Port City Marina Promenade
A developing waterfront promenade offering scenic ocean views and a refreshing escape, with a dedicated dog park and potential for future marina ameni...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, beautiful light
Port City Marina Promenade
Best Time
Cooler temps, beautiful light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A developing waterfront promenade offering scenic ocean views and a refreshing escape, with a dedicated dog park and potential for future marina amenities.
"A well-planned promenade with beautiful ocean views, though still under development and with early closing times."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit for sunrise or sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The promenade is great for walking, but sand can be tricky. Stick to the paved paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Indian Ocean facing side
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean from this scenic waterfront. A perfect spot for reflection and photos.
Waterfront Promenade Walk
Along the Indian Ocean
Enjoy a refreshing stroll or jog along the well-designed path, offering ocean breezes and city skyline views.
Dog-Friendly Zone
Dedicated play area
A pleasant surprise for pet owners, this area offers a safe and fun space for dogs to play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Under Construction Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit for sunrise or sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The promenade is great for walking, but sand can be tricky. Stick to the paved paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get very hot during the day, so bring plenty of water.
🐶 Dog Owners Rejoice!
There's a dedicated dog play area, making it a great spot for your furry friends.
The Marina promenade last night.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit for sunrise or sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The promenade is great for walking, but sand can be tricky. Stick to the paved paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get very hot during the day, so bring plenty of water.
🐶 Dog Owners Rejoice!
There's a dedicated dog play area, making it a great spot for your furry friends.
🚧 Be Aware of Construction
The area is still developing, so expect some ongoing construction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the well-planned waterfront promenade and the beautiful ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The dog-friendly area is a unique highlight. However, many note the ongoing construction and express a desire for extended opening hours beyond 6 PM, as the area can get very hot during the day.
"Go respectfully and leave respectfully. Dont stay here till 6pm. These staff never let you to stay even until sunset. If the clock ticked 6pm securities comes to action and force the ppl to leave. You can see Colombo city from another different view from here. The place is really well planned and designed. If someone being to Singapore or UAE, you can see same type walking path here. Eventhough this is not completed, still ppl used to admire. Let's hope for the best from this project.
Security staffs are rude may be it's due to locals behaviour issues otherwise they will not be able to control the croud.
My suggestion is rather opening this on daytime, management should think on keep this open on night time. At least by 10pm. So ppl can enjoy the place and sunset.
Place too hot during day time."
Irshad JM
"Pretty. Under construction. Good spot to walk during sunset or sunrise. But I don't see the point in this project. Sri Lanka is what it is. We don't have to attempt to be Dubai or something."
Zainab Hudha
"The Marina Promenade is family friendly with many options for recreation. I entered from the Plaza, which had a number of cafes and some lively music playing.
Emerging on the other side, I found myself face to face with the Indian Ocean. I turned left and began to walk. In the distance, I could see the Shangri La and the One Galle Face.
I think I saw a couple of adventurers enjoying kitesurfing too. It made me really happy to see the Marina Promenade was dog–friendly with a dedicated play area for dogs!
But it was difficult to walk on the sand with my shoes on. So, I moved to the cycling/ walking track running parallel to the beach. The evening breeze was soothing.
I spent a good half an hour walking up and down the track, abrupting at least a couple of times a prewedding photoshoot that was going on."
Let's Go Sightseeing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is currently from the Plaza area, which has cafes. You can also reach it via the walking track parallel to the beach, with views of Shangri-La and One Galle Face. For those coming from further afield, consider public transport to Colombo city center and then a taxi or tuk-tuk to the promenade.
Information on dedicated parking is limited due to ongoing development. It's advisable to check local transport options or use ride-sharing services.
While direct public transport to the promenade itself might be limited, you can take public transport to Colombo city and then a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the promenade is generally free, but access times can be restricted, with security sometimes asking people to leave by 6 PM.
Current hours seem to be limited, with visitors often asked to leave by 6 PM. There's a desire from visitors to have it open later, especially at night.
Yes, the area is still largely under development, with a new marina being built. While there's a nice waterside path, much of the project is ongoing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, and taking in ocean views. There's also a dedicated dog play area and it's a popular spot for pre-wedding photoshoots.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly with options for recreation and a pleasant atmosphere, especially during cooler parts of the day.
Yes, there are opportunities to charter a yacht from the marina area.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated play area for dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The city skyline also provides a unique backdrop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Plaza area, where you can enter, has a number of cafes. More extensive dining options are expected as the development progresses.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local regulations or be mindful of waste if bringing your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront facing the Indian Ocean is ideal for sunset shots. The city skyline provides a contrasting backdrop. Pre-wedding photoshoots are common here.
Drone usage regulations can vary, and with ongoing construction, it's best to check local advisories before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting closer to sunset for a more comfortable experience. The cafes at the entrance plaza can provide a quick snack or drink. As the area is still under development, keep an eye on children and be aware of any construction zones.
🐶 Pet Owners
Remember to bring water for your pets, especially during warmer parts of the day. While the sand can be challenging with shoes on, the paved tracks are ideal for walks. Be aware of the 6 PM exit time, which might limit longer evening excursions with your pets.
📸 Photographers
Pre-wedding photoshoots are a common sight, highlighting the picturesque nature of the location. While the ongoing construction might present some visual challenges, it also offers a unique perspective on urban development. Be sure to check any local regulations regarding photography equipment, especially drones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Development
Despite the construction, the existing promenade is well-designed, offering a clean and scenic path for walking and enjoying the ocean breeze. It's been compared to similar waterfront developments in places like Singapore and the UAE, suggesting a high standard of planning.
For now, the focus for visitors is on enjoying the accessible parts of the promenade, particularly during the cooler hours of the day. The views of the Indian Ocean and the Colombo skyline are a major draw, making it a worthwhile visit even in its current state.
Best Times and Visitor Experience
However, it's important to note that access can be restricted. Some reviews mention security personnel asking visitors to leave by 6 PM, which can be disappointing for those hoping to enjoy the full sunset or evening ambiance.
During the day, the promenade can become quite hot, making it less comfortable for extended visits. The presence of cafes at the entrance plaza offers some respite, but for a truly enjoyable experience, aiming for the cooler parts of the day is highly recommended.
Community Insights and Future Hopes
There's a recurring sentiment that the promenade offers a different perspective of Colombo city, especially when viewed from the waterfront. The potential for yacht chartering also adds to its allure.
Despite the current limitations, there's a general hope that the project will be completed to its full potential, offering more amenities and extended access hours. The desire for the promenade to be open later, perhaps until 10 PM, is frequently expressed, suggesting a strong community interest in maximizing the enjoyment of this developing urban space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit