An idyllic island famed for its pristine coasts and beaches straight out of a travel postcard, Sri Lanka is the perfect country to visit if you’re looking for a sun-soaked holiday. With each coastal strip giving you its own unique experience, the island is among the best travel destinations for a holiday spent beach hopping and sun bathing. Apart from the attraction of simply visiting these beaches, there are a vast number of fun activities that can be undertaken during your stay here. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for an experience worthy of a lifetime, Sri Lanka is the place to visit.  

Scuba Diving

Among the number of diving sites to choose from, Hikkaduwa is undeniably the most ideal spot for this activity. Not only accessing undisturbed views of stunning aquatic life and its environment, you’re also privy to explore the cargo holds of sunken freight ships as well as wrecks dating back to World War I. Get an early start and spend an invigorating morning swimming around the coral reefs the Southern Coast is famous for. This is opportunity is perfect for photographers with the requisite equipment, giving them the photo opp enough to make even the most seasoned traveller green with envy.  

Stilt Fishing

Among the more famous coastal attractions of the country, stilt fishing is a must-see and a must-do if you ever visit Sri Lanka. Believed to have emerged following World War II, it was a widespread mode of fishing until the tragic tsunami that hit the island on Boxing Day in 2004. Fortunately, the practice has experienced a revival in recent years and is a breathtaking view to behold especially during sunset, when the silhouettes of the fishermen stand in stark contrast to the burning orange of the setting sun. Anyone interested in learning more and up for a unique fishing experience can book tours to Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Mirissa, located along the Southern Coast of the country.  

Regular Fishing

If you’re after a more laid back experience however, you can still go fishing the normal way. The service is offered in the coastal town of Mirissa, located in the famed “down south” region of the country. While on your excursion you can catch sight (and actually catch) fish including Barracuda, Kingfish, Tuna and Spanish Mackerel among numerous others. In the unlikely event you don’t manage to catch anything, the stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean at dusk or dawn are more than enough to compensate.  

Windsurfing

If you’re a little more inclined to try out some extreme sports while you’re here, windsurfing is the perfect pick. Gradually growing in popularity among locals, Sri Lankan beaches are perfect for this activity, especially if you’re looking for something exciting to do on your holiday. Offered in a number of locations around the island including Kalpitiya, Bentota, Trincomalee and even Colombo; do a quick search for an area close to where you’re staying, and avoid missing out on the experience of a lifetime. There are even camps offering basic training in the sport if you’re a little reluctant to go full-on without basic skills and knowledge. The best time to go windsurfing is generally between December and March, although April, July, September and November are also fine if visiting during the peak of season is not an option.  

Snorkeling

While there are many locations at which you can have rewarding snorkeling experiences, one of the best spots for this is the Pigeon Island National Park. Located in Trincomalee on the North-Eastern Coast of the country, the reef here is home to approximately 300 species of brightly hued fish and over a 100 species of coral. Destined to be an experience impossible to forget, it’s best to plan your visit between March and September given that this is the time most ideal in terms of weather and sea conditions. If you’re lucky, you may just be able to catch a glimpse of Black Tip Reef Sharks as well as other exciting aquatic wildlife during your underwater expedition. While the area isn’t exactly a traditional tourist hotspot, it offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience that you would be remiss to miss out on.  

Sailing

If you’re keen for a taste of the good life, sailing on the breathtaking waters of the Indian Ocean is an experience worthy of the #Blessed hashtag. One of the best places to go sailing is through the crystal clear waters of Beruwela and Bentota, allowing you stops on your journey to take a quick dip in the water or for a bit of snorkeling and paddle boarding. You’re also taken to the famed Barberyn island and given a quick tour of its lighthouse, along the way. Other prime locations for this activity also include Pasikudah and Mirissa, both containing a wealth of breathtaking scenery and tranquil rides into the sunset.   In search for something more? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on the above activities or even if you’re after something a little different. At Fernando Travels, we aspire to give you the best of service, ensuring your holiday in Sri Lanka is the adventure of a lifetime.