From Galle: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 1
From Galle: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 2
From Galle: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 3
From Galle: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 4
Top Deal1 / 4

From Galle: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City

(5)
Galle, Sri Lanka
Boat ToursCultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsATV & Quad ToursBus & Minivan Tours
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Combine Sri Lanka's natural and cultural highlights on this comprehensive 9-hour day trip from Galle: explore the pristine Madu River wetlands by boat, visit a sea turtle conservation hatchery, and snorkel the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa beach. This itinerary delivers diverse ecosystems and wildlife encounters in one unforgettable journey.

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 prawns 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

  • ✓Navigate 900-hectare Madu River estuary through mangrove forest tunnels and 64 islands
  • ✓Spot fishermen using traditional lantern-lit traps for prawns at dusk (seasonal)
  • ✓Visit sea turtle hatchery and optionally release a hatchling to the ocean
  • ✓Snorkel Hikkaduwa's coral reefs and pristine beach south coast
  • ✓UNESCO Ramsar wetland site with one of Sri Lanka's last untouched mangrove forests

Insider tips

  • ★Book an afternoon/evening departure to catch traditional lantern fishing on Madu River—a photogenic and authentic experience rarely seen by day visitors
  • ★Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for Hikkaduwa's coral areas; the reef is shallow and accessible but fragile
  • ★The turtle release is optional and seasonal; confirm availability when booking if this is a priority
  • ★Wear light, quick-dry clothing; you'll transition between boat, car, and water activities

Good to know

  • •9-hour duration includes 1.5–2 hours Madu River boat time, 20 km highway drive to Galle, hatchery visit, and Hikkaduwa snorkeling
  • •Boat rides operate in small groups; bring sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses for glare on water
  • •Snorkeling gear typically provided or can be rented; confirm with operator if you prefer your own
  • •Meeting point is Galle; early morning pickup recommended to maximize daylight on river and reef
  • •Not wheelchair accessible due to boat embarkation and uneven terrain at hatchery and beach

Who it's for

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking mangrove ecosystems and sea turtle conservationSnorkelers and beach lovers wanting coral reef exploration near cultural landmarksPhotography-focused travelers interested in traditional fishing and wetland landscapesFamilies open to educational wildlife encounters (turtle release appeals to children)

Best time to visit

Visit October–April for calm seas, best snorkeling visibility, and active fisher activity on Madu River. Avoid May–September monsoon when rough waters limit reef access and reduce wildlife visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€131
per person