About 37 km north of the capital and only 6 km from the International airport, Negombo, is more fascinating and picturesque in its history and everyday life than as a beach front. The town has several buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial days. The Negombo lagoon is famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns and fish auctions on the beach are worth a look. Old world fishing crafts such as the outrigger canoe and the catamaran are still used to bring in seer, skip jack and herrings. The gourmet can enjoy seafood in plenty.

About 58 km south of Colombo, Beruwala is the site of the oldest Moor settlement on the island (1024 AD) and the town even today retains a somewhat Arabic character. This is the beginning of a 130 km stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. There are several good beach resorts, built almost next to each other along the coast with beautiful tropical gardens and in such a way so as not to disturb the landscape. The bay offers good bathing possibilities the year round.

Very close to Beruwala, the beach there is beautiful. The Bentota River that curves in to the land behind the coast, offers water sport opportunities for windsurfing, water-skiing and catamaran rides.

The most popular beach area, Hikkaduwa has a varied choice of beach and sea. Quite famous for its 'coral sanctuary', a shallow area enclosed by a reef is full of multi coloured corals, and colourful tropical fish. A short distance southwards, as the reef fades out, there is a wider beach with good waves for board or body surfing. Glass bottomed boats; masks, snorkels and flippers can all be hired here. Enjoy the underwater delights but we urge you not to be tempted into buying or encouraging the sale of coral.

Mt-Lavinia beach is both high in historical value and beauty. The beach of Mt-Lavinia is situated 12 km from Colombo towards south. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea. Mt-Lavinia Beach is crowded on Sundays and public holidays with large crowd gathered to participate in many beach sports activities such as swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, beach rugby. Music by Live bands & Entertainment by DJs keep the toes of the crowd tapping.