Paradise for nature lovers and watersports enthusiasts, Kalpitiya sits between the lagoon and the sea on the North Western coast. Renowned for observing large pods of dolphins and whales offshore, Kalpitiya is designated as a marine sanctuary with bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangrove swamps, marshes and vast sand dunes. The 307 sq.km Bar Reef is the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka.

Rich in biodiversity, the reef is home to tropical fish manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. The best time to visit Kalpitiya is between October and May.