Bentota river safari in Sri Lanka

Discover a whole new experience that is exciting and tranquil all at the same time. Bentota river safaris are extremely popular amongst all who visit. Want to know more about it?

Image by Hafiz Issadeen from Dharga Town, Sri Lanka, Bentota River in Dharga, Sri Lanka, CC BY 2.0

1) Where

There are tons of places to check out when you’re looking for accommodation, from villas to even a simple resort. Bentota is beaming with many options such as the AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa for example.

2) When

It’s best to visit during the months between January and March as its mostly sunny during this season. The monsoon season here begins in April and must be avoided at all costs. The wettest months, however, are between June and September. Another interesting time to visit is during Diwali, which falls between October and November.

3) How

Whether it’s through your resort or privately, you’ll find numerous ways to book a boat tour in Bentota. Most usually take around 2.5 hours and cost about 2000 rupees per person.

4) Discover

On your boat safari, you will come across all sorts of amazing creatures such as water monitors. Native to southeast Asia, these massive lizards grow up to 2 metres in length. The largest one found in Sri Lanka was a gigantic 3.2 metres.

 

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Top water sports in Bentota

Holidaying in Bentota inevitably succumbs you to taking part in some of the best water sports in Sri Lanka. Some of the top ones that we would recommend are:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving into the warm Indian ocean and swimming with the fish while taking a peak at all the sea creatures and corals is a fun activity to enjoy with the family. Stay at a resort in Bentota that is near areas that have this activity so that it is easier and faster to travel.

Wind Surfing

Weather its your own gear or something hired, wind surfing is quite a popular water sport on the beaches of Bentota. Hotels like AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa help you sign up for such activities. Just speak to their front office concierge for more info.

Image result for AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa Wind Surfing
Image Credit: AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa

Banana Boat Rides

One of the most fun and thrilling water activities you can do in Bentota is the banana boat ride! As per its name, the banana boat is shaped like a banana and accommodates a group of people while being pulled by a jet-ski. If you are tipped over, you are bound to fly off and end up in the lake so hold on tight!

Jet & Water skiing

From beginners to pros, everyone can take part in this super exciting water sport! Bentota has professional instructors who can assist you if you need help. Whizz around in the jet ski with your friends and make memories that will be cherished forever!

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

The Adventure of Snorkelling

 

From vibrant corals to a range of fish species including ethereal-like manta rays, the Maldives offers one of the best snorkelling destinations on the planet. Here’s your chance to enter this whole new “world”.

Best times for snorkelling

Snorkelling in Maldives can be pretty much enjoyed all year round while at your Maldives resort; however January to April is a particularly great time for this activity since the waters are clearer and the weather at its best. Do keep in mind that the weather from May to September can be less predictable.

In search of Nemo & Co.

Be it clownfish (Nemo!), bannerfish, powder blue tangs, fusiliers parrotfish, butterflyfish or hawksbill turtles, the ocean surrounding the Maldives offers much to see. Resorts the likes of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort have reefs nearby providing the ideal chance to get up close to this marine life.

Underwater superstars

Of course, there are certain marine creatures that add to the excitement of a snorkelling adventure; graceful manta rays, unhurried whale sharks and stealthy blacktip reef sharks swimming in their natural habitats are sights that are certainly unforgettable.

Image of resort
Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Adding splashes of colour

Marine life aside, you can also look forward to seeing a stunningly vibrant array of corals on your snorkelling expeditions; staghorn, finger, brain and table corals are amongst the varieties that can be spotted here, each adding to the charm of this underwater spectacle.

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

 

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Surfing experience in the Maldives

Would you like to surf the mellow and playful waves in Maldives? Everyone who visits the island is sure to be enchanted by the majestic splendour of oceans. Know these tips before planning your surf trip.

Image by Ishan @seefromthesky seefromthesky, North Central Province, Maldives (Unsplash KgCbvOWYuU0), CC0 1.0

Right time?

In order to spend an enjoyable time of surfing in Maldives, you must ensure that the visit is made at the right time. Try your best to visit the island during the surfing season to enjoy an unforgettable experience. The surf season in Maldives starts in late February and generally lasts until November. During this time the size of the breakers averages between 4-5 feet.

The best destination?

If you’re planning to visit Maldives between April and October, consider staying at a resort in the North Male Atoll as the conditions for surfing are best in that area during this period. Always make sure whether the resort you’ve chosen provides all the necessary facilities for your surf excursion. Amongst many a surfing resort in Maldives the likes of Niyama Private Islands Maldives come as an excellent venue featuring excellent surfing spots to indulge in an unforgettable surfing experience.

Beginners!

If you wish to discover the sublime delights of surfing for the first time, you’ll find a myriad of surfing spots across the atolls that are ideal for beginners. Places such as Ninjas/ Piddlies in the Male Atolls as well as the Mulhaku Rights/ Lefts in the Central Atolls are quite safe for beginners and intermediates.

Tips to know

The heat of the sun can be brutal when you go out into the ocean so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Most of the surf spots are often crowded, so remain calm and wait for your turn!

 

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

Whale Watching in Sri Lanka –The Gentle Giants of the Ocean!

The island of Sri Lanka is quite a popular whale watching destination in South Asia, and many travellers head to the tropical isle to get a close and tantalising glimpse of these gentle giants.

Image by Oren Rozen, NZ280315 Kaikoura Whale Watching 03, CC BY-SA 3.0

Top Spots

The major locations to enjoy whale watching in Sri Lanka are Kalpitiya, Mirissa, and Trincomalee. All of these three destinations are wildly popular among tourists and have much to offer them in terms of marine life and more.

Best Time

The best time to set off on whale watching excursions is considered to be during the months of December, January, and April. During these times, you have a 95% chance of spotting whales migrating just off Dondra Point. Many travel companies on the island such as Nkar Travel House offer great packages to do so with minimal hassle.

Types of Whale Species to Spot

The Sri Lankan waters are home to the largest pod of blue whales in the world. Among the types of whale species you will encounter, include sperm and Byrde’s whales. If you happen to be really lucky you might even spot a killer whale.

Other Types of Sea Life

Apart from the whales, you can also spot plenty of bottlenose dolphins, Risso ‘s dolphins along with large pods of spinner and striped dolphins.

 

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

Trick or Treating in Maldives

The diversity and density of underwater fauna in Maldives have made this beautiful island paradise one of the most popular destinations for divers. Read on to know some of its best dive sites.

Image by Summitandbeach, Discover Scuba Diving — St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Fotteyo Kandu

The Fotteyo Kandu at the Vaavu Atoll is a very popular dive site that you should definitely visit. Don’t scratch this off your list. The site has plenty of colourful coral and fish, your eyes need to behold with all its natural beauty. The place includes caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs that is laced with soft yellow corals.

Kandooma Thila

Kandooma Thila is another famous dive site that you should not miss. It is home to some of the artistic scenes and an interesting marine life. Around the pinnacle, you can see for yourself some soft corals layering the walls which are often visited by the big-eyed trevally and the red bass fish. Those who are residing at one of the many luxury Maldives resorts the likes of Heritance Aarah, can plan a memorable dive excursion to witness the magnificent underwater world in Kandooma Thila.

Broken Rock

Broken Rock at the South Ari Atoll is a unique place which has been naturally crafted by a canyon that separated the reef into two sections. What to look for? Large fan corals, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, eels, scorpion fish and so on. There are more to witness!

Kudarah Thila

This fascinating dive site is a protected area and it is home to small reef filled with plenty of soft corals and marine life. Make sure to take with you a dive light to explore the large overhang and the arch making the place quite unique and marvellous.

 

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A Trip to Sea World Gold Coast

If you are travelling to the Gold Coast for the summer with your little ones in tow, then make a quick detour to visit Sea World for a fun and educational experience.

oadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) Email the author: David R. Tribble Also see my personal gallery at Google Photos, Seaworld-Orlando-Shamu-1510, CC BY-SA 3.0

Save Time

Save up on time by making sure to buy tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues. With so many things to see and do, you will need to be strategic with time. However, try to arrive at entertainment shows early on to get prime seats at the stand.

Beat the Heat

The afternoon heat can get quite intense, so be smart and beat the heat by taking the kids to water-related entertainment options such as ”Battle Boats” where they can water cannon everyone in sight.

Find Accommodation Nearby

Given the fact, that a whole day would be spent at the theme park it would be prudent to find accommodation nearby as your little ones will be knackered after all the excitement. You can easily find a Brisbane city hotel including the likes of Oaks Charlotte Towers with minimal hassle.

Educate the Kids

The park is guaranteed to influence the minds of the young and no matter what animal you observe during your visit, the subtle message of conservation is imparted in a fun and caring way. Opt for the penguin encounter to learn about shrinking polar caps and more.

 

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+.

Adventure sports to try in Sri Lanka

A country that boasts stunning natural beauty, a utopia for thrill seekers; Sri Lanka offers its visitors a myriad of attraction that will quench their thirst for Adventure.

White Water Rafting | Image Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/96147639@N00">Rob Chandler</a> from Toronto, Canada, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_water_rafting,_Rangitata_Valley,_NZ.jpg">White water rafting, Rangitata Valley, NZ</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY 2.0</a>
White Water Rafting | Image Credit: Rob Chandler from Toronto, Canada, White water rafting, Rangitata Valley, NZ, CC BY 2.0

Hiking and Trekking

Sri Lanka is home to a varied collection of landscapes ranging from undulating mountain ranges with stunning views, to breezy and serene plains that are ideal for trekking. Most of these places are also safe for camping since least of the wildlife in Sri Lanka poses threats to campers.

Rock Climbing

Sri Lanka is filled with a number of natural rock formations that are very much exciting to climb Most of the mountains located in the highlands of Sri Lanka and are easily climbable yet you’ll cherish a wonderful experience because of the stunning sceneries you see during your climb!

Paintballing

This is a recently emerging adventure sport that is gaining popularity among youth. If you are interested and you are travelling to Sri Lanka as a group this is certainly an adventure sport worth trying. Most of the adventure sports destinations are located far from major cities but if you are stationed at a luxury apartment in Colombo the likes of One Galle Face, the “Splatter Paintball” range located near a small town close to Colombo area is called Ambagaspitiya.

Whitewater rafting

The country is home to a myriad of rivers that features white waters and are a paradise for kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. Kithulgala is a town located in the banks of the mighty Kelani River and it is one of the most popular rafting destinations in Sri Lanka which never fails to thrill adventure seekers.

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

Scuba Diving in Passikudah

Being under the mighty waves, in a place where the only thing that you can see and hear is nature, will definitely be an amazing experience. How about scuba diving in Passikudah?

Image Credit - 12019
Image Credit – 12019 Via Pixabay

A whole new world!

When talking about the beautiful eastern coast of Sri Lanka one cannot forget Passikudah which a splendid destination for all dive enthusiasts. Being a paradise for a long lazy splash and crystal-clear deep waters, it has become a diving hotspot among many tourists. The underwater world in Passikudah has no shortage of natural wonders to excite you!

When to go?

Even though Passikudah is an all year destination for scuba diving, the best time to visit here would be in the months of May and June when the visibility of the sea is excellent to spot many underwater marine creatures. However, it’s better to avoid planning your dive excursion in July and August because there will be a strong wind.

Accommodation

If you are on holiday, a good way to indulge in an exhilarating scuba diving experience would be to first make a booking at any of the beachfront hotels in Passikudah. One such option that you will come across would be Amethyst Resort, Passikudah which offers some of the most stunning dive sites in the island.

Wreck Diving

The priceless underwater world in Passikudah is an excellent base for wreck diving. The British Sergeant shipwreck is a popular highlight among those who do scuba diving in Passikudah. It was a British Armed Merchant Navy ship that served during the Second World War.

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Scuba Diving: An Adventure to Explore Ocean

 

Scuba diving is a diving technique that involves self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (thus the name ‘scuba’). This specialized diving gear provides the diver with the ability to spend more time underwater that surface divers which means that there is more time to explore the deep blue! And that’s the reason why divers simply love what they do!

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

How scuba diving came to be

In early times divers used the closed-circuit scuba that allowed the diver’s breath to be recycled and sent back to be inhaled, however, there was a risk of oxygen intoxication that came with increasing depth. It was all thanks to Henry Fleuss the diving engineer who perfected the rebreather equipment in 1878 that the discovery of many treasures under the sea has been made possible today.

Types of scuba equipment

There are 2 types of scuba apparatus that are available for divers to use. The open-circuit apparatus provides oxygen to the diver and allows the user to exhale the air into the water. This is an economical piece of equipment and easy to use. The rebreather apparatus is where the diver’s exhaled breath is recycled and sent back for inhalation. This equipment is quieter and resourceful.

Deep-sea animals to look out for

What makes a diver passionate about what they do is encountering various queer ocean creatures that only a diver would have the luxury of seeing! Species like whale sharks, manta rays and Caribbean reef sharks are some of the monstrous yet magnificent aquatic beings that you might get a glimpse of. Furthermore, the red spotted blenny, leafy sea dragon and pygmy seahorse are some of the tiny but fascinating creatures one could ever see.

Diving hotspots

If you’ve perhaps planned a holiday to the Maldives, five-star resorts such as the well-known Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort are ready to provide the gear you need as Maldives is a famous diving hotspot. All you have to do is take the plunge! Indonesia, Australia and Hawaii have some of the most fabulous diving spots in the world too!

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+