Paramotoring

Paramotoring in Sri Lanka means a tandem flight with a certified pilot, sitting in a harness under a paraglider wing pushed by a small motor on the pilot's back. Flights take off from the beach near Bentota and Aluthgama on the south-west coast and follow the shoreline and river mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. You need no training, just calm weather and a head for heights.

Where can you go paramotoring in Sri Lanka?

The main site is Bentota and Aluthgama, about an hour and a half south of Colombo by expressway. From the air you see the long golden beach, the Bentota River mouth, mangroves and palm-covered islands, and fishing boats offshore. Some operators also fly at other coastal sites such as Kalpitiya, depending on the season.

Many tours combine a flight with a boat safari on the Bentota River or Madu Ganga, which makes a full half day on the coast.

What is a paramotor flight like?

After a safety briefing, you are clipped into a seat harness in front of the pilot. You take a few running steps along the sand or launch from a trolley, and the wing lifts you off. Climbing out over the sea is the most exciting part. Once up, the flight is surprisingly smooth and quiet enough to talk, and the pilot may turn off the motor briefly to glide.

Landing is on the beach, usually on your feet with a few steps forward. The whole visit, including briefing and waiting, takes about an hour.

When is the best time to fly?

Paramotors only fly in calm, mild weather, never in strong or gusty wind or rain. On the south-west coast, the most reliable months are roughly November to April, outside the southwest monsoon. Flights usually run in two windows, early morning and late afternoon, when the air is calmest.

Expect weather cancellations. Pilots decide on the day, and a cancelled flight is the right call, not a bad service.

Who can fly?

Operators set a minimum age (usually above about 14) and minimum and maximum weight limits so the pilot can launch and land safely. Bring your passport, which operators ask for. People with back, neck or heart problems, or who are pregnant, should not fly. If you have a strong fear of heights, this may not be for you.

Is paramotoring safe?

It is an adventure sport, so choose your operator carefully. In Sri Lanka, paramotor pilots and instructors should be certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. Ask about pilot certification, insurance, the age of the equipment, and whether they inspect the motor and wing before each flight.

Paramotoring is a paid activity priced per flight. Check what is included, such as photos, video or hotel transfers, before you book. You can find adventure operators on VisitLanka and contact them directly.

What to wear and bring

Wear casual clothes and closed sports shoes, not sandals. Remove hats, loose jewellery and anything that could fall off in flight. Sunglasses with a strap are fine. Most operators supply a helmet. Leave your phone with the ground crew unless they provide a secure mount.

Where to stay

Stay in Bentota, Aluthgama or Induruwa to be close to the launch site for early flights. Browse beach hotels and guesthouses on VisitLanka. From Bentota, it is an easy drive to Galle and the south coast.

Add a coastal flight to your beach days: Plan your Sri Lanka trip on VisitLanka.

Common questions

Where can I do paramotoring in Sri Lanka?

Mainly at Bentota and Aluthgama on the south-west coast. Some operators also fly at other coastal sites depending on the season.

How long is a paramotor flight?

Most tandem flights last about 10 to 20 minutes in the air. Allow around an hour for the briefing, waiting and landing.

Do I need experience to go paramotoring?

No. You fly in tandem with a certified pilot who controls everything, and you get a briefing before take-off.

Is there an age limit for paramotoring in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Operators usually require passengers to be above about 14 years old and within set weight limits. Check the rules when you book.

What is the difference between paramotoring and parasailing?

Parasailing pulls you behind a boat on a rope. Paramotoring is a free flight with a pilot and a small motor, so you can fly along the coast and inland.