Sri Lanka · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
The good boat trips go early and the great ones go earlier. Below: the 15 to lock in before you fly, what each includes and how they differ.
Private Mirissa whale watching by twin-engine sports boat, with breakfast, naturalist commentary, onboard restroom, and paid pickup.
“Great whale, dolphin and turtle spotting experience. Wonderful staff and an excellent, clean boat. We had a whale of a time :)”
Explore Galle Fort, meet rescued sea turtles, and cruise Madu River on a private Sri Lankan day tour with transport included.
“The tour highlights were the Madu River water safari and the Turtle Conservation project. During water safari, we were taken to a small cinnamon plantation, temple and saw wildlife including birds, monitor lizards as well as a baby crocodile. The sea turtle conservation centre was very informative and the life cycle of the turtles was clearly explained, as well as how turtles are cared for, and release back to the wild where possible, after having been injured after being trapped in fishing nets or also by environmental contamination. Our tour guide Sakun, was friendly and more than helpful, going well out of his way to take us to places that…”
Paddle Pottuvil Lagoon near Arugam Bay through mangroves, spotting birds, crocodiles, bats and elephants on a quiet three-hour safari.
“Shiham was an unbelievable guide. Very knowledgeable, but also very friendly and funny, even stopped to let us join in a game of cricket on the way back. The tour itself was very good. Peaceful trip on the lagoon and through the mangroves. Got to see alot of interesting wildlife such as a range of birds, fish, monkeys, crocodiles and even three elephants. Would highly recommend”
Explore Bentota River’s mangroves by boat, spotting crocodiles, monkeys, kingfishers, and more with a private guide for $20.
“Our guide Nicholas is knowledgeable and knows everything about the river and mangrove. We were able to spot a variety of birds, snakes and even three crocodiles. We had a great time during this safari trip.”
Review the Madu River boat safari near Bentota, with mangroves, wildlife, a Buddhist island temple, cinnamon, and fish foot massage.
Cruise Negombo Lagoon by boat, spot mangroves and birds, feed monkeys, and enjoy tuk tuk transfers, fruit, drinks, and a private guide.
“We enjoyed the boat trip very much. The guides were very enthusiastic and took good care of us! Including smooth transfers from and to our hotel.”
Review of Trincomalee’s $40 dolphin and whale boat tour, with sunrise sailing, spinner dolphins, whale chances, practical tips, and honest wildlife concerns.
“Fajna przygoda, widzieliśmy wiele delfinów, przewodnik był zaangażowany. Niestety nie widzieliśmy wieloryba...”
Set out from Mirissa at dawn for a 4.5-hour whale and dolphin trip with hotel transfers, snacks, water, and an animal welfare ticket.
“Kaikki järjestelyt toimivat todella hyvin. Henkilökunta oli myös todella mukavaa porukkaa. Iso suositus tälle matkanjärjestäjälle!”
Cruise Negombo Lagoon through mangroves, spot birds and monkeys, and enjoy tuk-tuk transfers, fruit, coconut, and a peaceful local escape.
“Spent a nice half a day on the water. Saw various birds, cute monkeys and a very large lizard - water monitor. Snack stop was very welcome - fruit platter and coconut water from the real coconut. Smooth pickup & drop off at my hotel.”
Cruise Sri Lanka’s Madu River through mangroves, spot crocodiles, visit a cinnamon island, and enjoy a relaxed 1 to 2 hour safari.
“We had the boat to ourselves and our young guide was so great at spotting things of interest in the undergrowth. It was relaxing and fascinating all at once! As it was just us we picked the stops we wanted and not those we didn't! He found jellyfish, baby alligators and huge lizard. We visited a cinnamon island and saw lots of different plants and enjoyed the breeze of the river boat at speed!”
Glide through Kalametiya Sanctuary on a quiet private boat, spotting birds, mangroves, and coastal wildlife with a local guide.
“This was an incredible bird watching tour. The guide was extremely knowledgable and they take the time to make sure you see so many birds. Quite a magical place”
Review of Geeth’s Mirissa whale cruise, with whale and dolphin odds, breakfast, pickup details, safety, price, and practical booking advice.
“Good experienced crew who managed to find us whales. We had no problems everything ran smoothly would recommend”
Cruise Pahala Thalkote Lake near Sigiriya for sunrise or sunset, with tea, snacks, bird spotting, and clear views of two famous rocks.
“Nous pensions être à deux pour un tour privatif comme indiqué ici et avons été 8. Très déçue car l’annonce n’était pas conforme à ce qu’il s’est passé. En revanche le tour était très agréable.”
See Colombo’s Pettah markets, Buddhist temple, Parliament, and Independence Square on a practical small-group shore tour.
“The meet and greet part of this tour was awful. It was supposed that the pick up point would from inside the port as mentioned in the tour details, and I have paid additional money for that since there was another cheaper tour but pick up Read more”
Cruise Negombo’s Dutch Canal, lagoon, and Muthurajawela Wetland for birds, mangroves, village life, and a private guided boat ride.
“Norman was so kind and enthousiastic to tell us all about the city Negombo. He told us so much about the history and fun facts about the whole country. Norman had also taken care of a healthy and fresh lunch, we are very gratefull to have such a nice city guide. Thankyou!!!”
Pick a park, a ruin, a kitchen or a stretch of coast.
