Rathgama Lake Kayaking
Well loved experience by many adventurers
2.5+ Hours
Easy
All year round
26°C & Partly Cloudy
Rathgama Lake
Paddle across the calm waters of Rathgama Lake
Rathgama Lake sits quietly behind the bustle of Hikkaduwa - a vast, calm stretch of water surrounded by mangroves, birdlife, and working fishing harbours. Most visitors drive straight past it. On a kayak, you get to actually explore it.
This 2.5-hour guided session takes you out on the lake at your own pace. Your guide paddles with you throughout, pointing out birds, navigating through the quieter channels, and taking you past the local harbour. Sessions run from early morning through to evening - if you time it right, the sunset from the water here is genuinely worth planning around.
No experience needed, no swimming required, and no fixed group size. Whether you're a solo traveller looking for something slow and scenic, or a group wanting a relaxed southern coast activity, this works for all of it.
Operation Hours
No fixed session times - simply arrive at the location and we'll get you on the water. Sessions are available daily from 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM. Evening arrivals are welcome if you'd like to catch the sunset from the lake.
Itinerary
On Arrival
Meet your guide at the Rathgama Lake base. Get fitted with your life jacket, receive a brief safety and paddling orientation, and collect your waterproof bag. Cool drinking water and a banana are served on arrival to get you ready for the water.
On the Water - 2.5 Hours
Set off across the open waters of Rathgama Lake with your guide. Paddle through calm lagoon channels, spot birdlife along the mangrove edges, and take in the wide, open views of the southern coastline at your own pace.
After the Tour
Wrap up back at the base with green tea served with kithul hakuru (palm jaggery) and a fresh yogurt - a well-earned end to your time on the water.
Location
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka's most beloved coastal towns, sitting along the southwestern shore about 100km south of Colombo. Known for its coral reefs, golden beaches, and relaxed pace, it draws everyone from surfers and snorkellers to travellers simply looking to slow down by the sea.
Private Transfers to Hikkaduwa
Need transfers from where you are to Hikkaduwa? Contact us today!
What‘s included and not
What‘s Included
2.5 hour guided kayaking session on Rathgama Lake
Life jacket
Waterproof phone cover and dry bag
Changing facilities and bathroom access
Bird watching along the route
Sunset viewing (evening sessions)
Green tea with kithul hakuru and yogurt after the tour
All applicable taxes
What‘s Not Included
Bottled water
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Additional services not mentioned in the package
Things to Know
Few things you’ll needed
Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable Shoes
Cameras
Bring along your good spirits and a thirst for adventure
Safety
No strict age limit - suitability assessed individually.
Do not consume alcohol, intoxicants, or heavy meals before activities.
We need to know if you are suffering from heart conditions, epilepsy, or any other medical condition before participating in our activities. Especially food allergies.
Be honest about your level of fitness. Do not attempt an activity if you are not in a condition to participate.
Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the activity. Make sure they're comfortable and that you won't mind them getting a bit damp or muddy.
Follow the guide’s instructions at all times. We are not liable for injuries or damages caused by ignoring safety briefings or instructions.
Safety is our top priority, so please respect the decision of your guide.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer all the General Terms and Conditions prior to your journey in addition to the below.
Please ensure that your health insurance policy is valid in Sri Lanka for the safety of all concerned and, most importantly, for you.
Guest Reviews
Reviews are gathered from various online review platforms.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable outdoor adventure.
We had the most amazing time on our kayak ride! From the moment we arrived, the team greeted us warmly and made sure we felt comfortable. They helped us with the kayak, guided us to some beautiful spots, and even helped capture some great photos along the way. After all the rowing, they treated us to tea and biscuits, which was such a thoughtful touch! The whole experience was relaxing, fun, and well-organized. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable outdoor adventure with friendly and caring hosts.
The location was absolutely beautiful.
I had an amazing kayaking experience here and would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun and peaceful outdoor activity. The staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and made sure we felt safe and comfortable from the beginning.And they treated us tea,water and some other things as well. The location was absolutely beautiful, with calm waters and stunning natural scenery all around. Paddling through the waterways was both relaxing and exciting at the same time. Their positive attitude and knowledge added a lot to the experience. Overall, it was a wonderful adventure and definitely one of the highlights of my trip. I would happily visit again and recommend this kayaking experience to friends, family, and anyone who loves nature and adventure.
Made us feel completely comfortable.
I had the most amazing kayaking experience with Kayak Adventure Rathgama Lake. From the very beginning, the warm welcome from the owner was a real pleasure. His knowledge and the professionalism of his well experienced team made us feel completely comfortable and confident throughout. It was a wonderful evening paddling across this beautiful, large, and exceptionally clean lake surrounded by nature. Although we missed the sunset due to bad weather, the overall experience was still brilliant, calm, unhurried, and filled with fun and relaxation. The small local fishing harbour nearby was perfect for a safe sea bath. The refreshments served before and after the kayak tour were lovely, and I especially enjoyed the trickle balls with plain tea, a perfect local touch!
The kayaking route itself was stunning.
From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming and explained everything clearly, which instantly put us at ease. The kayaks were well maintained, and the entire facility felt organized, safe, and professionally run. The kayaking route itself was stunning—peaceful waters, beautiful natural views, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. It’s an excellent experience for both first-time paddlers and those with more experience. Life jackets and proper safety equipment were provided, which made the trip feel even more secure. All in all, it was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation in nature.
The service is friendly & well-organized..
Kayak Adventure Rathgama offers a calm and beautiful kayaking experience on Rathgama Lake. The service is friendly, well-organized, and welcoming, making even beginners feel comfortable. The peaceful surroundings and helpful staff make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. I can give them 10 out of 10. Worth for the price and they provide yoghurt, water and after the ride tea, biscuits as refreshments. Highly recommended for a refreshing and memorable adventure! 🚣♂️🫶🏻
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANY LOCAL OR TOURIST 🥰 …
I went for a kayaking ride on last monday with few of friends and the ride was absolutely joyful and adventurous "Sehath" is such an amazing guy who has taken us more than 3hrs journey very safely. I felt very safe under their guidance even though it was my first kayaking experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANY LOCAL OR TOURIST 🥰 …