From Hambantota: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 1
From Hambantota: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 2
From Hambantota: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 3
From Hambantota: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 4
From Hambantota: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City 5
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From Hambantota: Boat Safari & Hikkaduwa Coral Reef Visit including Galle City

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Hambantota, Sri Lanka
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About this activity

Combine three iconic Sri Lankan experiences in one 9-hour day trip from Hambantota: explore the Madu River's pristine mangrove wetlands by boat, swim and snorkel among the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa, and discover the colonial architecture of Galle Fort. This multi-activity excursion showcases Sri Lanka's biodiversity, coastal beauty, and historical heritage in a single 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 wetland with 64 islands and intact mangrove forests by boat
  • ✓Glide through forest canopy tunnels and spot evening fishermen with traditional lantern traps
  • ✓Snorkel the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa beach and swim in clear coastal waters
  • ✓Visit sea turtle hatchery near Galle with optional baby turtle release experience
  • ✓Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a 17th-century fortified colonial city
  • ✓Ramsar Convention-protected wetland recognised as one of Sri Lanka's last pristine ecosystems

Insider tips

  • ★Visit the Madu River in late afternoon to witness fishermen lighting traditional oil lamps on their prawn traps—a serene, photogenic ritual unique to this estuary.
  • ★Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for snorkelling to protect both yourself and the coral ecosystem.
  • ★Galle Fort is most atmospheric early morning or at sunset; if timing allows, request to spend extra time there rather than rushing the tour.

Good to know

  • •9-hour full-day itinerary with boat, vehicle, and walking components; bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
  • •Snorkelling is included but swimming ability is advisable; life jackets typically provided on boat and reef activities.
  • •Turtle hatchery visit is optional and subject to facility operating hours; confirm participation when booking.
  • •Price from EUR 122 includes transport and activities, though meals and gratuities are typically not included.

Who it's for

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts keen on wetland ecosystems and marine conservationFamilies wanting hands-on experiences like turtle releases and snorkellingHistory buffs interested in colonial architecture and Galle Fort's UNESCO heritageCombination-seeking travellers wanting multiple iconic Sri Lankan sites in one day

Best time to visit

Visit October to April for the calmest seas and clearest snorkelling conditions. Late afternoon trips to Madu River (3–5 PM) offer the best chance to see fishermen at work and enjoy golden-hour lighting on the mangroves.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€123
per person