River Safari Bentota

The River Safari Bentota is a captivating eco-adventure nestled along the tranquil Bentota River in the heart of Sri Lanka. For those seeking an immersive encounter with the region’s diverse wildlife, this two-hour guided tour promises an unforgettable experience. As visitors glide through the serene waterways, they’ll have the chance to spot an array of fascinating creatures, from majestic water monitors to playful monkeys and vibrant bird species. But the true highlight? The opportunity to interact with a baby crocodile, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. With convenient hotel pickup and a team of knowledgeable local guides, the River Safari Bentota offers a window into the wonders of Sri Lanka’s remarkable natural heritage.

This experience made our list of the 24 Best Safari Tours In Bentota.

Good To Know

• A captivating 2-hour river safari tour through the Bentota lagoon in Sri Lanka, showcasing diverse wildlife like water monitors, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds.
• Opportunity to take photos with a baby crocodile, facilitated by a knowledgeable local guide to enhance the immersive experience.
• Tour includes complimentary hotel pickup from Bentota and wheelchair accessibility for convenient and inclusive access.
• Situated within the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex, featuring luxury hotels, a shopping arcade, and cultural performances.
• Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants, highlighting the exceptional quality of the safari and unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s riverine ecosystem.

Overview of River Safari Bentota

The River Safari Bentota is a captivating day tour that takes visitors on an adventure through the serene Bentota lagoon in Sri Lanka.

Located in the coastal town of Bentota, this 2-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Rated 5.0 from 2 reviews, the safari is priced from $50.00 and includes free pickup from Bentota hotels.

Highlights include spotting water monitors, crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of birds and reptiles. Guests can also take photos with a baby crocodile and explore the surrounding Bentara River, which flows into the Indian Ocean.

With a knowledgeable local guide available, the River Safari Bentota provides an immersive and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

On the River Safari Bentota, visitors can look forward to an array of captivating highlights.

The tour begins with complimentary pickup from Bentota hotels, ensuring a seamless start to the experience. Guests will then venture into the serene Mangrove Lagoon, where they can spot a remarkable array of wildlife, including water monitors, birds, insects, crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, kites, eagles, bats, owls, and frogs.

One of the standout moments is the opportunity to take photos with a baby crocodile, providing a thrilling and memorable encounter.

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable local guide is available to assist and share insights, enhancing the overall experience.

Venue and Attractions

Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex, designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1970s, serves as the scenic venue for the River Safari Bentota.

The resort complex features luxury hotels and a shopping arcade offering an array of local crafts, including handcrafted drums, masks, and delicate lace.

At the heart of the resort, an open-air theatre hosts captivating folk and mask dancing shows, entertaining visitors with the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.

The resort is situated along the River Bentara, which flows into the Indian Ocean, creating a serene lagoon that’s the focal point of the river safari experience.

Accessibility and Additional Information

River Safari Bentota is wheelchair accessible, with transportation and tour surfaces accommodating visitors with mobility needs.

Guests can wear smart casual attire for the excursion, and infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, providing travelers with peace of mind.

The safari experience offers a unique opportunity to witness a diverse range of wildlife, including water monitors, crocodiles, and a variety of birds and insects.

With knowledgeable local guides on hand to assist, guests can enjoy the natural wonders of the Bentota River and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex.

Positive Reviews and Feedback

Overwhelmingly, the River Safari Bentota has garnered extremely positive reviews from past participants, who’ve enthusiastically praised the fantastic safari experience and the wealth of wildlife sightings.

Reviewers consistently highlight the expertise and knowledge of the local guide, Gayan, who provides invaluable assistance throughout the tour. One reviewer described the safari as "absolutely amazing," while another noted that there was "so much to see" during their excursion.

The 5-star rating based on 2 reviews further underscores the exceptional quality of this river safari, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Bentota.

Guests leave with unforgettable memories of their up-close encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse riverine ecosystem.

What to Expect on the Safari

Visitors can expect an immersive and captivating experience on the River Safari Bentota. The 2-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the mangrove lagoon and spot an array of wildlife, including water monitors, birds, insects, crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, kites, eagles, bats, owls, and frogs. Guests may even have the chance to take photos with a baby crocodile. The tour includes complimentary pickup from Bentota hotels and the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide.

Wildlife Sightings	Photo Opportunities
Water Monitors	Baby Crocodile
Birds	–
Insects	–

Planning Your Visit

Planning your visit to the River Safari Bentota is a straightforward process. You can book your tour directly on the provider’s website, with prices starting from $50 per person.

The tour includes pickup from your Bentota hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. The safari lasts around 2 hours, and you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife like water monitors, crocodiles, and birds.

Be sure to wear smart casual attire and bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infant seats are available.

With positive reviews highlighting the exceptional guide service and incredible wildlife sightings, the River Safari Bentota is a must-do activity during your time in Bentota.

Experiencing the River Bentara

Upon embarking on the River Safari Bentota, visitors are immersed in the serene beauty of the Bentara River and its surrounding mangrove lagoon.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife, including water monitors, birds, insects, crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, kites, eagles, bats, owls, and frogs.

The highlight is the chance to take photos with a baby crocodile, a thrilling experience facilitated by the knowledgeable local guide.

The safari also showcases the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex, designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, featuring luxury hotels and a shopping arcade showcasing local crafts.

The serene river and its abundant wildlife create an unforgettable adventure for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the safari tour. The tour operator allows guests to bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the 2-hour excursion through the Mangrove Lagoon.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges During the Tour?

According to the details provided, there are no additional fees or charges mentioned during the River Safari Bentota tour. The price quoted covers the entire 2-hour safari experience, including pickup from the hotel and the services of a local guide.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Safari?

While there’s no mention of an option to extend the duration of the safari, visitors can inquire about this possibility with the tour operator. They’ll likely need to pay an additional fee for any extension beyond the standard 2-hour tour.

Can I Request a Private Tour or Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, customers can request a private tour or customize the itinerary. The tour operator is typically willing to accommodate special requests, though additional fees may apply. Customization options and pricing can be discussed when booking the safari experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Considerations for Children?

There are no age restrictions for the River Safari Bentota tour, and children are welcome. Infant seats are available, making it suitable for families. However, parents should supervise their children closely due to the proximity to water bodies.

Sum Up

The River Safari Bentota offers an immersive and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. Guests can witness a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitats, from water monitors and crocodiles to monkeys and vibrant bird species. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to interact with a baby crocodile, providing a unique and memorable encounter. With its serene beauty and rich ecosystem, the Bentota lagoon showcases the exceptional natural wonders of Sri Lanka.