Port City Colombo has quickly become one of the most talked about spots in the capital, and for good reason. It is a brand new stretch of reclaimed land right next to the Colombo CBD, home to Sri Lanka's only artificial beach, a growing marina, and a handful of activities you simply cannot do anywhere else in the city. If you are wondering what there actually is to do once you get inside, here is everything you need to know.
What is Port City Colombo?
Port City Colombo is a 269 hectare land reclamation project built right next to Galle Face Green and the Colombo Fort area. It is being developed as a Special Economic Zone, with plans for a financial district, residential precincts, and a marina once it is fully built out. For visitors, though, the appeal right now is simpler: an open waterfront area with an artificial beach, a promenade, and a cluster of adventure activities that have turned it into a genuine day trip destination inside the city.
How to get into Port City
Getting in is easy but there are a couple of things to know first.
- Entry to the public area is free. There is no ticket to walk in.
- You do need to make a reservation through the Port City Colombo app before you arrive. This generates a QR code that gets scanned at the entrance, so it works as your entry pass.
- The main entrance is right in front of the roundabout next to the Old Parliament building, just before Galle Face Green if you are driving in from the city.
- If you are coming by car, the vehicle entrance is open from 7:30 AM to 8:45 PM. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes are not allowed through this entrance, so plan your transport accordingly.
Once you are in, the activity providers each have their own booking and payment process, so the app reservation is really just for getting through the gate.
Top things to do at Port City Colombo
1. Go-karting at SpeedBay
SpeedBay is Port City's first and only karting track, run in partnership with the David Pieris Group. You get a short briefing, a training lap to get comfortable, and then time on the main circuit with a mix of straights and corners that make it more fun than your average go-kart session. Daytime, sunset, and night drives are all available, so it works well whether you are stopping by in the afternoon or looking for something to do after the sun goes down.
Riders need to be 8 years or older, roughly 1.2 metres tall, and under 120 kg to join the main track.
Book SpeedBay Karting at Port City with Rapid Adventures →
2. ATV rides across the dunes
The ATV track uses CanAm Outlander vehicles across three tracks graded for different skill levels, so both first timers and experienced riders get matched to something suitable. The ride takes you across sandy trails with the Colombo skyline and the port in the background, which is a big part of why this one photographs so well. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an instructor, and a co-rider can join from age 5, subject to availability.
Book ATV Rides at Port City with Rapid Adventures →
3. Sunset cruise from the marina
This is the slower paced option if you want something relaxing rather than adrenaline filled. It is a 3 hour shared sailing cruise departing from Colombo Marina between 4 PM and 7 PM, timed so you catch the sunset from the water. The boat stops near the artificial beach so you can swim or try stand up paddle boarding, and a welcome drink plus snacks are included. Shared cruises need a minimum of 4 passengers to run, so it is worth checking availability before you plan around it.
Book the Sunset Cruise at Port City with Rapid Adventures →
What else is there
Even without booking an activity, Port City is worth a visit just for the Beach Plaza, a stretch of restaurants along the artificial beach serving everything from Sri Lankan food to shawarma and BBQ. It is a popular spot to grab a meal with a sea view, especially in the evening once the heat of the day has passed. The promenade along the marina is also a nice place for a walk, and it gives you a different perspective of the Colombo skyline than you get from anywhere else in the city.
Practical tips before you go
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon into the evening works well for most people, since you avoid the midday heat and can time your visit around sunset.
- What to wear: Comfortable, closed toe shoes are needed for karting and ATV riding. Bring swimwear if you are doing the sunset cruise or just want to use the beach.
- Book ahead: Activities can fill up on weekends, so it is worth reserving a slot in advance rather than turning up and hoping for a spot.
- Combine activities: Since karting, ATV riding, and the cruise are all inside the same area, you can realistically fit two of them into one visit if you plan your timing around each activity's operating hours.
FAQ
Is there an entrance fee for Port City Colombo?
No, the public area is free to enter. You just need a reservation through the Port City app to get through the gate.
How much does go-karting cost at Port City?
SpeedBay karting starts from a set per-person rate for a track session. Check the current rate and available time slots on the booking page.
How much does the ATV ride cost?
ATV rides at Port City start from a set per-person rate, which includes the full riding session and safety gear. See current pricing on the ATV booking page.
Can I book a private yacht or cruise at Port City?
Yes, alongside the shared sunset cruise, private charters are available for special occasions. Reach out to Rapid Adventures directly for private booking options.
Is Port City Colombo good for kids?
Yes. The ATV track allows younger riders with an instructor, and the beach and promenade are family friendly. Karting has a minimum age and height requirement, so check that before booking for younger children.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Late afternoon through sunset gives you the best weather and the best views, especially if you are doing the sunset cruise or an evening karting session.
Sources: Port City Colombo official experience page, Tripadvisor: Port City Promenade, footsteps.lk: Things to Do in Port City Colombo, Ceylon Hunt: 10 Best Things to Do in Port City Colombo, and Rapid Adventures' own experience listings for SpeedBay Karting, ATV Rides, and the Sunset Cruise.
