Negombo’s bustling streets and coastal charms are only the start of the adventure. Just a short drive away lies Kitulgala, where the real thrill begins. The Kelani River, with its Class III and IV rapids, beckons adventurous souls to embark on an exhilarating water rafting experience. Under the watchful eye of experienced guides, participants aged 12 to 99 can navigate the churning waters, feeling the adrenaline surge with every wave and turn. But the excitement doesn’t end there. What awaits after the journey is a delightful surprise that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Good To Know
- Experience an exhilarating 5-kilometer white water rafting adventure on the Kelani River in Kitulgala, located 3 hours from Negombo.
- Enjoy a full-day tour with professional instructors, complimentary hotel pickup/drop-off, and a delicious buffet lunch.
- Suitable for adults, children, and infants, with close supervision required for children during the activity.
- Flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Consistently praised for its thrilling experience, safety protocols, and seamless logistics by satisfied customers.
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Tour Overview
This white water rafting adventure takes place in the scenic town of Kitulgala, Sri Lanka, approximately 3 hours from the beachside town of Negombo.
Participants will enjoy a 5-kilometer rafting experience on the Kelani River, known for its thrilling Class III and IV rapids.
The full-day tour lasts 10 hours, including travel time. Priced from £69.87 per person, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, and a buffet lunch.
With its free cancellation policy, travelers can book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if plans change up to 24 hours in advance.
This adventure is suitable for adults, children, and infants, though pregnant women and wheelchair users are advised against participating.
Itinerary Details
Leaving from their Negombo hotels around 7:00 AM, guests embark on a 2-3 hour journey to the banks of the Kelani River in Kitulgala. Upon arrival, they receive a comprehensive safety briefing from professional instructors, ensuring they are well-prepared for their white water rafting adventure. After the briefing, they’ll hop into their rafts and tackle the exhilarating rapids, navigating through the lush, verdant landscape. Following their rafting experience, they’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Plantation Hotel before making the 4-hour return journey to Negombo.
| Itinerary Details | |
|---|---|
| Pickup | Negombo hotel |
| Transfer | Kelani River |
| Safety Briefing | Professional |
| Lunch | Plantation Hotel |
| Return Journey | Negombo |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a number of convenient amenities to ensure a hassle-free experience for guests.
Bottled water is provided to keep you hydrated throughout the adventure. Hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned vehicle make for a comfortable journey, while an English-speaking driver ensures smooth transportation.
The highlight, of course, is the white water rafting experience itself, led by professional instructors.
- Bottled water
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off
- English-speaking driver
While the tour covers the essentials, any additional food, drinks, or optional activities like abseiling and zipline are at your own expense.
Participant Suitability
The white water rafting adventure in Kitulgala caters to a wide range of participants, from adults and children to even infants.
Thrill-seekers aged 12 to 99 will delight in navigating the rapids, while kids aged 2 to 11 can join in the fun under close supervision.
Even infants 1 and under are welcome, though they’ll require extra care and safety precautions.
Pregnant women and wheelchair users, however, should avoid this activity due to the physical demands and potential risks.
With the right preparation and guidance, adventurers of all ages and abilities can safely enjoy the exhilarating white water rafting experience in Kitulgala.
Packing Essentials
Packing the right gear is key to making the most of the white water rafting adventure in Kitulgala. A comfortable, quick-drying swimsuit and shorts will ensure you stay agile and dry as you navigate the rapids.
Sturdy water shoes with good traction will provide the stability and grip needed to confidently maneuver the river.
And don’t forget to bring a wide-brimmed sun hat and polarized sunglasses to protect against the glare and intensity of the Sri Lankan sun.
- Comfortable, quick-drying swimsuit and shorts
- Sturdy water shoes with good traction
- Wide-brimmed sun hat and polarized sunglasses
Health Requirements
Vaccinated passengers must provide a negative PCR report and stay in a Level 1 hotel prior to the white water rafting tour in Kitulgala. This requirement ensures the safety and well-being of all participants. Unvaccinated passengers, on the other hand, must complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine before joining the adventure.
| Health Requirements | Vaccinated Passengers | Unvaccinated Passengers |
|---|---|---|
| PCR Test | Negative report required | N/A |
| Hotel Stay | Level 1 hotel | 14-day quarantine |
| Tour Participation | Allowed | Not allowed |
The tour operator takes health and safety seriously, prioritizing the well-being of their guests. These guidelines help create a worry-free, exhilarating white water rafting experience in the lush, scenic Kitulgala region.
Cancellation Policy
Canceling a booking is hassle-free with the tour operator’s flexible cancellation policy. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind and flexibility.
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Clients can easily modify or cancel their reservation without penalty, allowing them to adapt to changing plans or unexpected circumstances.
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The liberal cancellation terms demonstrate the tour provider’s commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.
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This policy is particularly valuable for spontaneous travelers or those with unpredictable schedules, empowering them to book with confidence.
Customer Feedback
Travelers consistently rave about the thrilling white water rafting experience offered by this tour. Reviewers praise the tour’s attentive safety protocols and the skill of the professional guides, who expertly navigate the rushing Kelani River.
"I’ve never felt so exhilarated!" exclaims one GetYourGuide traveler from Denmark. Riders describe the adrenaline-pumping rapids and the breathtaking scenery along the river’s lush, verdant banks.
Many highlight the tour’s convenient logistics, from the seamless hotel pickup to the delicious post-rafting lunch. With a perfect 5/5 customer rating, this adventure delivers an unforgettable day of white-knuckle excitement amidst Sri Lanka’s stunning natural beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum group size. Guests can book the white water rafting experience individually or with their own group. The private air-conditioned vehicle will transport them to and from the rafting site.
Is There an Age Limit for Children Participating?
The tour is suitable for children aged 2-11 years old. Infants under 1 year are also allowed to participate. However, the activity is not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users for safety reasons.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours to accommodate groups of any size, allowing you to enjoy the white water rafting experience on your own schedule.
Are Life Jackets and Safety Gear Provided?
Yes, life jackets and safety gear are provided as part of the white water rafting experience. The tour operator ensures participants’ safety by equipping them with the necessary protective equipment before setting out on the Kelani River.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Rafting Trip?
Customers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the rafting trip. The tour includes bottled water, but all other food and drinks must be purchased separately. Participants will enjoy a buffet lunch at the Plantation Hotel after the rafting experience.
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The Sum Up
Embark on an exhilarating water rafting adventure amidst Kitulgala’s breathtaking natural beauty. Challenge Class III and IV rapids, guided by experienced professionals, for an unforgettable experience. Savor a delectable buffet lunch afterward, leaving you with cherished memories of your thrilling journey. This water rafting tour in Negombo offers the perfect escape for thrill-seekers, promising an adrenaline-filled day in a stunning riverside setting.