Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Bentota River Boat Safari is organized by Bentota Travel Mart ( BTM ) for the travelers who are in Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda , Ahungalla, Balapitiya, Ambalangoda, Aluthgama, Beruwala, Maggona, Kalutara, Waskaduwa and Wadduwa areas and free pick-up & drop-off are included from these areas.
If you are looking to gain a unique experience of lagoon safari witnessing mangroves and some rare animals including crocodiles, Bentota River Safari is the best activity in Bentota.
Key Points:
• River Safari can be started at any selected times between 7.00am & 4.00pm.
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Spend some time in the nature exploring the third largest river in the Island.
• Observe wildlife in their natural habitats such as Water Monitors, River Birds include kingfisher, bee-eater, egrets, eagles, fruit bats, cormorants, Monkeys and maybe even a rare crocodile...etc
•Relax onboard and take in the beautiful views of the mangrove
This is an All Inclusive Package & No Hidden Costs.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Boat Trip can be started anytime before 4pm at your convenient time.
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
This is a full package activity which includes entrance fees, activity charges, transportation and taxes for above mentioned activities & attractions.
What To Expect
Bentota River
River Bentota, the legendary river in southern part of the country, flows into the Indian Ocean forming a lagoon at the last section of the river. The River Bentota and the lagoon set up the widest array of water sports among all the beach resorts of Sri Lanka. Jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing or enjoying a romantic river safari along the clam waters are some of the activities that are well known in the area. It has an amazing bio-diversity with all to be experienced within walking distance. Bentota River Boat Safari is more popular and well known for the tourists for witnessing crocodiles in their wild habitat as well as witnessing the amazing aquatic species, fauna & flora of the Bentota River.
Bentota Travel Mart
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Options
From Balapitiya / Ambalangoda
Pick up from: Balapitiya & Ambalangoda areas. Starting points: Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka Balapitiya, Sri Lanka Pickup included
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Pick up from Bentota Starting point: Bentota, Sri Lanka Pickup included
Pick up frm Beruwala/Aluthgama
Pick up from: Beruwala & Aluthgama areas Starting points: Aluthgama, Sri Lanka Beruwala, Sri Lanka Pickup included
Pick up from Bentota /Induruwa
Pick up from: Bentota & Induruwa areas Starting points: Bentota, Sri Lanka Induruwa, Sri Lanka Pickup included
Pick up from Ahungalla/Kosgoda
Pick up from: Ahungalla & Kosagoda areas. Starting points: Ahungalla, Sri Lanka Kosgoda, Sri Lanka Pickup included
Pick Up from Kalutara /Wadduwa
Pick up from: Kalutara, Maggona, Waskaduwa & Wadduwa areas. Starting points: Kalutara, Sri Lanka Maggona, Sri Lanka Wadduwa, Sri Lanka Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka Pickup included
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Bottled water
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Local taxes
Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
111 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent 2hr boat ride on the Bentota river
Debra V,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great communication and prompt pick up from our hotel by tuk tuk followed by a wonderful two hour boat trip on the Bentota river this morning. Harin, our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and great at spotting lots of wildlife as we travelled peacefully along the river and the mangroves. We saw several water monitors, crocodiles, bats, fish eagles, many different birds, waterhens, brown monkeys and families of langurs. A great way to spend the morning. Highly recommend this tour!!
Excellent experience
P7220SWmattk,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I could not recommend the river safari in Bentota more. Hari was an exceptional, friendly and knowledgeable guide whose love of wildlife was apparent from the start. We were lucky and were able to see a large array of wildlife from kingfishers, eagles, chameleons, bats, monitor lizards and crocodiles of all sizes (from babies to extremely large adults). However the experience of going deep into mangroves is breathtaking and worth the experience regardless of wildlife you are able or see on the day. Would highly recommend booking and would happily do the tour all over again!
River safari
Stephen G,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyable experience. I would recommend it. Polite and friendly both the driver and boat guide. We saw a number of local wild life.
A birthday and experience to remember!
Dreamer43993372682,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Harindra was hands down the best tour guide we’ve ever had — and we’ve travelled to many places around the world. He is an exceptional, kind, and genuinely caring person who went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. It was my birthday, and Harindra surprised me by arriving at the boat with a birthday banner and then, halfway through the river cruise, presenting me with a birthday cake. It was such a thoughtful and touching gesture that made the entire experience incredibly special and memorable. The river cruise itself was absolutely amazing. We were lucky enough to see monkeys swinging through the trees, baby crocodiles and even a larger one, iguanas, and an incredible variety of birds and wildlife. The scenery and atmosphere were just pure magic. Harindra provided outstanding service from start to finish, and his passion and knowledge truly elevated the entire cruise. I would 10,000% recommend booking this river cruise — you will not be disappointed! Thank you Harindra for being the best guide and Sam for communicating with us who was also very accommodating and exceptional at coming back to me so quickly on messages.
Awesome River Safari Bentota
shidoshiu,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a number of trips through Viatours & Get your Guide, these were routed through the Bentota Travel Mart, as soon as we had booked I was contacted by Sam the tour manager who confirmed the bookings and made us aware of any info we needed & sorted out any additional tickets needed for certain trips. The day before the river safari Sam contacted us with details of our collection driver Suran who was excellent and had arrived early and a pic of the vehicle via whats app. The river safari was fantastic it was a private tour so just us and our Guide Sumal, Sumal shared his knowledge of the wildlife and was great at spotting even the smaller animals/birds and amphibians from the boat. The tour included a trip through the mangrove sections, the large river up to the point where it joins the sea and the forest area, in total it took about 2 hrs and was well worth it, we thought it was excellent value for money. 5 star rating from us for both the tour operators and the individuals who looked after us Sam, Suran and Sumal. Would def recommend and would do the trip again should we revisit in the future. many thanks Dave & Kathryn T
Great tour with Sumal
Brenda H,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour. We had a very enthusiastic guide who ensured we had a memorable experience. We saw 3 crocodiles
Respectfull river safari
Ana R,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We enjoyed a River Safari with Bentota Travel Mart agency. They were very professional. All the process, from the booking, the pickup service and the safari was smooth and save. The guide, Harinda, was great, kind and informative. The thing we liked most was the respectful way in of how Harinda approached the animals. We sighted several Srilanken birds, a large crocodile, and a snake among the others. It was expensive but it was really good
Perfect!
F109UJannab,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Best service! Harry was great boatsman. Nows what and how to do. There was, also, fresh coconut whater and peanaple. Recomend for sure.
Amazing experience
Climber66027625351,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went twice! First time in 2024 with my Husband, and yesterday we sent our parents on this tour too. The guide is so very kind, it's such a peaceful and fun experience. Our parents truly enjoyed. They are still happily raving about the King Coconut and Pineapple that was served mid tour! Highly recommend!
River safari experience
Traveltheworld114,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a memorable day. 2 hours approximately on the river cruise, with various animals being carefully shown by the experienced tour guide. Highly recommended.
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Operated by Bentota Travel Mart