The wide Bentota River separates the sandy beaches, restaurants and bars of Beruwala from the adjacent resorts of Bentota. Most of the resorts in Bentota and Beruwela have been upgraded recently, with spas added to meet the demand for relaxing ayurvedic massage and other health and beauty treatments. Some of the best-located resorts are on the peninsula bathed on one side by the Indian Ocean, and on the other by the river, with coconut palms on both sides.
As with most major beach resorts along the southwest coast, many places in Bentota offer major water sports including swimming, water skiing on the rivers or estuaries, snorkelling, scuba diving, wind surfing, parasailing and fishing.
Though a prominent beach resort in Sri Lanka, Bentota remains pristine, its tranquil waters and idyllic beaches have earned it a position amongst Forbes Magazines Best Beaches in Asia in 2010.

Hikkaduwa, almost 100 kilometres south of Colombo, has long been known as Sri Lanka's most popular beach resort, famed for its surf and coral reef as well as its wide range of accommodation, food, fun and shopping. This is perhaps the only coastal region where that special holiday feeling dominates town, with shops selling resort wear, renting out bicycles, offering courses in scuba diving and selling all kinds of local souvenirs, batik fabric and jewellery. Today it's a favourite with the younger visitor and the vibrant nightlife also attracts young Sri Lankans looking for out-of-town fun and entertainment on the weekends.