From Colombo: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 1
From Colombo: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 2
From Colombo: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 3
From Colombo: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 4
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From Colombo: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City

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Colombo, Sri Lanka
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About this activity

Explore Sri Lanka's pristine wetlands and coastal treasures in one immersive 9-hour day trip from Colombo. Navigate the biodiverse Madu River estuary by boat through ancient mangrove forests, visit a sea turtle hatchery near Galle, snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Hikkaduwa, and walk the historic ramparts of Galle Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Madu River, a wetland estuary spreading over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares are covered with water and inhabited with 64 islands. The boat ride is a wonderful way to take a closer look at this complex wetland ecosystem, a world heritage site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, being one of the last wetlands in Sri Lanka to contain a pristine mangrove forest. 

Journey past massive mangrove forests, glide under the canopy of the forest tunnels as they curve playfully towards the watercourse. If it's later in the evening watch the fishermen in their canoes lighting lanterns on traps that catch prawn and other shellfish. It's certainly going to be a memorable day-out on the serene waters of the unforgettable Madu River! After an exciting Madu riverboat trip, drive down to Galle on the highway and visit a Turtle hatchery near Galle to see various species of Sea Turtles, if you wish you could even release a baby Turtle to the Ocean.

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, about 20 km north-west of Galle. Hikkaduwa is famous for its beach and corals. Villages affected were Telwatta, Paraliya, Dodanduwa, Kahawa, Rathgama. The place is on the way from Colombo to Galle on the famous Galle road. It is primarily a tourist destination, and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel, and enjoy the sun.

A city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone seawalls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip. Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, Galle's core is the Fort, a walled enclave surrounded on three sides by the ocean. A key part of the Fort’s appeal is that it isn’t just a pretty place. Sure, tourism now dominates the local economy, but this unique city remains a working community: there are administrative offices and courts, export companies, schools, and colleges.

Highlights

  • ✓Boat safari through 900-hectare Madu River wetland with 64 islands and pristine mangrove tunnels
  • ✓Spot diverse birdlife and observe traditional evening fishing with lantern-lit prawn traps
  • ✓Sea turtle hatchery visit with optional release of baby turtles to the ocean
  • ✓Snorkel Hikkaduwa's coral reefs on Sri Lanka's south coast
  • ✓Explore the 17th-century Galle Fort with sweeping Indian Ocean views
  • ✓Ramsar Convention–protected ecosystem—one of Sri Lanka's last intact mangrove forests

Insider tips

  • ★Visit the Madu River section early morning to catch fishermen setting up lantern traps and maximize wildlife spotting; evening light transforms the mangrove canopy into a golden tunnel.
  • ★Book the turtle release activity in advance if important to you; hatcheries can limit numbers on busy days.
  • ★Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for Hikkaduwa snorkeling to protect coral and your skin from extended sun exposure.
  • ★Arrive at Galle Fort by late afternoon to avoid peak heat; the fort's western ramparts offer the best golden-hour photography and cooling coastal breezes.

Good to know

  • •Total duration: 9 hours including transfers from Colombo; bring sunscreen, hat, and light cover-up for variable sun and water exposure.
  • •Boat rides on Madu River are calm but small motorized boats; not suitable for those with severe motion sensitivity.
  • •Snorkeling at Hikkaduwa requires basic swimming ability; life jackets available; reef conditions vary by season.
  • •Galle Fort exploration is largely on historic stone ramparts with some uneven surfaces; wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • •Pickup and drop-off from central Colombo hotels typically included; confirm meeting point and time with operator the day before.

Who it's for

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking intact ecosystems and birdwatching opportunitiesBeach and water-sports lovers (snorkelers, casual surfers)Cultural history buffs interested in colonial forts and maritime heritageConservation-minded travellers eager to support turtle protection initiatives

Best time to visit

Visit during the dry season (December–March) when Madu River wildlife is most active, sea conditions calm, and Hikkaduwa's coral visibility is excellent. Early morning departures (before 8 a.m.) offer the best light and wildlife viewing on the river.

Frequently asked questions

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From€140
per person