2h Bentota River Safari: Crocodiles, Monkeys, Mangrove & more
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Embark on the Bentota River Boat Safari with us and immerse yourself in a world where nature's tranquility meets wild beauty. Glide through serene waters, flanked by lush mangroves, home to exotic birds, water monitors, and crocodiles. Our expert guides will share stories that bring the ecosystem and local culture to life, enhancing your connection to this vibrant landscape. Choose your ideal time for the safari, from early morning to late afternoon, ensuring a personalized experience. This adventure, tailored to your interests, promises to be both memorable and uniquely yours.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Bentota River
Bentota River offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers. As you glide along the serene waters, you'll be surrounded by lush mangroves and diverse ecosystems. This journey provides an excellent opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. You can expect to see exotic birds like kingfishers, herons, and cormorants, gracefully skimming the water or perched in the foliage. Additionally, keep an eye out for water monitors and even crocodiles basking along the riverbanks. The tranquil environment, coupled with the rich biodiversity, makes this safari not just a visual treat but also a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Bentota's riverine landscape.
Options
2-Hour Bentota River Safari
Duration: 2 hours Pickup included
Sunset Viewing Safari
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Sunset Viewing Safari lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Sunset visibility is subject to weather conditions Pickup included
Birdwatching Safari
Duration: 3 hours: The Birdwatching Safari spans around 3 hours, and the observation of birds is influenced by natural conditions Pickup included
What‘s Included
A King Coconut for each person
Life Insurance
Modern and safe boats with life jackets
5+ years experienced sailor guide
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
157 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Two hours spent well
Dreamer50843982467,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience, feeding the monkeys being a highlight
Highly recommended
Harizo,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on our river trip with Nicholas as our guide. We saw snakes, fruit bats, monitor lizards, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, kingfishers and cormorants. Nicholas was a great guide. He was friendly and very knowledgeable. It was a perfect morning, just the right amount of time out on the water. The manager also met us before the trip at the meeting point at the Aida Seafood Restaurant. We were able to use the facilities and purchase water after the trip. They arranged a Tuk-Tuk for us, from Kosgoda and back. This was 4,000 LKR (approx £10) extra. It arrived at the agreed time to collect us and was waiting for us on our return. We had the choice of a car also for £20. We booked through Viator before our trip and thought it was excellent value for money.
Highly recommended
Zoe H,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on our river trip with Nicholas as our guide. We saw snakes, fruit bats, monitor lizards, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, kingfishers and cormorants. Nicholas was a great guide. He was friendly and very knowledgeable. It was a perfect morning, just the right amount of time out on the water. The manager also met us before the trip at the meeting point at the Aida Seafood Restaurant. We were able to use the facilities and purchase water after the trip. They arranged a Tuk-Tuk for us, from Kosgoda and back. This was 4,000 LKR (approx £10) extra. It arrived at the agreed time to collect us and was waiting for us on our return. We had the choice of a car also for £20. We booked through Viator before our trip and thought it was excellent value for money.
A wonderful way to spend the late afternoon, topped of with a spectacular sunset
katherinemP3137ZG,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous end to our amazing Sri Lankan holiday. Our guide Ranga excelled in spotting the wildlife and went out of his way to assist me in my photo taking when it was difficult for me. We saw a multitude of different species, however the monkeys were absolutely the highlight. I definitely would recommend this river cruise, with the spectacular sunset to top the afternoon off.
Excellent trip
monenaManchester,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip- really friendly crew and very knowledgeable. The sunset was amazing!
So much to see that we would never find on our own.
81nikkit,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous experience. Right from the punctual pick up from our hotel, we were shown wonderful sights from tiny sea snakes, chameleons, fruit bats, stunning bird life and the opportunity to feed some monkeys. The magnificent sunset was one I will never forget. Highly recommend.
Great river boat cruise
Vaneet G,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. The boatman was excellent and patiently took us around The booking was very easy to do
Worth it!
Viktoria S,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We previously asked if we could take our 1.5-year-old daughter with us and received positive feedback. We were excited to go on the boat and were very rewarded. Our guide Nicholas gave everything to inspire us. His close look has shown us tiny snakes that we would never have discovered ourselves and when he realized that our daughter desperately wanted to see a crocodile, he combed the mangroves until he could show her one - really quite classy!
We had a really...
Michelle P,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a really great boat tour and can absolutely recommend it. Picking up from the hotel was very straightforward and punctual, so the trip could start relaxed. Our tour guide was incredibly nice, friendly and told us many interesting things about the area and the animals throughout the tour. You could tell that he knows his way around and does his job with passion. The boat trip itself was beautiful and very quiet. We could see many animals in their natural environment, including monkeys, snakes and even crocodiles – a truly impressive experience. The absolute highlight for us was feeding the monkeys fruit. The animals came very close to the boat and it was an unforgettable moment to experience them up close. Overall a perfectly organized tour with great impressions and a super guide. We would definitely book them again!
Highly recommend bentota boat trip Better than I expected very much recommend
Julie B,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brilliant few hours do monkeys crocodiles water monitor birds And lots more Lovely guide very experienced
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Operated by Shiran Travels & Tours