

The Maldives is not only home to large schools of manta rays but is also one of the few diving hotspots in the world where spotting the large creatures is almost guaranteed due to their large local populace. Visitors who wish to experience a scuba diving excursion with manta rays will typically be transported to a site in the Indian Ocean such as Hanifaru where many mantas are known to feed during high tide. After the speedboat ride, divers will typically wait for high tide as the rising waves cause the manta rays to gather in one location to feed on plankton. Hanifaru is, in fact, one of the top diving destinations in the paradise archipelago and is especially well-known as a popular spot to witness manta rays as well as other marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Although manta rays appear fierce and imposing their nature is anything but hazardous to humans although divers must be careful when coming face to face and interacting with the creatures. Noticing the various patterns and spots on their bellies and skin has helped marine biologists and seasoned divers in the area to differentiate one manta ray from another. Diving fanatics who are based in the Maldives are certainly adept at interacting and recognising individual manta rays and also look to photograph them using underwater cameras. Tourists and those who are diving with the rays for the first time, however, should exercise caution and respect the distance between one’s self and the ray and enjoy the experience.

Stay Adventurous, Img. Src:[Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives]

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Exploring the underwater beauties in a whale submarine

Maldives is a group of islands that are surrounded by crystal clear azure waters that are teeming with a rich variety of marine life. To explore the beautiful life below the seas, diving and snorkelling is always the more popular options as it allows you to discover the marine life at your own pace. However, for non swimmers and those who have an innate fear of swimming in the sea, this can be problematic. In Maldives, all inclusive hotel excursions feature a variety of water sports and activities, like diving and snorkelling, that will keep you entertained and busy during your entire holiday, such as those offered at Maafushivaru Maldives.

Travelling with little kids can also mean that they won’t be able to experience the beautiful life that lives under the glistening waters of the Maldives, but fear not! The German Whale Submarine, the first of its kind, was created to allow anyone and everyone a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the diverse population of sea creatures. This submarine that was invented by the Germans and can hold a total of 50 passengers is believed to be the largest deep diving submarine that’s used for tourist activity.

The submarine initially dives to a depth of 25m, then 40 meters and finally up to a depth of 150 metres. Each of the three stops promises you a completely different view of the sea, without ever getting wet!

Each tour will be accompanied with an expert guide in marine life who will be point out the various species you come across, such as lionfish, anemone fish, parrotfish, eels, manta rays, sting rays, sea turtles, butterfly fish, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, eels and many more! So keep your eyes peeled for the exotic marine life. Some submarine tours even allow for night dives.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Wildlife Holiday at Muthurajawela Wetland

In the stillness, water splashes against the boat as you drift gently along. A peculiar bird call carries across the breeze, sometimes answered in return by another bird, a unique form of communication that humans are not privy to. Suddenly in your line of sight, you catch a flash of brown; you scan the skies and then you spot it; a majestic Brahminy kite soaring through the air, wings fully expanded, surveying the territory below. The Muthurajawela Wetland offers such outdoor adventures, perfect for bird watching enthusiasts.

A saltwater coastal peat bog which is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Muthurajawela Wetland is a protected sanctuary and is rich in biodiversity. This wetland is within easy reach of the coastal city of Negombo known for offering both luxury and budget hotels in Sri Lanka. Amongst the budget options, Hotel J Negombo is amongst the choices one can consider and is a little over half an hour drive from the Muthurajawela Visitor Centre.

Located in between the Kelani River and the Negombo Lagoon, Muthurajawela is one of the island’s most important wetlands and is part of a habitat that encompasses more than 6,000 hectares of mangroves and marshland. Within this thriving ecosystem, one can find around 190 plant species and more than 200 animal species, of which bird species number more than a hundred.

One of the best ways to explore and experience the natural heritage of the Muthurajawela Wetland is to take a boat ride along the waters. If you are into bird watching make sure you have a field guide book or a knowledgeable friend or guide who can identify the different birds you may come across. Keep your eyes peeled for varieties such as cormorants, purple swamp hens, common moorhens, common redshanks, lesser whistling-ducks and white-bellied sea eagles. Birds aside, you may also spot toque monkeys, water monitors and saltwater crocodiles, among the other animal residents that call Muthurajawela home.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Surfing in Negombo

Negombo, a town situated in the North of the capital, Colombo is a tourist paradise as the south coast of the country. The breathtaking lagoon and the stunning Negombo beaches along with cultural sites make it a perfect destination to explore. The warm waters are ideal for surfers of all ages who are interested in exploring the waters.

Accommodation can be found at many budget hotels in Sri Lanka, however, even when travelling with a budget one ought to stay at places that provide convenient access to the beaches and offer comfortable lodging such as Hotel J Negombo. One of the great things about Negombo is that it is a surfing hub all year around. From amateur to most experienced surfers, the waves of Negombo can be a real treat. However, that being said, if you are planning to go windsurfing during January to March, the shore breaks can be a bit challenging and require some expertise. It’s always advisable to speak to the locals and check on the tides & undercurrents before you head out to explore the waters. Apart from windsurfing travellers can also go kite surfing during their visit to Negombo.

Surf schools and rental places can be found in Negombo for those interested in learning the ropes of surfing for the first time. These places will offer you the chance to rent out any type of surfing gear you need starting from wetsuits to boots and boards.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Banana Reef

Maldives is well known for its remarkable natural dive sites. Banana Reef is one of the oldest dive sites that can be found in Maldives that is renowned internationally. The reef is shaped like a banana which provides excellent protection to the marine area. It is also a protected marine spot due to its exceptional shape, a large number of fish varieties that dwell beneath the shimmering waters and rare caves and canyons that are found scattered across the depths of the sea. Due to its popularity among divers, it is frequented by tourists as well as locals who enjoy diving in spectacular natural locations. If you are a diving fan and staying in a Maldives luxury resort the likes of COMO Cocoa Island, The Maldives, you can take a boat trip to this must visit location to fulfil your diving fantasies. Beginners, as well as professional divers, are sure to enjoy this panoramic reef that boasts beautiful soft coral growths, overhangs and small canyons.

The multicoloured coral reefs and large schools of small to big fish that can be seen here make your dive worthwhile. Some of the predators that can be seen here include barracudas, sharks and groupers. It is also home to an array of small and attractive fish species that can be widely seen while diving.

Banana Reef is situated north of Male within the atoll when you pass the airport. Diving takes a new meaning at Banana Reef when the current is relatively mild. It is the best time for all types of divers to take a plunge and explore the breathtakingly beautiful soft corals quite safely. However, diving near the middle of this reef area can be quite risky for amateurs due to the strong incoming currents across the channel that can create an effect of a spinning washing machine!

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Almost every city in the world has a river flowing through it and the history of the city and the river are often intertwined. So does one of South East Asia’s favourite cities, Bangkok. The Chao Phraya river is considered to be the lifeblood of the city. It has been a busy river even in the early years and it still continues to be one. The scenes around the river have been changing over the year with the condos, the sky scrapers, the hotels and the hotel apartments in Bangkok all lining up the banks. With hotel-style apartments being the latest addition to the Bangkok accommodation options, properties such as Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok is located a stone’s throw away from Chao Phraya.

The river was chosen by early settlers due to the fertility soil as well as the abundance of fish. Today the river has evolved into a tourist central with activities. There are countless river cruises with dining options and there is entertainment on the river as well as on the banks of the river. The river is still used for transportation, with locals using it for their daily commute and for commodities to be transported. Some of the tours not only allow you to explore the river and it’s banks but also let you to explore some of the iconic monuments and landmarks of Bangkok such as the reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace.

The river is known as the river of the kings as after the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taskin made this his new capital and later king Rama I followed through finding the Eastern banks of Chao Phraya more favourable. Today it still is the lifeblood of Bangkok with around 50 000 people’s daily commute depending on it. The river and its canals have earned the city the name “The Venice of the East”.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.Google+

Snorkeling in Bentota for that unforgettable liquid adventure

Located 64 kilometers south of Colombo, Bentota is a charming rural town with leafy landscape sheltered with tall coconut trees majoring on sandy tropical beaches. Bentota can be reached through the Colombo- Galle main road and also by the Colombo Matara Southern Railway.

Bentota is a popular beach resort in Sri Lanka with a wide selection of luxury resorts together with budget and mid range resorts offering the visitor all amenities required for a comfortable stay and it is known to offer the lovers of water sport all facilities with a tried and tested infrastructure.

Bentota is renowned as an idyllic destination for snorkeling between the months November and April and blessed with calm seas that are ideal for snorkeling and is geared to meet the needs of the visitor. A simple stroll around the town will fetch many outlets hiring out diving/snorkeling equipment that are mostly managed by industry professionals with PADI certification.

It is a well- known fact that Bentota’s undersea spectacle is as spellbinding as the inland topography. Underneath the Indian Ocean waters lie acres and acres of colored coral, tropical fish and submerged ship wrecks which will activate the diehard visitor to take up a memorable and everlasting snorkeling adventure. The seas of Bentota are warm and maintain a consistent warmth of almost 27C almost throughout the year.

Various species of fish are in plenty off the reef of Bentota. Almost 500 varieties of fish can be found in Sri Lanka. Your snorkeling adventure will find you a spectrum of fish from small damselfish to large parrot fish, jacks and groupers. It is believed that the good locations to see hoards of fish are in places where commercial fishing does not take place. The main dive site in Bentota is the Canoe Rock, where one will come across sandy belts together with segments where formation of coral takes place. Snorkelers have the preference of snorkeling from a boat or from the shore and Bentota will not disappoint even the die hard enthusiasts of snorkeling.

Avani Bentota Resort is a Bentota hotel which is unique because of its design, radiating an invigorating minimalistic character enveloped with its leading edge style offering a dreamy getaway for the family or the individual traveller. It is one of the best resorts in Bentota with well- appointed comforts, thought provoking atmosphere and just right place to wind down, chill out and let go.