Watch Stilt fishermen on wooden stilts
Bentota, Sri Lanka • 
Must Do
Must DoBentota, Sri Lanka
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
23°C – 30°C, january in bentota offers warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 30°C, january in bentota offers warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; walking required.
Not wheelchair accessible; walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed feelings: unique experience, but costs for photos.
Mixed feelings: unique experience, but costs for photos.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Picturesque Setting
Couples loved the romantic backdrop, perfect for photos and creating memories together.
Unique Culture
Witnessing the stilt fishermen was a unique cultural experience that couples cherished.
Photo Opportunity
Travelers raved about the stunning photo opportunities, capturing a slice of Sri Lanka.
Staged Experience
Couples felt the experience was a bit staged, more performance than authentic fishing.
Overpriced Photos
Travelers felt pressured to pay for photos, which detracted from the experience.
Not Authentic
Some couples felt the practice was more about tourism than a genuine livelihood.
Hours of operation
Monday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 6:30 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Watch Stilt Fisherman at Bentota coast.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
LOW
26-31°C
April marks the beginning of the rainy season with increased rainfall, yet mornings and early afternoons often remain sunny.
April marks the beginning of the rainy season with increased rainfall, yet mornings and early afternoons often remain sunny.
Open
Lower demand results in greater availability and potential discounts.
Lower demand results in greater availability and potential discounts.
Recommended
Despite increased rainfall, April can still be a pleasant time to visit, especially for those seeking a quieter experience.
Despite increased rainfall, April can still be a pleasant time to visit, especially for those seeking a quieter experience.
May
LOW
25-29°C
May marks the onset of the wet season in Bentota, characterized by heavy rainfall averaging around 347 mm over approximately 13 rainy days. Humidity levels are high, reaching up to 81%. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, with daytime highs around 30°C and nighttime lows around 26°C.
May marks the onset of the wet season in Bentota, characterized by heavy rainfall averaging around 347 mm over approximately 13 rainy days. Humidity levels are high, reaching up to 81%. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, with daytime highs around 30°C and nighttime lows around 26°C.
Open
While stilt fishing is traditionally practiced, the heavy rains and rough seas during May may limit the activity. It's advisable to check with local operators for current conditions.
While stilt fishing is traditionally practiced, the heavy rains and rough seas during May may limit the activity. It's advisable to check with local operators for current conditions.
Not recommended
May is the beginning of the monsoon season in Bentota, bringing heavy rains and high humidity. While the landscape becomes lush and green, outdoor activities, including stilt fishing, may be affected by the weather. Travelers seeking solitude and lower prices might find this period appealing, but should be prepared for wet conditions.
May is the beginning of the monsoon season in Bentota, bringing heavy rains and high humidity. While the landscape becomes lush and green, outdoor activities, including stilt fishing, may be affected by the weather. Travelers seeking solitude and lower prices might find this period appealing, but should be prepared for wet conditions.
June
LOW
25-28°C
June continues the monsoon season with heavy rainfall averaging around 343 mm over approximately 21 rainy days. Humidity remains high at 86%. Daytime temperatures average around 29.2°C, with nighttime lows around 25°C.
June continues the monsoon season with heavy rainfall averaging around 343 mm over approximately 21 rainy days. Humidity remains high at 86%. Daytime temperatures average around 29.2°C, with nighttime lows around 25°C.
Open
Stilt fishing may be limited due to rough sea conditions and heavy rains. It's recommended to consult local sources for current availability.
Stilt fishing may be limited due to rough sea conditions and heavy rains. It's recommended to consult local sources for current availability.
Not recommended
June experiences continued heavy rainfall and high humidity as part of the monsoon season. Outdoor activities, including stilt fishing, are often disrupted. However, the reduced tourist numbers and lower prices may appeal to those seeking a quiet retreat.
June experiences continued heavy rainfall and high humidity as part of the monsoon season. Outdoor activities, including stilt fishing, are often disrupted. However, the reduced tourist numbers and lower prices may appeal to those seeking a quiet retreat.
July
LOW
25-28°C
July sees a slight decrease in rainfall compared to June, with an average of 304 mm over approximately 21 rainy days. Humidity remains high at 86%. Daytime temperatures average around 28.7°C, with nighttime lows around 24.7°C.
July sees a slight decrease in rainfall compared to June, with an average of 304 mm over approximately 21 rainy days. Humidity remains high at 86%. Daytime temperatures average around 28.7°C, with nighttime lows around 24.7°C.
Open
Stilt fishing may still be affected by monsoon conditions. It's advisable to check with local operators for current availability.
Stilt fishing may still be affected by monsoon conditions. It's advisable to check with local operators for current availability.
Not recommended
July continues to experience monsoon rains and high humidity, though slightly less intense than in June. Outdoor activities, including stilt fishing, may still be impacted. Travelers seeking solitude and lower prices might find this period appealing, but should be prepared for wet conditions.
July continues to experience monsoon rains and high humidity, though slightly less intense than in June. Outdoor activities, including stilt fishing, may still be impacted. Travelers seeking solitude and lower prices might find this period appealing, but should be prepared for wet conditions.
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Organized tours often include shuttle services to the stilt fishing sites, providing a convenient option.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available from Colombo and the airport for direct travel to Bentota Beach.
Train
Recommended
Trains on the Southern Coastal Line stop at Bentota Railway Station, providing easy access to the viewing points.
Bus
Public buses from Colombo's Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal travel along Galle Road (A2) through Bentota.
Car
Driving to Bentota is straightforward, with parking available at Bentota Beach. The Southern Expressway (E01) offers a faster route.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
